So for the 3rd time this year my headlights have blown out in my car.

I’ve replaced them a couple of times even before this recent streak of failure, so I sort of know what to do. It’s a pretty straightforward process, kind of.

This time I casually walk out onto the driveway with my sunglasses on, put on some rubber mechanics gloves, open the hood, pull the old bulb and try to replace it with the new one…by braille. I couldn’t see very well with the sunglasses on so I took them off and set them down.

It’s amazing how automotive manufactures can design an enclosure where you have no way to see what you’re doing. You have to literally do it by feel.

After a few tries the bulb went in and clicked into place. I closed the hood, snapped off the gloves and went back in the house.

About an hour later I had to pick up my daughter from school.

Where are my sunglasses?

I looked everywhere. They’re prescription sunglasses so I can’t just go out and get a cheapo pair if I lose them.

Now I’m running late. So I jump in the car and dash off to the school, all the while going over and over in my head where I might have put them.

Suddenly it hit me! I set them on top of the engine when I was changing the headlight! Crap! They are probably smashed, or melted by now.

When we get back I open the hood, and there they are!
Un-damaged and right where I left them.

What a relief. But I broke one the cardinal mechanic’s rules…
check the engine for tools (or sunglasses, phone..etc.) before you close the hood!