15145 NE 90th Street RedmondLuke's Car Tips & Auto Maintenance Advice
Luke's posts regular blogs to offer you great information and advice about your car maintenance. Check back often for new posts. Search for a specific topic!
Luke Shaff
During World War II, many women were trained to fill the jobs left by men serving in the military. Women did auto repair, aircraft assembly and other jobs once considered men's work. This photo, taken in West Seattle in February 1943, shows young women studying a car engine.
A Wartime Workforce Revolution
When the United States entered World War II in 1941, over 16 million American men were eventually deployed overseas. This left massive gaps in the workforce — especially in skilled trades like automotive repair, welding, and heavy machinery maintenance. With the war effort demanding constant support both abroad and at home, women stepped into these essential roles in unprecedented numbers.
From Homemakers to Hard-Hat Heroes
Women weren’t just building airplanes — they were also repairing military vehicles like Jeeps, tanks, and transport trucks at home and on overseas bases. The U.S. government actively encouraged women to join the workforce through posters, radio ads, and training programs. By 1943, more than 310,000 women were employed in the U.S. aircraft industry alone, making up 65% of its workforce. Many also found jobs as mechanics, machinists, electricians, and tool inspectors in army depots and civilian factories.
Training programs were launched across the country to fast-track women into technical trades. The government-backed Women Ordnance Workers (WOW) program trained women to repair and maintain military vehicles and equipment, with many stationed at bases like Fort Knox and Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Fun Fact: Rosie the Riveter Had a Toolbox, Too!
Everyone knows “Rosie the Riveter” as the iconic factory worker — but real-life Rosies weren’t just building planes and ships. Thousands of them were fixing Army trucks, performing engine overhauls, replacing transmissions, and even welding armor plates in motor pools. Some women even deployed overseas in non-combat roles to keep military equipment running under battlefield conditions.
Bonus Insight: After the war, most women were expected to return to traditional roles, but their skills laid the groundwork for future generations. Many WWII-era female mechanics inspired the push for equal employment opportunities in the skilled trades — a movement that gained steam decades later.
If you’ve spent time in a repair shop waiting room or browsing car forums, you’ve probably heard of something called an engine oil flush. Some shops recommend it during an oil change, and some drivers swear by it. But do you really need one? Let’s break it down!
What an Engine Oil Flush Actually Does
Over time, your engine oil picks up dirt, carbon deposits, and sludge. Normally, regular oil changes take care of most of this buildup. An oil flush goes a step further. A special chemical cleaner is added to your old oil before it’s drained, designed to wash away sludge and deposits inside the engine.
Think of it like using a deep-cleaning rinse for your teeth instead of just brushing. The goal is to get into the spots regular oil changes might not reach.
When an Oil Flush Might Help
For many drivers who stay on top of oil changes, an oil flush isn’t necessary. But there are situations where it could make sense:
The Risks You Should Know About
While it sounds helpful, oil flushes do have some downsides. In older engines with a lot of miles, built-up sludge sometimes acts like a “bandage” over worn seals and gaskets. If a flush washes it away, it can expose leaks. In rare cases, a flush could even dislodge large chunks of sludge that clog oil passages.
That’s why many mechanics recommend skipping flushes unless there’s a clear reason. Regular oil changes with quality oil usually keep your engine clean enough on their own.
For most drivers who keep up with routine maintenance, an engine oil flush isn’t necessary. It’s more of a “special tool” for problem situations than an everyday service. If you’re considering it, the best move is to ask a trusted mechanic whether your engine would actually benefit.
And remember: the cheapest and most effective way to keep your engine healthy is still the same — change your oil on time, every time.
