Ladies, Start Your Engines

We all know that women can do anything they set their mind to—and that holds true for fixing their cars.
Granted, not every woman embraces the idea of grabbing a wrench and poking around in the engine.
But having been the CMO of my family’s business, Curry’s Auto Service since 1998, I have spent my fair share of time learning about the inner workings of everything from engines to tires. And I’m here to tell you: Not only is it empowering to be able to change my own oil, rotate the tires, and be able to identify what that pinging noise means—it’s a lot of fun.
So ladies, start your engines.
Believe it or not, a simple driveway inspection can give motorists peace of mind and save them from the inconvenience of a roadside breakdown, according to the Car Care Council.
“No one wants to experience car trouble while on vacation,” said Rich White, executive director of Car Care Council. “A simple vehicle inspection can help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down many miles away from home.
White insists that right in their own driveway, motorists can identify how road-ready their vehicle is with the 10-minute driveway inspection recommended by the Car Care Council. If repairs or maintenance are needed, they can be performed before hitting the road.
Here’s what to do:

• Check all fluids. This included the engine oil, as well as the power steering and brake and transmission fluids, plus windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

• Check the hoses and belts. They can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose, or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and the cooling system.

• Check the tires. Everything from the tire pressure to the tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

• Check the wipers and lighting. This ensures you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during rain or snow.

• Check the gas cap. Caps that are damaged, loose, or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

• Check your emergency kits. The Car Care Council recommends that motorists restock their emergency kit regularly and consider a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy.

• Now that you are ready to get on the road, here are a few more things to keep in mind. Avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit, and avoid excessive idling. While these aren’t traditionally “ladies” issues, I’ve seen plenty of moms in SUVs zoom by me on the highway. When you are stressed, in a rush to get the kids, or are late for an important meeting—slow down. Your car, and your family, will thank you.

Courtesy of Inkandescent Networking