I would say you do need to do what makes YOU happy, but I am sure you're mom is just looking out for your best interests
I don't discount experience...it is important, but not at the expense of a degree. At a minimum an associates...but these days I would try hard to obtain the bachelors. An engineering degree coupled with experience would open a lot of doors in the automotive industry (if that is what you decide to do). Another option with potential in auto industry..Industrial Engineer?