Given my past as an it engineer, I've always done these things myself because I'd be pestered by others to do it for them. So learning on my own devices. ..
No. See above post.
I think it's just a case of having reached a certain age. But the car had a new battery less than 12 months ago but hubby fitted it so I can't do anything except get a new one to get home . Breakdown cover in the UK includes transport of passengers and driver to same destination as vehicle. Here it is literally a case of you getting left at the side of the road of your vehicle has to be taken to a garage if it can't be fixed at roadside. Family or friends are expected to collect you! That's all well and fine but if you've only got 1 vehicle and are new to the country (my only other time being assistance) then you're missing a paddle if you get my drift. Last time the breakdown guy got special dispensation so as not to leave someone in a wheelchair at the side of the road taking me to a car hire depot. This time round whilst not exactly convenient, I'm safe and not in the cold (it's only 5C outside and raining. I won't mention the gale that is blowing) .
And 
sprang to mind but it is very valid information. Even here where we are at this time of year many local roads only see 2 or 3 cars a day off at all.
Luckily in pretty mechanically minded but I do prefer my Landcruiser. Changing the plugs on that though is a problem. It's a dual fuel conversion which means everyday plugs will leave it running on petrol only. Plugs need grinding down very carefully to the precise 1/x of a mm. Not something I'm set up to do anymore. I need step ladders just to teach anything other than tho immediate outside of the engine bay but at least that means I can still change the air filter. And I hate bulbs that need more than a screwdriver tho change them. It drives me nuts.
