Basic Car Maintenance for Women

The title to this article may seem chauvinistic, but that is not the intention. I am a woman and I tend to think of vehicle maintenance as a job for the man in my life. But there are things that we can do that are considered basic maintenance. By knowing these few things you will be more confident when describing problems to your mechanic, or knowing when your car needs service.

Changing a flat tire- this is not a difficult task, but you may want to practice before you actually have to change one in the pouring rain on the side of the road.

Step One is to make sure your car is equipped with a spare tire, jack, and a tire tool. If you have all of these components, you are ready.

Step Two is to make sure the vehicle is in park and the emergency brake set, then place the jack under the solid part of the frame of the car nearest the flat tire. It may take some practice to know where to place it so that you don't damage the undercarriage. Jack the car up until the tire is approximately 4 inches off the ground.

Step Three is to use the tire tool to loosen all the lug nuts and remove the flat tire. A cross bar type tool is advisable if your lugs have been tightened professionally. I personally have had to stand and bounce on the bar to loosen a lug nut.

Step Four is to place the spare tire on the lugs and reattach the lug nuts, tighten them down lightly, then go back and retighten them using a cross pattern so that the tire will be tightened into place evenly. Don't be afraid to use all your strength, you don't want the tire to fall off on the way down the road.

Step Five is to lower the jack slowly, keeping your eye on the tire to make sure that it is secure.

Once you have gotten your car back on the ground place the flat tire, jack, and tool back in the trunk and you are on your way.

Checking the Oil - This is a very important task when maintaining your vehicle. Most people know to have their oil changed every 3000 miles, or more depending on the vehicle, but in between there is always the chance of an oil leak or other problem in your engine causing it to burn oil. You can't wait for the oil light to come on, that may be too late.

Step One is to make sure your engine in cold, in other words check your oil before you drive.

Step Two is to have your supplies ready, a paper towel! Now isn't that easy.

Step Three is to locate the oil dipstick and remove it, wipe it with the paper towel to remove any lingering oil.

Step Four is to reinsert the dipstick all the way back into the engine and remove it again. Do not wipe it this time, but look at the bottom, there are lines indicating how much oil is in the vehicle, if the oil on the dipstick is lower than the full indicator you will need to get it to a shop to be checked for leaks, and to be filled properly.

Step Five replace the dipstick and close the hood making sure you don't leave your paper towel lying on the engine.

Check Air Pressure- This is a simple task that will keep you from running your tires with too little air, which can be an expensive mistake. You can purchase a small tire gauge that hooks to your key ring, to make this a relatively painless event.

Step One is to remove the valve stem cap on your tires, don't lose it.

Step Two is to simply press the air pressure gauge down on the valve stem and remove it.

Step Three is to read the indicator that popped out when you pressed the valve stem. Recommended air pressure is usually printed inside the drivers inner door seal. The recommended pressure varies depending on the vehicle and the tires themselves.

If your tires need more air, you can do it yourself checking the pressure after filling, or you can take it to a shop.

Check your lights- this is something that most of us don't think to do, but is something that can be done many times throughout the day while you are out and about.

There really aren't any steps to this one, and you will be surprised you didn't think of it. When you pull up to a store with glass windows, turn your lights on, before you get out of the car flip your turn signals on and switch to high beams, you will be able to see them all reflected in the window. The same thing works at the next place you go, back into the parking space and check your reverse, brake and park lights. This can save you a traffic ticket, or getting into an accident.

Being a woman doesn't mean that you can't do these things and many more, many of us just don't choose to do so. Having a basic working knowledge of your vehicle is important before you end up stuck on a lonely dark road with no cell service. So learn at least these basics and if you are interested in knowing more talk to a mechanic you trust and see what tips they can give you, or look into adult basic mechanic classes. There is no need to feel intimidated by something that you count on so much.