Third World Car Smarts

After living in Central America for about a year, the habits of drivers and car owners has become less of a novelty to me. However, as I sat in a taxi heading home from the Panama International Airport yesterday watching the driver hose down his engine to cool it off, I realized that car preservation in the 3rd world has become a kind of art form.

In another such eye-opening experience in Costa Rica, I was stirred from my slumber in the distribution van for the newspaper I was working for when the whole world began to shake. When I opened my eyes, I realized it was the van that was shaking. We were at the gas station, and in an effort to squeeze one more half liter into the tank, the gas attendant was shaking the car back and forth to make the rest of the gas settle down to the bottom. What about the shocks, I wondered.

I have since seen people raise cars onto a half-ramp, positioning at such an angle that would allow for even more gas to fit into the vehicle. At that same stop in Costa Rica I was then surprised by the jet of water coming from a hose that was used to clean the vehicle, despite the lack of soap or drying materials.

When it comes to the overall maintenance of the vehicles, creativity is key. I have seen cars held together with an ever growing assortment of plastic wrap, wax paper, metal scraps, bungee cords and duct tape. Car owners with missing rear view mirrors can often be found investing in blue lights to place under the car rather than the seemingly obvious repair.

Decoration of taxis is another art. While not very religious, I prefer the Jesus statues and rosaries dangling from the review mirror – they give me a sense of security that is unmatched by the I ::heart:: Jesus bumper stickers placed strategically over large dents.

If nothing else, I have come to appreciate the transportation system at home in the United States, and if that should ever fail me, at least I have an insider's look at alternative repairs and inexpensive problem solving for vehicle owners.