bike and car maintenance
bike and car maintenance
I currently maintain an Aventon Ramblas e-bike, though I previously worked on a Trek Single Track as well. Monthly tune-ups are routine for me, ensuring everything is clean, safe, and ready for the trail. Over the years, I’ve developed strong mechanical skills by taking on nearly every aspect of bicycle maintenance — including chain lubrication, brake adjustments, derailleur tuning, and wheel balancing. I’ve also replaced parts like forks, brake and shifter cables, gears, cranks, and pedals. Staying on top of repairs has kept my bike running efficiently and taught me the value of proactive maintenance.
Working on bikes has sharpened my attention to detail. With the Ramblas being electric, small mistakes or overlooked issues can quickly affect performance. Replacing components or fine-tuning settings requires patience and precision. The experience of learning how each part interacts with the rest of the system has helped me become more confident and self-reliant, and those problem-solving habits transfer to all kinds of mechanical tasks.
In the past, I maintained a 2008 VW Jetta and a 2014 Dodge Dart. I handled oil changes, brake replacements, tire rotations, battery swaps, bulb replacements, air filter changes, and general detailing. My first oil change on the Jetta was especially memorable — I mistakenly used methods from working on my dad’s F-150 and ended up with oil all over the garage floor. Experiences like that taught me the importance of reading up on vehicle-specific procedures and always planning ahead.
My knowledge comes primarily from hands-on work, self-teaching, and learning from my father. We spent time together working on vehicles when I was younger, which built my confidence with tools and systems. Since then, I’ve continued learning through experimentation and online resources. Fixing something myself and watching it perform correctly afterward is an incredibly satisfying feeling — one that’s motivated me to keep improving those skills.
Although I’ve since sold both cars and the Trek, the time I spent maintaining them left a lasting impression. It taught me how to identify issues early, how to approach repairs methodically, and how to stay organized when managing tools, parts, and routines. Whether I’m adjusting my bike’s derailleur or replacing a battery, I still carry the same discipline, patience, and pride in doing the work myself.