Why women should be more care car aware

Have you ever heard “what you do not know, will never hurt you”. Have you ever wondered if you needed to take your car to your mechanic for a noise you heard just once? Have you ever asked for help to jump your car or to change a flat tire? Have you ever thought that cars are not a woman thing? The time has come.Prepare yourself with the knowledge you need to be empowered and be more comfortable behind the wheel. 

If most of your answers were Yes, you need to think again after you read this. Some of the benefits to be more car care aware are:

1. Safety - your car is well maintained and reliable to drive
2. Money - you save money on unexpected repairs
3. Power - you are the decision maker, not someone else
4. Confidence - boosts your confidence, self esteem and moral
5. Independence - increases independence and do it yourself jobs

Whatever reason motivates you to learn more about cars, preventive maintenance and repairs think about this, “what you know, will never hurt you”. “Knowledge is Power”, said Francis Bacon. This means that the more you know the more in control you are. Here are some valuable tips for you:

1. What you do not know – ask or search for information. The owner’s manual, which you can find in your glove box, is the perfect information tool. Use the internet or ask a technician you can trust.

2. Do not procrastinate – not making a decision on time would cost you money, time and more inconvenience. For example, inspect your tires on a regular basis. Do not drive your car with flat or worn tires.

3. Do not say that this is not a woman thing. If you own or drive a car, you are responsible for what it takes to drive it. You do not need to know how to repair a car, but it does not hurt you to know that it requires to be maintained.

4. Knowing the basis of car maintenance can save you time, money and can save even your life. If your car does not start, having a portable charger and knowing how to use it is an example. You do not have to wait at someone else help when you can do it yourself. Having a flat tire can be a headache, but if you have the tools to fix it or if you think you can replace it… GO for it! Remember, refer to your owner’s manual for instructions and safety tips.

5. Knowing will help you make better decisions related to your auto repairs. You can manage your money and avoid unnecessary repairs.

6. You can prioritize what your vehicle needs and what can be postponed. Remember, safety related repairs are always FIRST and need your immediate attention. Ask your mechanic or service advisor what are the consequences of postponing a work. Some shops will make you sign a responsibility waiver in case you do not authorize a recommended repair.

Now you know the benefits to know more about your car care maintenance and repairs. You do not have to change a tire, but you can still know how to do it. You do not have to jumpstart or change a battery. Would you rather know how to do something and not doing it or do not doing it because you do not know how to? Just take some time to learn the basis of car care maintenance. I will be happy to share with you the basics of car maintenance. Stay connected.

Source: Dania Lopez, ASE from Focus Group