Women, take charge of your cars!

You take care of your home and your family, and make important decisions about your business every day, so there is absolutely no reason that you should be intimidated by your car!

Yet women often tell us that they dislike taking their cars in for maintenance or repair because they feel they are going to be “taken advantage of,” or “treated as if they are stupid females.”

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!
If you want to feel more in control of your car’s maintenance and repair, “knowledge is power!” And one of the best ways to gain that knowledge is to ask your service advisor questions, and ask to be shown the repairs that need to be made, while you are in the shop. As a consumer, you’re entitled to this information – and you should be wary if you are ever in an auto repair shop where they refuse to answer your questions, explain things more thoroughly, or take you into the garage to show what they are recommending.

YOU GO GIRL!
Recent studies have shown that many women feel less intimated when interacting with female service advisors and technicians. Because of this, many repair shops are realizing that the presence of female professionals helps to create a more user friendly environment for female customers. Fittingly, an increasing number of women are entering the repair profession. As a female customer, you might even consider seeking out auto repair facilities that employ female service advisors and technicians!

START YOUNG
It is also important to empower the next generation (male and female) about car care. Make sure your kids learn about proper car maintenance when they are of driving age. Ask your service advisor to give your daughter or son a quick “tour” under the hood, show her or him the spare tire, and explain the importance of regular oil changes.

EMPOWERED
Once you are better informed and in an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions, you will feel more empowered when making decisions about your vehicle’s maintenance and repair. You will also build a more trusting relationship with your car care provider. So, go ahead and ask questions – it’s good for everyone involved!