Independent Women – Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Car.
Are you one of those women who feel that you need a man to do things for you? What happens when he is no longer in your life? Trying to find another one just to care for the things you are unfamiliar with may not be the right choice. Learning to be independent is important because it gives you the self confidence that you can make it on your own.
Learning how to care for your car is important in many ways. It will help save you money on costly repairs and you will become more secure with handling any situation as it arises.
How many of you have had to take your car in for repairs, or went to the auto parts store only to feel as if you have no idea what they are talking about? This is why I find it extremely important to learn some of the very basic things when it comes to your car.
1. Learn to change a tire.
Learn the correct way to change a tire
Flat tires happen to everyone at some point, and they always seem to happen at the most inconvenient moments. Yes, you can always call your knight in shining armor to come rescue you, or you can hopefully wait for a stranger to help, which in my book is not always a safe bet. But you can save time if you know how to change the tire yourself. It’s actually quite easy, and you’ll only get a little dirty.
Most cars have a spare tire you can use until you take the damaged tire to a repair shop, or buy a new one. Some car models today are installing Run Flat Tires which require no spare tire, so be sure to check your owner’s manual to be sure.
All you have to do is pull the spare out of the back of your car, jack your car up, and swap the damaged tire for the spare. There’s not much skill to it. All you really need to know is where to place the jack and how to remove the lug nuts. With a little practice, you can change a flat tire on your own without a problem.
2. Learn to change a broken headlight or tail light
Another common car repair is changing out broken headlights and tail lights, especially on older cars. This is an easy repair anyone can do, regardless of gender, as it doesn’t require any muscle. Most of the time, all you have to do is pull back the lining of your car to access the headlight panel. Then, you just change out the old light for a new one. If you can’t figure out what light bulb to buy, simply remove the broken light and show it to an associate at an auto parts store to get the perfect replacement. It’s that simple.
3. Windshield Wipers
After a year or two, windshield wipers don’t work as well as they used to, and they need to be replaced. This is an easy car repair that you can do yourself. All you need to do is find the size of your windshield wiper, which is typically found on your old windshield wipers or in your car’s manual. Then, simply snap off the old ones and put on the new ones.
When you go in for a routine oil change at your local car maintenance shop, they always try to up-sell you. One common item that you get offered is windshield wipers. Don’t get taken in by this. This is how repair shops make extra revenue.
You could save a lot of money by buying windshield wipers at an auto parts store and installing them yourself. Many of the auto parts stores can also instruct you on the replacement.
4. Learn to talk to a mechanic
Learning the basics of how to talk to your mechanic or repair shop is key to saving you money or being caught up in the up-sell. Let’s face it, the mechanical industry is mostly dominated by men. I agree that there are a few of us female mechanics out there, but chances are good that when you need to have your car repaired, you’re going to be helped by a man.
It is a common consensus that women know less about cars than men do. Personally, I know for a fact that many men are not that knowledgeable about cars, as reports dictate. Many are too embarrassed to admit it. This is in no way a slam towards men in general, just a common fact. There are reports to prove that women are often times charged more for repairs than men are, because mechanics feel that women won’t know the difference.
Be sure to compare prices with other shops. Once you have the repair quote, call around to insure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Finding a repair shop that is professional, honest, and knowledgeable is extremely important.
There are plenty of car repairs you can learn to master with a little knowledge, such as changing your own engine oil, air filter, and drive belts. Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you cannot fix your own car.
Be Independent. Happy motoring.
