There’s nothing that can’t be fixed

A flat tyre, battery sign turning on and the coolant level going down are a few things that women dread the most when they are behind the wheel. Out on the roads, there are several people who think that women aren’t good drivers. Even if they are better drivers, most women know nothing about the car, which is the very reason why we feel intimidated when it comes to maintenance of our vehicles. 

Precisely for this reason, we chat up experts to find out how these situations can be avoided and in case we are caught in one, how can we deal with it.

Vivek Sharma, founder and CEO, Fixcraft.com, tells us that there is no need for women to feel intimidated by the machines. He explains that a good knowledge of anything which one makes use of on an everyday basis is always desirable. 

“A car is a complicated machinery and hence we have specialised mechanics to look after them. At the same time, with the evolution of technology, maintaining a car has become fairly easy. If you get periodic maintenance of the car done as per schedule, the breakdowns can certainly be avoided,” says Sharma.

He adds, “Just like the human body, a car also gives indications when something is wrong with it. Any abnormal noise/vibration should be attended to as early as possible.”

If you have a car of your own, you must maintain a record of the periodic maintenance schedules. “Generally, maintenance depends on the number of kms and the time duration. For example, the first servicing of the car is done after 1000 km or six months, whichever is earlier. This ensures that the engine is run properly. Similarly, after every 5000 km or annual frequency, the car needs to be checked for vital signs and replacement of some spares,” explains Sharma.

Asif Sheikh, a professional car mechanic, says that he has come across many women who actually know how to change a flat tyre or how to jump start a car when needed. “The only problem is that they sometimes lack confidence or are not encouraged to do so during a crisis situation and are asked to stand aside while the men get to work,” he says, adding “Even though a car is actually designed keeping in mind only one gender — men — it is extremely important for women to get into the habit of maintaining their four-wheeler and taking steps in case of road assistance and emergency situations.”

Sheikh points out that the most common problem is a flat tyre and women should know how to change it. “Tyre life is extremely important because of which it is necessary to keep a tab on air pressure. Make it a practice to get the air pressure checked whenever you get your fuel tank refilled. In summer and monsoon seasons, you must keep a check on the air pressure and check for punctures regularly,” he adds.  

Sharma suggests keeping aside some amount for emergency repairs. “As long as your vehicle is insured for both first party and third party, the cost should not be very high that you would need to dig into  your savings. Also, ensure that the vehicle is subjected to periodic maintenance, not just in terms of the engine, but also its overall body and other aspects. This will ensure that you don’t have to cough up a big sum. ”

Stay safe
“An emergency kit is extremely important. The purpose of the emergency kit is more than stocking bandages. It gets you back on the road if the nature of an emergency is not grave. It keeps you safe and sound till help arrives,” says Sharma. 

You may want to keep the following things handy to stay afloat:
- First Aid kit is essential for personal safety.
- A tyre inflator. This can help to get you some more kms before you find a repair shop.
- A hydraulic jack. This is much more easier to use than a manual jack. Use this when the tyre is absolutely flat and needs to be replaced with a spare one.
- Reflector triangle. This is to be placed on the car for other vehicles to see that the car is broken down.
- Basic tool kit.
Learn how to change a flat tyre
- Ask your mechanic how to do it.
- In your spare time, practise it.
- Always keep a spare tyre with adequate air pressure in the boot space.
- Make sure all the tools you need are in one place.