5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Their Car
Women know nothing about cars. Well, that got your attention didn’t it? It’s a common cliché bandied about by many members of the male population and, while it may be true that many women don’t care much about cars, the dirty secret is that many men know nothing about cars too.
Sadly, while the disinterested male can hide behind their gender stereotype, women without much knowledge can be ripped off by slimy salesmen and misogynist mechanics if they’re not careful.
Below you will discover 5 things every woman should know about her car. As they say, knowledge is power and this is particularly true when it comes to auto knowledge.
- How to change a tyre
Changing a tyre isn’t as difficult as you might think – and is vital if you ever get a flat in the middle of nowhere. As mentioned on Women’s Health, you should always carry a jack, spare tyre and warning reflector. If you do encounter a flat, you will need to loosen up the lug nuts before you use the jack to lift up the car. Make sure the handbrake is on before you do this.
- How to check the oil
The oil in your car is vital. It basically helps to stop your engine getting fried. If the levels are running low it could cause serious problems and be potentially dangerous too. As a general rule of thumb it is worth checking the oil levels when the engine is still warm. This is because it will give you the most accurate reading. Topping up is simple and stops bigger problems emerging.
- Understanding warning lights
As highlighted on GSF Car Parts, a lot of newer models come with a range of warning lights that alert you to any potential problems with the car. It is important to understand what each of these lights mean. Catching a problem early can prevent expensive repairs.
- How to fix a crack
Accidents happen and there are many things that can chip the windscreen or headlight of your car. The problem is, a chip can soon turn into a much bigger and more expensive problem. A great temporary solution is to use clear nail varnish both around and directly onto the chip. This will ensure it doesn’t get any bigger until you can get the car to a garage.
- Regular refreshers
No-one should get complacent when behind the wheel. There are always ways to fine-tune your performance and brush up on the rules of the road. The material for this is freely available online so there’s no excuse for not putting it to use. The worst drivers are those who allow bad habits to develop and take over the good practice they picked up while they were a learner.
Overall having a good in-depth knowledge of your car is a great way to minimise the chances of having to fork out a fortune on repairs. It will also decrease your risk of having an accident and make you a lot more independent while out on the road.
Consider too that beyond the bravado, a high proportion of men don’t know all of this either. Arm yourself with the basics and you’ll avoid being patronised too.
