The Quiet Transition to Metric in the American Auto Industry
How much opposition was there in the USA when all cars manufactured in the USA went fully metric a few years back? The answer is surprisingly minimal. The people never really noticed, and the mechanics already had full metric tool sets even at the dealerships that serviced imported models.
Adoption and Non-Issue
Reflecting on my personal experience in 1981, when I purchased a two-door Plymouth Horizon made in the USA, the bottom of the transmission oil pan bore the word 'METRIC' or 'ENGINE OIL PAN' in big letters. This indicative of the ongoing metric conversion even before the widespread adoption. Mechanics had full metric tool sets back then, which highlights the smooth and nearly unnoticed transition.
Familiarity with the Metric System
It is worth noting that the people in the U.S. are well-acquainted with the metric system. We have studied it and used it for many years, and the metric conversion did not pose any significant issues. In fact, the metric system has been part of our daily lives in various capacities. Whether it is measuring speed in kilometers per hour, distances in kilometers, or temperature in Celsius, we found it quite palatable and functional.
No Need for Conversion
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It is curious to consider why some people oppose the conversion to the metric system, especially in a country where it has been gradually adopted in numerous industries. Many argue that horsepower, gallons, acres, and miles work just fine for us. If the preference for non-metric units poses a problem, why not let them use their smartphones to convert measurements? After all, modern technology makes such conversions effortless.
Convenience for Mechanics and Car Enthusiasts
More than a few years have passed since the full metric transition in the U.S. auto industry, and the transition has been largely unremarked. The only real resistance seems to come from older mechanics who have no inclination to change. However, for those of us who work on our cars, the metric transition has been a boon. No longer do we have to guess whether we need our metric or standard (SAE) sets of sockets, wrenches, and other tools.
This transition has made the process of car maintenance and repair more straightforward and convenient. It eliminates the need to carry and switch between different tool sets, saving both time and effort.
Conclusion
The metric transition in the U.S. automobile industry has been a quiet and uneventful process, largely unnoticed by the general public. Despite some resistance from older mechanics, the overall adoption has been seamless. The metric system continues to play a vital role in various aspects of our daily lives, and it is time to embrace it fully in the auto industry for the sake of efficiency and simplicity.