Is There A Car Maintenance Course For Women?

Question

Does anyone know if there are any basic car maintenance courses that a woman can take either in person or online? I live in the New York/New Jersey area? I have a new car and want to learn as much as possible since I don't want to be ripped off by mechanics.

Answer 1

There are lots of shops that put on car care seminars, usually focused towards women. They really do want to help you understand, because people who understand about their vehicles and are knowledgable about the basics and such, are more likely to take care of thier vehicles and trust mechanics on larger jobs, because they understand what is going on. So don't think that just because it is put on by a shop, that they don't really want to help you.
They usually teach you the basics about car care, what needs maintenance, how to inspect the vehicle yourself and do basic car care, then they go over your specific vehicle with you and point out important things and what to do. They usually also give you tips on dealing with shops, what to ask, what to do, how to make sure you aren't getting ripped off, etc.
Not all mechanics are a rip off, in fact many of them really do care. They take pride in their work and want to do the job right. Not many other people, in many other jobs, are required to purchase thousands of dollars worth of tools, equipment, training, etc. just to get a good job. But they can be hard to find sometimes...

Anyhow you can find some of these shops online, at carcare.org which helps shops put on seminars like this. You may find them in advertisements as well. Being in a large area like you, I think they would be pretty easy to find. Even if a shop isn't currently putting one on right now, they may be willing to give you a private lesson, or you and some friends. At our shop we will gladly set up appointment times, after work, to help our customers learn about their vehicles... I am sure you could find someone around you that does the same thing, so ask some of your friends and family who they use as a mechanic, and if they know if they offer anything like that.

Also, since you are in a large area, there might be other people who put something on like that. Almost all community colleges put on courses as well, usually not expensive and easy times for people to attend. There are also many books available to help you learn about this stuff. Some websites I like are:

http://www.innerauto.com/Automotive_Systems/Electrical_System/Spark_Plug_Wire/ (Go to the bottom and you will find animations and info about different systems on the vehicle)

http://www.acdelco.com/index.jsp (go to parts information on the top, or maintenance and there are a few links to good information about the different systems, maintenance, how to know when they need service or repair, etc.)

And autozone.com has some helpful things as well. You can actually select your vehicle information and see some repair guides and get reminders about maintenance.

Or another site, which costs about 25 dollars a year, is http://www.alldata.com/products/diy/index.html (take a look at the demo and see what information it can give you. It has all the info from the owner's manual and much more, a very good site specific for your vehicle.)

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is There A Car Maintenance Course For Women?
Does anyone know if there are any basic car maintenance courses that a woman can take either in person or online? I live in the New York/New Jersey area? I have a new car and want to learn as much as possible since I don't want to be ripped off by mechanics.

Answer 3

Car Maintenance Class

Answer 4

So far I have not found any course online about car ( there are but you pay for it ) I do understand you concern about your new car. There is not much to do with cars as long as you do oil changes every 3000 miles (conventional oil) ( 5000 synthetic). Fuel filter at least every second time when you change your oil. Really important thing buy a good air filter ( K&N) some people don't like it I think it's really good for your car (better gas mileage and performance only one for the life of the vehicle) Check the belts, pcv valve. Look in this website you will find almost everything you need to know about cars. www.howstuffworks.com In there you'll find the basic you need to know how a car run and basic maintance. Good look.!!

Answer 5

Might want to check the College quarterly schedule for classes, sometimes colleges will have courses like this. I can't say for NY, as I live south in ol' Virginny. :) But, yes, there are courses out there, if you look. Might want to try the bookstore, too, they have Auto Repair for Dummies ( not necessarily women, LOL ), to help you get educated about automobiles as well. Glad to see you're interested, because even though I'm a guy, I've been ripped off, or they've tried to, and you have to fight bad auto repair places no matter what gender you are, it seems. It's a shady business. Good luck, and learn all you can. - The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 6

Most Vo-Tech colleges or Schools offer Automotive repair and it's typically Cheap somewhere between 35-50$


here is a Tip. Always use a ASE certified Mechanics when getting work performed on your car.

there should be a Blue sign with a Gray Gear logo that says ASE outside of any ASE certified repair shop.

check the link below for more info on ASE certifications

Answer 7

Very much yes! You can go to any technicle center or automotive parts store and they always have information on technicle courses that will be available. Most are free. Most mechanics dont rip people off, its the owners of the business. I am a mechanic....