Shifting Gears With Women Drivers
Every single gal feels strong, magnetic, independent and empowered when she gets into her car! Turning the music up and having a last look in the mirror to touch up her make- as she pulls out into her day; it’s definitely a unique trait that we ladies possess – our ability to make driving stylish, and dare we say… sexy! Right?
Glamour aside, having some additional knowledge about your car can help when it comes to safety. Learning about the nitty gritty aspects of your car can make these things far easier to understand and handle – and, at the end of the day, knowledge is power, and what’s more alluring then oozing feminine power.
Here are 8 essential things every women driver needs to know about your car and make your driving experiences safer and more pleasurable, brought to you by RoadCover:
- Vehicle Maintenance
“It is a good idea to service your car regularly, especially by a reputable service station,” says RoadCover’s Marketing Agent, Amanda Rogaly.
Regular service ensures your cars reliability and keeps it in great condition which reduces the chances of having a break down. See your cars manual for when services should be done, with the recommendation being an annual service by a professional.
- Tyre condition
“Keep an eye on your tyres, making sure the treads are not too smooth. Treadless tyres are not only illegal, but can be very dangerous. Smooth tyres prevent your car from gripping the road which can be especially dangerous in wet weather,” comments the RoadCover Marketing Agent.
Replace worn or damaged tyres immediately, making sure the wheels are balanced. “It is a good idea to keep an eye on your spare tyre, making sure that it’s inflated and in good condition if ever it needs to be used,” says Amanda. Additionally, double check that your jack and spanner are safely secured and in the designated compartment in case a tyre needs to be changed.
- Know your car’s warning signs
Become familiar with the different sounds and lights on your dashboard to make sure that your car is safe on the road. One should always keep an eye on the temperature gauge; ideally it should never pass the ¾ mark. Other warning sign to keep an eye out for is the engine warning light. This doesn’t specify a particular issue, but it does show you that something needs to be attended to.
- Oil check
Checking your car’s oil is important for your engine’s health, plus it can prevent costly damage in the long run. First things, first: dipstick. This is generally bright silver or brightly coloured. Remove the dipstick, wipe it down with a tissue and you should find some sort of indication of measurement saying ‘empty’ and ‘full’. Reinsert the dipstick for 10 seconds into the oil sump and remove once again. You should now be able see the oil level according to the level indicator, so that you can top up if necessary.
Note: Always make sure you are parked on level ground with the engine off before checking your oil. Allow the engine to cool down and the oil to lower before doing an oil check. For this reason, the best time to check oil is first thing in the morning when the car is cool.
- Replace windscreen wiper blades
“The first sign that you need to change your windscreen wiper blades need is when they begin to squeak, stop making proper contact with your windscreen or creating a smear which reduces visibility,” states Rogaly.
Replacement is easy. Go to any of the big hardware stores, where you are more than likely to find directions on the wiper blade package.
- Cleaning your windscreen
When filling up with fuel, get your windscreen cleaned as well. During cold winter months, if your car is parked outside and frost or ice has taken over, spray your car down with water from the hosepipe or a bucket or water will do the trick.
Tip: Don’t use warm or hot water, if you have a chip in your windscreen it could cause it to crack.
- Windscreen chips
Those unexpected chips from small pebbles or stones as you drive along the road can develop into a long crack and become a hazard to your visibility. “Believe it or not, a great temporary solution to this is to use clear nail polish on and around the chip. Just like pantyhose ladders, this serves to keep the crack from spreading along the windscreen.” For a permanent solution visit a glass specialist who can drill and seal the chip, leaving it looking brand new.
- What to do when your car breaks down
Regulation 214 of the National Road Traffic Regulations 93 of 1996 provides that motor cars first registered on 1st July 2006 and thereafter must carry at least 1 emergency warning triangle.1 Turn on your hazards to warn other motorists and if possible move your car to the side of the road, out of harm’s way. Place the triangle at a recommend distance of 45 meters2 behind your vehicle to ensure your safety as well as other road users.
Many insurance or car maintenance plans have roadside assistance as part of their package. Have their number on your cell phone or a tow truck number if you don’t have the service.
“Knowing just a little bit more about our car makes us feel empowered and more in control. Lastly, take some time for yourself. Some of us spend hours in the car, so why not enjoy the ride!” says Amanda.
At the end of the day we can either love what we do, or hate it. So why not shift gears: make the most of the time when you’re driving. Let it be a whole lot of fun, with the right attitude, music, heels… cue Beyoncé’s ‘Run the World (Girls)’ as the volume is turned up.
Via: RoadCover