Now that I’ve got your attention… we have a serious problem. We at Everyday Driver don’t claim to be mechanics or tuners but we know what tools will get you through common automotive problems.

And never, not once, have I reached for a firearm. Strange, you say? Apparently.

If you’re a fan of 70s supercars, or Elvis, then you’ve heard the story of “the King” (in his later “deep fry that for me” years) shooting his Pantera when it wouldn’t start. Granted, these were not known to be reliable cars, and Elvis obviously wasn’t a main plagued by restraint. But he’s not alone.

Just this week, and man in Washington state tried to get a lug-nut off his car with a shotgun. I swear I wish I was making this up. What’s the thought process here? “Well, the damn things stuck. The torque wrench is all the way over… there. Hand me the Shotgun.”

Don’t do this. (I can’t believe I actually have to type that)

And this is not an isolated incident. Google “Man shoots car” if you don’t believe me. Around the US and elsewhere people find themselves with a car problem and a gun in their hand.

Put the weapon down and back away. I promise you it won’t help.

And as if this needed another Awarning. The really disturbing thing here is the number of people who apparently have guns near, or in, their automobiles. Makes me think about road rage in a new way. I guess I would rather people shot their car than other motorists…

But let’s make this part of the driving test. No guns in cars, people. Leave them in the bunker where you found them. And take off the camouflage, you’re scaring me.

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