Female Mechanics

Females of all ages find skills, jobs in auto mechanics. It's time to take your car in for a tuneup, but you're feeling a little apprehensive. So what do you do? You take along your husband, father or brother for extra security to that male bastion, the local service station. But things are changing in the world of car care, where more and more women are swapping blind trust for knowledge -- and where some women are even turning that knowledge into jobs as technicians. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) said that women account for more than half of all customers who take their vehicles to a repair shop. To help them take control of their auto service and repair visits, ASE has put together a brochure with helpful tips. With more than an estimated 60,000 automotive-related jobs available nationwide, opportunities for women are plentiful. It takes more than muscle to repair one of today's high-powered vehicles. Strong diagnostic and analytical skills are required. Although an ASE report shows that the number of female auto technicians has increased over the past 12 years, some women find it hard to break down gender barriers in the workplace. Girl Scouts across the country are breaking tradition by sporting the Car Care Badge. Through the organization's Car Sense Interest Project, scouts learn the fundamentals of vehicle maintenance. Girls in grades three through six team up with professionals who show them how to check fluids and oils, change tires and perform safety inspections. For information about the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program, call (800) 828-6860 or visit the Web site at http://www.gmstc.com/ 


Tips for female car owners 

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers these tips to women:

• Ask friends and associates for recommendations.
• Read your owner's manual and follow the recommended maintenance schedule.
• Be prepared to describe the symptoms and supply a written list of recent problems.
• Ask as many questions as you need.
• Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees and methods of payment.