Ed,

I think the issue here has several factors:

1) Car companies place warnings like that as to not void certain warranties
(possible)
2) It is a ploy to provide more revenue to the dealers. (probable)
3) Cars aren't quite as simple as they used to be. (True but should stop DIY
repairs)
4) It requires a crusty old guy to teach the young ones how to do such
things. (true so true)

As for number 4 well I can attest that I would be a lot further along had
someone taught me how to do certain mechanical things when I was young.
Becoming a driver will come along with home courses on changing oil, tires,
bulbs, checking and filling fluids, etc etc. when my son reaches that age.
All things that I was never shown at home. Sure a lot of these things seem
simple no brainers but when your "young and inexperienced" that may not be
so evident.

Great topic.

--
Thanks,

Jeff
'90 Carat (Grover)
'86 (We call this one Parts)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus