Hagerty Editors Share Their Most Embarrassing Car Breakdowns and Lessons Learned

We’re Smart—Until We’re Not: Hagerty Editors’ Mechanical Blunders

At Hagerty Media, we pride ourselves on being smart, capable people. We aim for success in everything we do and work hard to avoid unnecessary problems. But when it comes to cars, even the best of us can make mistakes—sometimes big ones. The good news? These breakdowns, while frustrating at the time, never turned dangerous. Now, we can look back and laugh (and share the stories).

Have you ever made a mechanical blunder that still makes you cringe? Share your story in the comments below.

Ignoring the Panhard Rod and the Clutch: Eddy Eckart’s Lesson

"I Sure Showed That Guy."
— Eddy Eckart

Twenty years ago, I moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, back to Northeast Ohio. Somewhere on I-77 in West Virginia, I noticed my 2000 Camaro SS wobbling violently. I pulled over, got out, and saw the Panhard rod had come loose. The car had recently been serviced, but the mechanic must have forgotten to reattach it properly after dropping the rear end.

At the time, my clutch was already showing signs of wear. But being a 22-year-old with little mechanical patience (I’ve improved since—thanks to mistakes like this), I decided to express my frustration with a hard shift as I got back on the road. That decision blew the clutch and left me stranded four hours from home. Easily one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done with a car.

— Eddy Eckart

The Forgotten Fuel Gauge: Ronan Glon’s Near-Disaster

"Oh Yeah, the Fuel Gauge!" — Ronan Glon

In early 2019, I moved two hours north. I sold some cars, brought a few with me, and left others behind. One of those was a 1972 Super Beetle, which had been in storage. That summer, I finally decided to drive it to my new place. I hadn’t touched the Beetle in over a year, so I’d forgotten its quirks—including the ones that could leave me stranded.

I had to be on the road by 5 a.m. to make it back for an event, so I rushed. The car was dusty, but the tires were fine, the oil was good, and the fuel gauge showed a nearly full tank. The battery was weak, which I blamed on a drain. What I didn’t realize? The fuel gauge was broken. I drove 60 miles before the engine sputtered and died. I was lucky—this could have been much worse.

— Ronan Glon

What These Stories Teach Us

• Double-check repairs: Even professionals make mistakes. Always verify that everything is reassembled correctly after service.
• Don’t ignore warning signs: If your clutch is slipping or your fuel gauge is acting up, address it before it becomes a crisis.
• Patience pays off: Rushing decisions—like hard shifts out of frustration—can lead to bigger problems.
• Know your car’s quirks: If a vehicle has been sitting, check basics like tire pressure, fluids, and gauges before driving.

Have you ever made a car-related mistake you’ll never forget? Share your story in the comments—we’d love to hear (and maybe laugh) with you.