30 Epic Car Mistakes: Proof That Reading the Manual Still Matters

Double Trouble at the Pump

During the sweltering July of 2022, Oregon residents had to temporarily part ways with their dependable gas station attendants. With attendants on a summer break, locals were left to tackle the pumps on their own. To help prevent chaos, Oregonlive.com stepped in with a simple how-to guide for self-service fueling.

At the same time, gas prices were soaring—hitting a painful $5 per gallon, according to Al Jazeera—so you'd expect people to do a little homework before heading to the pump. But not these matching-outfit-clad twin girls. One of them was hilariously photographed trying to fill up not the gas tank, but the door handle of their bright red car.

One Wild Ride

Looks like she confused “reverse” with “launch into the void.” Amazingly, she walked away without a scratch, leaving everyone to wonder if she moonlights as a stunt driver. No panic, no tears, not even a frustrated flail—just total, unbothered calm.

The car? Practically auditioning for a submarine role—busted axles, shredded tires, and it’ll likely need a crane to escape its soggy fate. But the real star here? Our unfazed driver. No panic, no drama—just a look that says, “This isn’t my first rodeo.” That’s one legendary poker face.

Pump Precision: A Gas Station Gag

Back in 2012, a peculiar sight caught everyone’s attention at a San Ramon gas station. A woman was seen carefully trying to fuel her car by aiming the nozzle at the gas tank from a distance—like she was competing in some kind of bizarre accuracy challenge. The onlookers were equal parts entertained and confused.

This moment sheds light on the wide range of refueling habits across the globe. In places like the U.S., self-service is the norm, but in countries such as Japan—or even states like Oregon—attendants typically handle the fueling. So, while the woman's method might have looked odd, it serves as a quirky reminder of the different ways people top off their tanks worldwide.

Mud Chic: Off-Roading Gone Wrong

Standing on a muddy trail, this woman could easily be the poster child for “What Not to Wear for Off-Roading.” While experts recommend keeping 25 essentials in your car for situations like this, let’s be honest—how many of us have ever considered packing extra galoshes or a poncho just in case?

Here’s the kicker: those heels aren’t just for strutting—they’re practically magnets for mud, mastering the art of traction in this slippery mess. While they might grip the ground like a pro, they’re also gathering enough dirt to create a mini sculpture. It’s a bold fashion choice: Evening Elegance collides with Earthy Chic.

Muddied Styles and Mascara Mishaps

In a hilariously vibrant moment, two daring women are caught in a muddy predicament with a yellow convertible. The blonde’s bold fashion statement—a short black skirt and tight white top—takes an unexpected turn when she reveals a bare foot, seemingly offered up as a tribute to the mud's relentless hunger for shoes!

Meanwhile, her fiery redhead companion, sporting a short black skirt and a snug pink top, battles with the stubborn red mud. As they scheme their way out of the mess, it’s a lively mix of style, friendship, and a convertible stuck in a muddy fiasco. Who would’ve thought a yellow car could get so "in the red" thanks to nature’s playful side?

Mud, Heels, and Style: The Battle of Two Fashionistas

Two fashionable women—one in a crisp white tee and black shorts, the other in a pink off-shoulder top (also paired with black shorts)—find themselves knee-deep in sticky mud. Their yellow, hoodless car is practically sinking, and the pair have swapped their designer heels for some good old-fashioned foot power to escape the gooey grip.

If you think driving a convertible down a muddy path is risky, think again. This car was about to transform into a mobile mud bath—a spa day gone terribly wrong. Nature couldn’t care less about your outfit; when it decides to get dirty, you’ve got no choice but to embrace the mess.

Stranded in Style: A Purple Car’s Waterlogged Woes

Witness the excitement of steering an electric-purple car that’s half-submarine! Our heroine sits frozen in her bold vehicle, mouth wide open in disbelief, as the water rises toward her bumper. Trapped in an unexpected neighborhood pond, her engine is dangerously close to taking a plunge, and she’s certainly not calling this a “splashy adventure.”

Sure, she could climb onto the roof and signal for a sea rescue like a damsel in a Disney movie, but no. With wide eyes, it’s clear she’s not ready to part with her car just yet. Maybe a helpful mermaid or a team of synchronized swimming ducks will show up to offer a tow? One can only dream.

Grandma’s Grand Ride, Dog’s Wild Ride

Grandma’s behind the wheel, as cool as a cucumber, defying age stereotypes and handling that car like she’s gearing up for Fast & Furious: Senior Edition. It’s like she’s cruising to some classic rock hits, window down, letting the breeze dance through her perm. 

Meanwhile, Fido in the front seat seems to be going through a midlife crisis of his own. His face is painted with pure panic, turning this car ride into a whole different story. Maybe he’s seen his life flash before his eyes, or maybe it’s a suspicious squirrel by the roadside. Either way, this four-legged co-pilot is the ultimate meme material.

The Beetle's Splashy Escape

In a scene straight out of a Hollywood comedy, a pink Volkswagen Beetle recently found itself on an unexpected aquatic adventure. The quirky tale began when a thief decided to "borrow" the vibrant Beetle from a home on the 1800 block of Oregon Avenue.

But the joyride took a turn for the worse, ending in an unexpected twist. The Beetle ended up taking a plunge into the Hillsborough River near Laurel Street, leaving local police dumbfounded. This submerged Beetle adds a hilarious chapter to the car theft saga, showing that reality can sometimes outdo even the wildest fiction.

A Splashy Ride to Remember

Meet our bold explorer, cruising her trusty Jeep through nature’s own mud bath. While most would shy away from a little mess, she’s embracing every bit of it. Who needs a fancy salon mud mask when the great outdoors offers the ultimate treatment?

Concerned about dental hygiene? Maybe she should keep that wide grin in check unless she's craving a side of dirt with her next snack. And that one lone wiper? It’s keeping her windshield clear enough to enjoy the view of her muddy adventure. One thing’s for sure: this is a moment that’ll stick with her—mud and all.

Muddied Bliss: A Flip-Worthy Adventure

The Volkswagen Beetle is a design icon that captured our hearts like a Hollywood star making its debut. But in this scene, it’s rolling in a whole new direction—upside-down. Yet, the real star here is the chic woman in gray. While most would frown at a flipped car, she’s striking a pose like it’s all part of the plan.

Miraculously, the car’s windows are intact, hinting that this unexpected stunt didn’t include a head-on run-in with a tree or telephone pole. Our heroine, equally unharmed, looks more ready for a runway than a tow truck. Lucky her—and lucky us for catching this unforgettable moment on camera.

Tangled Tow Trouble

This woman in a compact car thought she had everything under control—until her towed bike and cart decided to take the road for a little adventure of their own. Our fearless driver overlooked one crucial detail: math isn’t just something we sleep through in school. Weight and balance aren’t just terms for relationships; they’re key to keeping your ride in check.

Towing experts have some valuable advice to prevent this kind of four-wheeled fiasco. The formula is simple: understand the limits of what you’re hauling and how your vehicle handles the load. A mistake here could result in saying goodbye to those prized two-wheelers—and a chunk of your savings.

Snowy Struggles in Stilettos

This woman in the little black dress and beige boots is now the leading lady in her off-road winter saga—let's title it "Stilettos vs. Snowflakes." Her car’s performance? As underwhelming as a decaf latte. Apparently, no one told her tires about the art of dancing in a blizzard. Pre-trip weather checks and proper tire investments? Definitely not on her glamorous to-do list.

In a world where the Weather Channel is a thing, and fuzzy boots are the true champions of winter sports, her choices read like a winter driving "how-not-to" guide. Frostbite is just a wardrobe malfunction away. Sweetheart, next time, it’s not just the engine that needs warming up!

Kyiv Craziness

This isn’t some wacky comedy scene; it’s the real deal in Kyiv, Ukraine. This cherry-red car seems to be trying out for the next Spider-Man movie. The big question on everyone’s mind: “How on Earth did it end up up there?”

You might think this is the ultimate parking hack for city dwellers battling for that precious spot. But before you start eyeing a balcony, think again: a quick getaway is pretty much out of the question. You’ll probably need a crane to get this car down. Still, it’s a spectacle that’s got everyone—from pedestrians to the Daily Mail—smiling from ear to ear.

The Car’s Daredevil Dockside Stunt

What do you get when you mix Fast & Furious dreams with yacht life? A four-wheeler balancing like a daredevil on a tightrope between a dock and a yacht! Gotta give credit where it’s due: the driver, now mysteriously missing, absolutely nailed the Hollywood stunt vibe. It looks like someone thought their car was auditioning for the next action movie, trying to drift it right onto a boat.

Meanwhile, a woman stands at a safe distance, dressed to impress in corporate chic—green top, black blazer, black trousers, and sunglasses that practically say, “I didn’t sign up for this.” Could a crane save the day? Most likely. But on the bright side, at least the car’s still as dry as a martini.

Slip-Sliding Into Disaster

Cruising through a rain-soaked street in an Audi, this dynamic duo might have had safety in mind, but it’s clear they missed the memo on road etiquette! Sure, nobody wants their car to start moonwalking like Michael Jackson on a slick surface. But tire treads and pressure? That’s the real checklist every driver should follow.

While the couple inside the Audi might have felt like they were starring in an epic slow-motion scene, reality quickly hit when they splashed an unsuspecting pedestrian on the side of the road. If you’re navigating through a puddle that’s practically a mini-ocean, just remember: your safety measures shouldn’t end up giving someone else an unexpected shower.

Wings for the Ride, Not for the Engine

This confident woman took the “Red Bull gives you wings” slogan a bit too literally. There she was, hoodie on, trying to baptize her sporty ride with cans of the caffeinated magic. And don’t miss the dozen more cans lined up like eager soldiers, patiently waiting their turn, all neatly placed near her light brown boots.

While Red Bull may make humans feel like superheroes for a brief moment, cars don’t need wings—they need petrol. So, if anyone considers fueling their car with anything other than good ol’ gas, the only thing they’ll be boosting is their mechanic’s bank account.

Gridlock Gone Wild: The São Paulo Standstill

In São Paulo’s rush hour, the streets transform into a real-life game of Tetris, and no one seems to clear a line. The intersection of Avenida Faria Lima and Avenida Juscelino Kubitschek became the Bermuda Triangle of traffic in 2014, with cars and buses nearly welded together. Rumor has it, news channels were having a blast covering the chaos unfolding on the asphalt.

Meanwhile, stranded commuters unknowingly handed pedestrians the freedom of an open road. The few lucky drivers who pulled off a Houdini escape found themselves gliding through eerily empty lanes. As for the cause of this traffic nightmare? That remained São Paulo's best-kept secret.

Down The Highway

This blissfully unaware woman speeding down the highway in her fiery red convertible had no idea her luscious locks were about to make an unexpected pitstop—caught in the car door. The result? A hilarious mix of freedom on wheels and “hair today, gone tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, across the pond, some British researchers uncovered that nearly 190,000 women have had their own fuzzy driving moments. From vision-blocking stray strands to full-on hair entanglements, the struggle is real. The takeaway? Before you hit the gas, grab that hair tie, Alice band, or even a vintage banana clip.

Grocery Mountain on the Move

This guy rolling through town had his car piled high with groceries, looking like the SUV version of Mount Everest. Onlookers couldn’t help but stare, their eyebrows nearly hitting the ceiling of their own cars. It was like watching the latest summer blockbuster—except the popcorn was replaced with a mountain of produce.

But here’s the twist! Our rooftop adventurer wasn’t just hauling veggies and canned beans—he also left his beloved cup of Joe precariously perched up there. Had he only placed his mobile feast and caffeine fix on the driver’s side, he might’ve noticed the situation before it got out of hand. Meanwhile, trailing behind him is a bald gentleman, doing a double-take, probably wondering how much more could possibly go wrong.

Time-Traveling Tangles and Parking Predicaments

Feast your eyes on this steel-gray beauty, flipped over like a pancake—though with much less syrup. It’s got that "Back to the Future" vibe, as if Doc Brown might suddenly pop out shouting something about time travel. Meanwhile, two amused officers and their equally confused colleague are busy interviewing the owner of this aerodynamic disaster.

Arms crossed and eyebrows raised, the officers look like they're debating whether to call a tow truck or NASA. The woman, rocking the ‘casual interrogation’ look in her jacket and knee-length heels, appears just as baffled. It's a strange puzzle, a true parking mystery. Ah, the quirky wonders of life!

BMW Beauties vs. SUV Belly Flop

Here’s a real jaw-dropper: two girls step out of their sleek black BMW 6 Series, only to discover their road trip halted by—wait for it—an SUV playing dead, flipped onto its belly. No one’s laughing at this belly flop, but the Beemer babes? Totally unbothered. Airbags? Deployed. Glamour? Unscathed. Injuries? Still unclear.

What’s next for our dynamic duo? They’re playing it smart—retrieving their essentials from the car. Not sure if 911 got the call yet, but their parents are probably already in the know about their wheels needing some TLC. Life threw them a curveball, but they’re already plotting their next move.

Fueling Fiasco: Ignition Gone Wrong

This modern-day Sherlock Holmes of the gas station managed to unlock the fuel tank door, but she’s completely stumped about where the nozzle goes. Meanwhile, the engine’s still running, ignoring the glaring warning signs. It makes you wonder—does she also microwave foil?

Turning the ignition on while at the pump isn’t just a simple “oopsie”—it’s a potential disaster. Car experts say a running engine plus gallons of gasoline equals a recipe for a very bad day. And those 12-volt chargers and lighters? They’re basically undercover pyros waiting to happen. A little common sense here could be the superhero cape you never realized you needed.

Bidding with Boldness: The Benz and the Mistress

In an attempt to boost the sale of his Mercedes e320 CDI, a British man decided to take an unconventional route. He enlisted the help of his curvy mistress, who posed dramatically draped over the car's bonnet. This bold marketing move certainly grabbed attention on eBay. While some potential buyers might have been confused by the approach, others couldn't help but laugh at the sheer audacity.

It’s a prime example of the lengths some will go to in order to make a sale. In the world of online commerce, even the most unexpected tactics can rack up extra bids—and plenty of amused spectators.

Tresses in Unexpected Places

Amid the wreckage and the sound of shattering glass, our heroine stands completely unfazed. You’d think she’d just survived an automotive apocalypse, but her hair is still perfection. Priorities, right? While her car may have flipped, she’s reveling in the one silver lining: her flawless hairdo. A blowout so sturdy, not even a car flip can take it down.

We could easily list all the problems with her car—bent axles, a beat-up frame, and the rest. But what really stands out is the strange irony that the engine still runs fine. Apparently, gravity acts as a green mechanic, helpfully draining the oil when the car flips over.

When Your Car Decides to Hold Onto a Keepsake

Most of us move through gas stations on autopilot, guided by the smell of fuel and questionable coffee, often a bit too self-assured. That’s probably how this car ended up attempting a getaway, still hugging the fuel nozzle in its tank.

Thankfully, modern engineering comes to the rescue once more. Even when someone has a classic "oops" moment, today’s smart fuel nozzles are built with a release mechanism. It pops off cleanly, sparing you from both embarrassment and explosive consequences. In the end, you drive off with little more than a flushed face—and perhaps a deeper appreciation for the overlooked skill of pumping gas.

A Dance in the Dirt

Behold our unexpected heroine, dressed more for a summer poolside hangout than a roadside rescue—crisp white tee, sky-blue shorts, and all. Definitely not how she thought her day would unfold. And those brown boots? Not exactly regulation towing gear, but they do bring a bit of flair to the muddy chaos.

Now let’s turn our attention to the driver behind the wheel. She’s eyeing the rear tire like it needs to justify its questionable decisions. Will a quick push paired with a little gas get her out? Probably not. But hey, if a tow truck ends up being the only option, at least our stylish roadside warrior came prepared—her boots already match the mud.

The Gas Pump Glamour Queen

Introducing the trailblazer who saw a gas station hose as more than just a tool for radiator or windshield fluid. With style and ingenuity, our sunglasses-clad innovator turned it into a makeshift car wash. Rocking a vibrant patterned shirt and denim skirt, she’s redefining the errand run—one stylish spray at a time. Who said practical can’t be fashionable?

You might assume she’s a loyal viewer of JustinCredible TV’s car-care tutorials on YouTube. Think again! This lady’s too busy getting creative and saving money to watch instructional videos. The real lesson? Her bold, no-nonsense approach to getting things done.

The Ford Escape That Defied Gravity

The woman holding her face in shock isn't acting in a movie—this is real life. The distressed look on her face says it all: her Ford Escape has just been struck by a car falling from above. Was it a parking brake malfunction, or did the universe just decide to have a moment of chaos? Either way, someone up there clearly missed the memo on Newton’s law of gravity.

What’s the next step for our star? Insurance claims, perhaps? If that’s off the table, let’s hope she was just snapping a quick Instagram shot near some random cars. Otherwise, she’s facing a hefty combo of damaged bumpers and shattered hopes.

Sealing the Blunder

The open road is where freedom and questionable choices collide. Take this lane, for instance, getting a much-needed makeover by construction workers. Did they forget to put up signs? It's like showing up to a party without any clue about the dress code. But instead of a cringe-worthy moment, our driver ends up with a tire stuck in wet cement.

It’s not just the car that’s stuck; the workers’ plans are, too. That tire is now an unwilling piece of art, and getting the car cleaned will take more than a quick rinse. Those construction workers are probably scratching their hard hats over this one. It’s a reminder for everyone: Always watch where you’re going.