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How Fixing My First Car Changed My Confidence Forever




 I still remember the first time I popped the hood of my car and actually tried to fix something myself. Not just checking oil or topping off washer fluid — I mean a real fix. And I’ll be honest… I was terrified.

When you’re new to cars, everything under the hood looks like a maze designed to expose how little you know. But what I didn’t realize back then was this:
Fixing my first car didn’t just teach me about cars — it changed the way I saw myself.


The First Problem That Started It All

My car had been running rough for weeks, and the check-engine light was basically staring into my soul. I didn’t want to get scammed at a shop, but I also had zero confidence I could fix it myself.

Still, something in me said:
“Just try.”

I bought a cheap OBD2 scanner, watched a few YouTube videos, and found out it was a misfire caused by a bad ignition coil. Everyone made it sound easy, so I said, “Why not?”


Hands Shaking… Tools Slipping… But I Did It

I won’t lie — my hands were literally shaking.
I unscrewed the old coil, plugged in the new one, tightened everything, cleared the code… and turned the key.

That moment when the engine ran smooth again?
Unmatched. Better than getting a good grade. Better than hitting a PR in the gym.

For the first time, I fixed something real — something that mattered. And nobody did it for me.


The Real Lesson Wasn’t About Cars

Yeah, learning how to fix a misfire was cool… but the confidence it gave me was the real win.

I realized:

If I can fix a car, what else have I been underestimating myself on?

That single repair snowballed into learning brakes, oil changes, tools, diagnosing issues — and eventually starting Arsh’s Garage to help others who feel like beginners too.


Why I’m Sharing This With You

Because I want you to feel that same confidence.
You don’t have to rebuild an engine. You don’t need a fancy garage. You just need one win — one repair you do yourself — to start believing you’re capable of more than you think.

Imagine saving money, understanding your car, and not getting scared when something breaks. It starts with one small repair.

And if nobody else has said this to you:
You’ve got this.


If You’re a Beginner, Start Here

Here are 3 small repairs that almost anyone can learn:

Replace an air filter
Change your windshield wipers
Swap a coil or spark plug (with research + patience)

Let your first fix be the one that sparks everything else.


Final Thoughts from Arsh’s Garage

Learning to fix my first car wasn’t just a skill — it was a mindset shift.
Cars may be metal and wires, but the confidence you gain from working on them? That sticks with you for life.

If you ever need help, tips, or just someone to hype you up before your first repair, I’m here — because I was exactly where you are now.

Go earn your first win under the hood. You won’t regret it.

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