I taught all my kids how to drive. And I was planning on teaching all of them how to change a wheel if there is a flat tire*. However, I realized that 2 out of 3 of our cars at the time had no spare tire. And now 3 out of 3 cars have no spare tire. Instead I pay the insurance company $20/yr to cover a service to come help when necessary. Or I drive over to where they are and plug the hole (if possible).
* I did, however, teach them verbally what a “wheel” is and what a “tire” is.
“used to rotate my own tires”
I did the same, it was easy with a hydraulic floor jack and a pneumatic impact wrench. But bought last set of tires from Costco, they come with free lifetime rotation, so I let them do it now.
Imo, it is a must to be able to change out a flat. Too many things can go wrong with the " I’ll just call someone" plan.
After 1 episode of that, your niece may change her mind.
Exactly, I will only demur at leaving off the list of faults at “I will call someone plan”. Our civilization functions at a level of physical and mental challenge that is uneven but broadly understood.
Can Change Tire = Independent and Healthy Enough
Can’t (or won’t) change tire = Dependent and Vulnerable
It matters in the world out there and the world inside, and the inside needs to be confident in having “Enuf”, including experience and knowledge.
Writing this makes me realize how grateful I am to my fierce maternal Grandma for a solid basic orientation to life.