There are many situations that can happen when you are driving. No one is prevented from a flat tire or low batter. That’s why every female driver has to be prepared and know what to do in such cases.
Women are not helpless and they also can deal with unpredictable situations on the road. With enough knowledge and skill, any woman can find a way to escape an unpleasant situation.
Skills like a jump start a car and changing a flat tire are very important if you want always to feel independent while driving. In this article, we select the most common car maintenance. Continue reading and find out how to properly apply them.
1. How to jump-start a car
It seems more difficult than it really is. This is one of the most important skills to know as a female driver because you will need it more than once. After long driving the batter if your engine can get low.
In such cases, the dashboard will appear indicator for low battery and your car will stop working. Before you start to panic, remember this article. First, find a driver who wants to give you batter from his/her car.
Then use jumper cables (always have a pair in your car) to take the battery from the other car to yours. This happens by connecting the jumper cables in this order:
- Red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery;
- The other red clamp to the positive post on the working battery;
- The black clamp to the negative post on the working battery;
- The last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface of your car;
- After charging the engine your car is ready to hit the road again!
2. Check the air pressure
This is a very important task before you take a long road. There are a few ways to do it: by small air pressure tool or with a coin. The recommended tire pressure is 30 or 32 PSI.
If the pressure of the tires is lower, take time to inflate to the correct pressure. You can easily inflate your tires at any gas station by using a tire pump.
3. Check the headlights
Sometimes the headlights stop working when you are in the middle of the night driving. This is very dangerous and can cause a car accident. That’s why is very important to regularly check them. Here is how to do it:
- First, find which bulb needs to be changed;
- Then turn off your car and pop the hood;
- Locate the headlight holder;
- Don’t forget to disconnect the power wires;
- Remove the old bulb from its socket;
- Clean the new bulb and installed it in the socket;
- Test if it’s working before you start driving.
4. How to check and change the engine oil
The engine oil is crucial for the work of your vehicle. The car can’t move if the amount of oil is too low. Before you start a long trip is very important to check the engine oil.
The process takes just a few minutes. Follow these steps to check the engine oil:
- Pop the hood and find the oil dipstick;
- Remove it from its place and check the mark;
- Clean the oil off the dipstick with a cloth;
- Put the dipstick back in and remove it again;
- If the level of the oil is at or below the levels marked “add,” “low” or “min,” add a little bit of oil.
The color of the oil should be brown or black. Any other color or tiny metal consistency are sign of an issue. In these cases, take your vehicle to a mechanic.
5. How to change a flat tire
This is one of the most basic skills any driver should know. Even if you are a woman, you can easily change your flat tire without a male force. What you need is a fully inflated spare tire, car jack, and lug wrench.
If you feel your flat is tire while you are driving you have to immediately find a safe place where to pull over. Don’t forget to put on hazard lights before you go out of the car. Place a hard rock or wheel wages behind the tire opposite of the flat to prevent the car from rolling.
The next step is by using the lug wrench to remove the wheel cover of the damaged tire. The lug wrench has one more task – to lose the lug nuts on the wheel with the flat tire. Then use the jack to lift the wheel off the ground.
Only after you can easily remove the flat tire and put in the spare one. Don’t forget to hand-tighten the lug nuts before you start to drive. These were 5 of the most common car maintenance that every female driver has to know how to do. If you have something in mind to add to the list, please live a comment.
My name is Rebecca McCarthy and I am an American girl with British heritage residing in the beautiful city of Nashville, Tennessee. I have always had a keen interest in cars, particularly brand new ones that showcase the latest technology and design features. I am also passionate about travelling and experiencing new cultures, as well as enjoying hot summer days with friends and family.