CARIBARENA Antigua & Barbuda

Ladies, you know that some of us are better drivers than some men, right?  A good handful of us know our way around under the hood of any size engine, right?

Well in spite of all this, some mechanics tend to treat us with such condescension when we go to them with a problem, and the so-called stronger sex, the spouse, relative or friend, reacts to you as if you are completely paranoid when you report that you heard a strange sound or something does not feel quite right. Well ladies, knowledge is power, and knowing a few basic things about your vehicle and simple maintenance tips could help prevent a lot of stress and headaches.

First of all, simply read the owner’s manual. Yes, your vehicle has one. It gives you lots of useful information that will help you ultimately get the best performance and life out of your car, new or used. It will help you operate the vehicle properly and let you know how often it needs to be serviced. And, if ever a problem pops up, you will at least have some clue as to what is being said to you by the mechanic, or what to say to him. It could also save you some money in situations where someone may be tempted to give you a six for a nine and have you pay for it.

To keep your vehicle running well, it is absolutely imperative that the fluids are checked and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s schedule. So check your washer fluid, and most importantly – the engine oil. The oil is the lifeblood of the car and has to be changed every 3,000 miles or once every three months, whichever one comes first. If it runs low before the scheduled maintenance, simply top it up. Have your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid checked by a professional.

If you drive at night especially, have all your lights checked at least once per month. Check the headlights, brake lights, indicator lights, and the dim and bright lights, ensuring that they are set and aimed properly so as not to blind oncoming traffic. Once they are all in proper working condition, you will avoid accidents and traffic tickets.

If a red light appears on your dashboard that would not normally be there – pay attention. It is your vehicle's warning light. Since you would be familiar with your car’s owner's manual, you will be able to determine what the problem is and what you would be required to do.

As your shoes are to your feet, so are tyres to your vehicle. It is very important to check and maintain the correct air pressure in your tyres. The leading cause of tyre failure or flats is under-inflated tyres. When a tyre is under-inflated, it builds up heat internally, which can cause a blowout. Plus, your fuel economy is decreased by as much as ten per cent.  And if by chance you do get a flat, although there are still lots of gentlemen left out there, it is always a good thing to know how to change a tyre. My dad taught me this at age 16, before he taught me how to drive a manual transmission.

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My husband gave me a pressure gauge, which I keep in my glove-box and use to check the tyre pressure before I go running off to the service station. If you know your vehicle, there is a usually a sticker on the panel on the driver’s door which indicates the amount of air each tyre should carry. You should also have your tyres rotated, as they wear down differently depending on their placement.

Finally, there is no need for auto phobia. Keep your car clean and you will help to prolong its life. Once you get to know your vehicle (read the manual), remember to check and maintain it, all will be well on the road.  And remember:  mirror, signal, maneuver.  Safe drive!

 

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