Re: How Many Americans Does it Take to Start a Car?
... and every make or model of a car is different.
We have three cars, two with the indicator stalk on the left and one with it on the right.
Lights on the indicator stalk are on opposite sides on two cars, and a proper light switch on the dashboard of the third.
Two are automatic and one has an automatic clutch. That takes some getting used to. You have to put your foot on the brake pedal before it will start as well.
The previous car was a semi-automatic. It had a gear lever and five speed cogbox, but no clutch pedal.
When I learned to drive, the indicator was a three position knob in the middle of the dash. You started a car either by turning the key in the ignition, or turned it and pressed a button.
A separate starter button was attached direct to the starter solenoid under the bonnet in case of electrical problems.
Then there was my ex-army Austin Champ. Both gear levers had to be in the neutral position for it to start, and then you inserted the key (that couldn't be turned) before turning the switch around the key.
It had a five speed cog box plus a forward and reverse selector, meaning you had five reverse gears, if you were brave or stupid enough to try it. Kelly's Heroes/Italian Tanks style.
The idea was you could get out of trouble as fast as you got into it, and could still use the machine gun mounted on the passenger side. (Gun not included for civilian use).
Then there was the Renault hire car that would start, fire, then cut out. I had got in it to work out where the lights, wipers etcetera were, and to adjust all the mirrors.
Loose items such as jacks, spare wheels, and handbooks were removed by hire companies lest they be nicked.
Thankfully my brother called in unexpectedly and told me there was a timer that wouldn't allow the car to run if it wasn't started within thirty seconds of unlocking it. You had to re-lock and unlock the car if you exceeded that time.
That's car makers for you. It's a good job Microsoft don't make cars.
You hit the brakes and a message pops up, "Are you sure?"