Car Maintenance For Women

Car Maintenance For Women
Car maintenance guide for the female car enthusiast

Women of this era aren't the apron-wearing, muffin-baking June Cleavers of the '50s. Vehicle maintenance is no longer just a man's job, as many women are taking an interest in automotives.

Learning the basics of car maintenance will keep it in top running condition and potentially save you a lot of money in repairs. First and foremost, you need to know your car. The owner's manual is a great place to start as it contains all the basics, such as fuel type, tire size, tire inflation levels and type of engine. It also outlines maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, belt changes and similar procedures.

The minute you notice anything unusual about your car - this could be strange noises, strange smells, leaks or problems with braking and handling - make an appointment with a certified mechanic to have it inspected. Some problems can lead to serious damage if they aren't repaired. Carefully explain the symptoms of the problem to your mechanic for an accurate diagnosis. Ask them to save the old parts and get any guarantees in writing. Take your car to a different shop for a second opinion if this will ease your worries about getting scammed.

Basic Car Maintenance

Here are a few maintenance procedures that every girl should know. Each of these tasks is necessary for the optimal performance of a vehicle:

    ♦ How to check tire pressure - The optimal tire pressure will be specified in the owner's manual. When the tires are cold, use a pressure gauge to check the pressure. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). If the psi reading on the gauge is below the recommended pressure then slowly inflate the tire until the gauge shows the right amount.
    ♦ How to change a tire - Try to park on level ground and put the parking brake on. Slightly loosen the nuts so that you're not spinning the tire once it's up in the air. Fit the jack in the safe jacking point of the car (this can be found in the owner's manual) and pump up the jack until the wheel is off the ground. Loosen the nuts and remove them from the wheel, leaving the top one for last to prevent the wheel from spinning around. Take off the wheel and replace it with the spare. Reattach the nuts, lower the wheel to the ground and remove the jack. Never go under the car when it's being held up by the jack alone.
    ♦ How to check oil level - Check the oil level every two weeks. When the engine is cool, carefully pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Next, reinsert the dipstick into the oil container and verify that the old mark is where it should be. Top it off if it's low, but only use the type of oil specified in the owner's manual. The oil should be completely changed every 3,000 to 6,000 miles (5000KM - 9700KM), or as recommended by the owner's manual.
    ♦ How to check coolant level - Before checking the coolant level, prepare a mixture of ⅓ anti-freeze and ⅔ water in advance. When the engine is cool, look for the plastic container with the water symbol on the cap. If the fluid level is below the marked maximum level you'll need to unscrew the top and pour in your mixture until it reaches the optimal level.

Car Repairs For Us Female Drivers

Car Repairs For Us Female Drivers

Not everyone wants to get their hands dirty (ourselves included!) but there are a few things to bear in mind before turning up at the nearest garage.

Before Taking Your Car In For Service or Repair

    ♦ Start shopping for a garage before you need one - better decisions are made when you are not rushed.
    ♦ Ask friends and associates for their recommendations - old-fashioned word-of-mouth is still valuable information.
    ♦ Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles equal in value to your own in the car park and modern equipment in the service bays.
    ♦ Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
    ♦ You know your vehicle better than anyone else. Since you drive it every day, you know how it feels and sounds. So don't ignore the warning signals.

In The Garage

    ♦ Ask questions and request an explanation in simple terms and definitions.
    ♦ Ask to be called and informed of the problem, course of action and costs before the work begins. Leave a telephone number where you can be reached.

Back On The Road

    ♦ Keep all paperwork with the vehicle log.
    ♦ Reward good service with repeat business and recommendations. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
    ♦ If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.

When Bad Drivers Amongst Us Try To Park and Fail

When Bad Drivers Amongst Us Try To Park and Fail

A new YouTube hit, this video shows how some horrible drivers not only show their lack of skills but also how much they could care a less about you and me. The 63 year old woman driving the BMW not only violated the poor cars but broke the law by fleeing. Thank goodness the police ended up catching up to her where she was arrested. This happened in Ontario by the way. Can you guess where it happened?

To come save the day Hyundai came to the rescue and gave the owner of the totalled Hyundai a brand now car. Now that's a great PR move for ya. Enjoy!

The Worlds Most Affordable Car

The Worlds Most Affordable Car
Tata Motors today took the covers off the world’s cheapest car — the Nano.

Today, Tata Motors revealed a new car that pretty much anyone can afford. Selling around $2500 US for the base model, this car is a revolution to all those who finally want the best of all worlds. No more traveling in the congested transit system, good for the environment, looks cute, and comes with a cheap sticker price.

The four-door Nano is a little over 10 feet long and nearly 5 feet wide. It is powered by a 623cc two-cylinder engine at the back of the car. With 33 horsepower, the Nano is capable of 65 miles an hour. Its four small wheels are at the absolute corners of the car to improve handling. There is a small trunk, big enough for a duffel bag.

“Today, we indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions,” Mr. Tata added. “We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”

The base price for the Nano will be $2500 US, including road tax and delivery. Higher level models will cost more and come with air-conditioning. Sun visors and radios are extra.

The Nano will go on sale in India later this year with an initial production run of 250,000 a year. Tata says it will offer the Nano in other emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa within four years. When it will come to North America, time will tell. But for a price tag that it has, I can't wait to have it come to Canada sooner than later.

I know my car payments are through the roof than they should be and anything that is reliable and affordable, that's just priceless.

Would you buy the new Tato Nano when if it goes on sale here? Tell us your thoughts!

Top Luxury Cars for Her

Top Luxury Cars for Her

Some believe the type of car you drive says a lot about who you are. We say that if you own one of the following rides, you’re not only practical but very posh. Check out our favorite ways to get from point A to point B. Whether your preference is pedigree or passenger room, high-performance of hybrid, one of these four-wheeled fun wagons is bound to be the right one for you.


The Driver - BMW M3
More fun to max out than a Bloomingdale's credit card.
SRP: $55,000

The Euro Cool - Smart for two
The hippest solution ever to parallel parking woes. And everyone will watch you try.
SRP: $15,000

The Sexy Beast - BMW X5
It handles like a car, looks like a million bucks, and injects loads of S into the UV.
SRP: $50,000

The Luxury - Mercedes-Benz C350
Let the 3-pointed star light your way to instant sophistication in this hot “Baby Benz.”
SRP: $39,000

The Convertible - Porsche Boxster
Stuttgart style gone topless makes this mid-engine muse a thrilling drive anytime.
SRP: $47,000

The Bargain - Lexus IS 350
The Far East’s finest deal a heavy design blow with this sleek work of artful luxury.
SRP: $37,000

The Classic Muscle Car - Dodge Challenger
Good ol’ Detroit flexes its might with this classic revisited.
SRP: $40,000

The Wagon - Saab 9-3 Turbo X SportCombi
The best Swedish export since ABBA.
SRP: $46,000

The Conscious Choice - Toyota Prius
Green is in and you, too, can play. Let this eco-mainstay help you become a stranger at gas pumps.
SRP: $27,000

The Mini-Van - Mercedes Benz R350
A bold move from Germany band-aids the reluctance to go for the quintessential family car. Pile in!
SRP: $45,000

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