Can Moms Handle Car Repairs?
Car Repair Tips Moms Who Drive Can Embrace
Anybody can tackle some car repairs if they know what they are supposed to do in different situations. The fact that there are female mechanics means that car repairs, like any other task, can be performed by moms. The question of whether moms can handle car repairs comes up because most people think that this is a task that only men can handle. However, this is not true at all.
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Before you prove me wrong, here are some car repairs and maintenance tasks that moms can and should hack through without much strain.
1. Jump-Starting a Car
This is one of the most important things that every driver should know. If you are a mom, you will often find yourself in a situation where your kids are playing in your car and leave the lights on. The next thing you know, your battery is dead, and the darn vehicle won’t start. In such a situation, follow these simple steps.
Turn both cars off
The red cable of the jumper should be fitted on the red terminals of both batteries
One end of the black jumper cable should be fitted on the black terminal of the charged battery. With the other end on the pole supporting the hood (bonnet) of the other car.
With the engine of the car whose battery is charged running, try starting your car.
This is all the more reason to always make sure your car has a jumper cable. You never know when you might need it.
2. Checking and Topping Up the Oil
As a car owner, you are probably on the road most of the time. Even if this is not the case, you need to know how to check your oil and top it up. It would be best if you did this often, depending on how often you use your car.
To check the oil, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, dip it back, and pull it out again. Ensure the engine oil is at the right level, checking to see if it’s the right color. If your car oil is dark or black, it needs a change. When refilling, please do not fill the oil to the top as it will expand. This causes a smoking effect when the engine heats up.
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3. Changing a Car Tire
One of the unhappiest moments when driving is hearing that thump, pop, or flapping noise telling you that you have a flat tire. This is a common mishap amongst drivers, and as a mom, it is not uncommon to freak out when your hubby or lover’s phone goes straight to voicemail.
The experience can make you want to stump on your expensive human hair wig, but you know better than that. You are better off knowing your way around handling a flat tire. For some inspiration, here are a few steps to take when you need to change your car tire:
Pull over slowly and have your hazard lights on.
Get the spare tire, the jack, and the wheel brace.
Anticlockwise, loosen the wheel nuts each at a time, using your foot if you need more force.
Use your car's manual to see where to place the jack. It is usually placed under the frame alongside the flat tire.
Raise the car
Remove each wheel nut, placing them aside safely.
Replace the wheel
Put the nuts back in place with your finger until they are a bit tight.
Lower the car and tighten the nuts using the brace/spanner.
Once you are done, you can now drive away. Don't forget to collect your tools and turn off the hazard lights.
Not many moms have the pleasure of being chauffeur-driven every time they need to run errands in town. As long as drive often or own a car, you need to equip yourself with some essential car repair skills. The above list should pretty much cover it and keep you safe even if your man is not nearby.
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