Hey :) Im a down to earth person, i love work and the work i do and haven been good at it for many years now ive been very helpfull to many people that obviously needed help with the car or what not.
Anyway before i go off track here, i have noticed the amount of people that walk into the shop and barely see me on the counter saying "Hey there! Can i help you with anything?" And they look over my shoulder like as if theyre looking for a male help.
I can deal with this quite easy but im getting sick and tired of it.
Yesterday i actually got a phone call, and i picked it up and the man on the phone said "I NEED HELP! Is there a mechanic i can speak to?" I said "Yeah sure, whats the problem?" and he continued "...i just need to tlak to someone about my car its rattling! and wont start! i need to talk to a mechanic!" so i go "Okay, hold on. <2seconds pass> Yes! MECHANIC HERE"
Id love to know everyone elses views on a female mechanic. Would it bother you at all?
2007-09-14 16:06:21 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i must have made no sense in my post.. no haha im not giving up my career no way.
just wanted an idea of how people would feel or think if they saw a mechanic "female".
Thanks for your answers! helped a lot. now i know ill take the advise and stick a cardboard on my forhead with "mechanic" hahah
2007-09-14 16:48:43 · update #1
I worked at a Car Care center, and mind you i was no mechanic , but after working there for a couple years i was able to tell some what it "may" be, and the actual mechanic always backed me up. My main thing is I sold tires ( you would be surprised how many people dont know how to check tire pressure). and when someone would come in, they would ask to speak to someone about their tires, i would say "how can i help you".. they would ask to speak with a man, i would laugh and say there is no men here how can i help you.. They would in turn ask to speak with the manager( assuming the manager was a man) and out came our female manager. People would go as far as to ask the male mechanics about tires, and they would say ,"ask her up at the counter she knows more lol"
Its something guys do. but you know it feels good when you know whats wrong with their car, you tell them in big words and they just stand there nodding like they know..
AMEN for being proud of what you do and who you are. And i think being a female mechanic is a good thing, women will trust you more, and feel better about bringing their car to you.
2007-09-14 16:18:32 · answer #1 · answered by reznor5172002 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would just say back to them, "You are speaking to an experienced mechanic. How can I help you?" in a very calm, straight voice. Then they can choose to either honor that or not. If so, you can help them. If not, it's their loss.
People come in all sizes, shapes, and descriptions, and depending on their upbringing and a lot of other factors, they are gender biased or not. You can't change people, so don't let them irritate you. Just do your job and ENJOY the ones who don't make an issue of your being a woman. You have to remember that not many women are into mechanics as a career, and it is unusual enough to make others stop and think about it for a bit. Smile and let them get used to the idea and as they get to know you better and understand that you can fix their mechanical problems, they will be back and also pass the word. Someday you won't be out of the ordinary......lots of others will follow in your footsteps. I wish you well.
2007-09-14 16:23:47 · answer #2 · answered by BlueJay 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There aren't that many females in your profession. You are breaking the mold. The public has been conditioned to expect a male mechanic, and that is what they expect.
You chose a non-traditional job as a career. I'm sure once people get to know you, then they will base their opinion on your abilities instead of your gender. There are a bunch of good females out there. We have a few of them out at the Ford plant. Some of them do their jobs a lot better than the males that do the same job.
good luck to you.
Just laugh it off, the times are changing and in another 10 years or so, it may common to find female mechanics.
2007-09-14 16:17:04 · answer #3 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do really feel for you.
I have been working in an automotive repair shop for 3+ years now.
Auto repair is a male dominated industry and unfortunately the customer expects a man to fix their car. Most customers stupidly wouldn't believe a woman could do it.
It's a tough job, but it doesn't take a scientist to change a ball joint right?
I would love to hand my keys to a woman mechanic, I know she would be more caring and attentive than some of the grease monkey dudes that I work with.
Don't give up, I would love to see more women in our industry.
2007-09-14 16:33:37 · answer #4 · answered by uhgoo 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The problem is that there are not many female mechanics in this field. Don't worry, if you are truly knowledgeable about your profession people will start to take notice and you will earn their respect. I know of many male mechanics who think they know everything but then are suddenly humbled by someone with more experience.
2007-09-14 16:23:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a mechanic and I don't understand why people (male and female) only think male mechanics can help them. I've known only a few female mechanics that have stuck-it-out and proved to the impossibly "entrenched" members of our society, that the brain, not the body, is important.
2007-09-14 16:16:50 · answer #6 · answered by Lab 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
being a retired male mechanic i do most of my work myself but the big jobs i don't want to do anymore i take it to this garage and ask if the female mechanic there will do the work on my car she is the best mechanic they have she just changed my transmission last month..
2007-09-14 16:22:53 · answer #7 · answered by Dale (aka drc40m) 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm i think most people just expect a male mechanic. But dont worry i wouldent because i know 0 about cars except how to do basic things. Also.....women who get down and dirty are kind of sexy :P
2007-09-14 16:14:11 · answer #8 · answered by SS4 Elby 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you were sitting at the front desk in a mortgage office, I would ask to speak to a mortgage loan officer. People do not know who you are when they first see you. You have to let them know who and what you are. Have your company order some shirts for you that has your name and ASE Mechanic on them.
2007-09-15 00:19:12 · answer #9 · answered by Bill P 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wouldnt matter to me any at all..... long as the work is done...thats what matters but i know what you mean... some people just dont see ladies doing dirty things like that is tough i know seem to be over look somethings... maybe you need a big sign saying yes im the mechanic behind you...
2007-09-14 16:14:02 · answer #10 · answered by infoman89032 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋