As a day student that commuted an hour round trip each day, I felt indebted to my beloved Dodge Viper and Volvo wagon. I figured that it was about time I understood how they worked.

So, I decided to delve into auto mechanics. My goal was to become more self-reliant. I wanted to understand how my car runs. However, it seemed nearly impossible for an absolute beginner to jump into the world of auto mechanics.

As a listener to Car Talk, I decided that Tom and Ray were my last hope. I called Car Talk and begged for advice. A few days later, I received a message from Doug Mayer, Web producer of Car Talk, saying that Ray was willing to let me intern at his garage in Cambridge!

Four weeks later, I can say that I have a solid understanding of basic auto mechanics and repair. I have learned a lot about cars, about mechanics and about the car repair business as well.

My preconception was that mechanics were out to take your money. Despite all their joking to the contrary, I did not find this to be the case at all at Ray's garage. I have learned that the best way to save money and have a good relationship with your mechanic is to acquire some basic automotive knowledge.

Fixing cars is hard work! The pieces are so small and put on so tightly that it is backbreaking work to fix them. Now I understand why labor charges are so high.

I have a new appreciation for those in auto repair. Ray, Craig, Ralph, Manny and all other mechanics out there have to be experts in a variety of fields. Fixing cars requires the mechanic to be an engineer, a scientist, a physicist, a chemist, a plumber, an electrician, a fix-it man and an athlete -- it's tiring work! I was constantly in awe at how those guys were able to diagnose a problem and find a way to fix it so quickly.

Many thanks to Doug, Ray, Craig, Ralph and Manny for letting me break things, for a great time and for teaching an amateur a ton about cars!