6 Things Every Girl Should Know About Cars!

1. How to change your oil

Checking for oil is very easy, straightforward and quite important for the health of your car. Oil stops your engine from overheating and many other dangerous malfunctions. Just locate your oil dipstick, read the oil levels and act accordingly (refill or just let it be). You can buy oil next time you get your fuel refilled or visit a car part store.

​If you’re often running low on oil, take a look under your car and see if you notice any leaks. If you do see black spots on the pavement, make sure to bring your car to a mechanic shop like LMN Auto & Tire for a checkup.

2. How to change a flat tire ​

This is one of the most important skills in life you can learn and the one that will almost certainly come in handy at one point in time. So, if you happen to get a flat tire (you’ll notice your car is steering weirdly and you’ll hear a strange flapping noise) make sure to stop and look.

Watch video on how to change that flat pancake.

3. How to check your tire pressure ​

​Driving on an over- or under-inflated tire is also quite dangerous.

With a cheap tire-pressure gauge, you can quickly check the readings and compare it to your optimal levels. Usually, every car has a list of pressure levels written inside the driver’s doors on a warning sticker. Some cars, like a Ford’s small suv, have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System that will alert you when your tires are getting too low on air. 

Having well-pressurized tires will make your ride safer, make the tires last longer and even improve your fuel economy!

4. How to jump-start a car

Jump-starting a car is another skill that can potentially be a lifesaver (for you and for other people in traffic). Car batteries usually die if you drain them, if you have a weak battery with corroded connections or if you happen to experience very hot or cold temperatures. It might sound scary, but it’s actually quite simple to jump start a car and it requires just a set of jumper cables and another car. So if you ever get a dead battery, get your cables out and start your jump start process. There’s a strict way you attach clamps to the battery, so make sure to carry a solid manual in your glove compartment. Once your car starts, make sure to keep it running for some time to charge the battery completely and you’re good to go! Watch video...

5. How to get unstuck

​This will get super handy, especially if you live in a rural part of the country or love to have outdoor adventures.

So, if you ever get stuck in snow or mud, don’t panic. Try going forwards and backwards to reach some hard soil and get traction.

What you shouldn’t do is floor it! You’ll only create a deeper ditch and potentially hurt someone. Another thing you can do is put a floor mat, branches, kitty litter or cardboard under your tires to get a better grip.

6. What to keep with you in your car

​You’ll be surprised by how many people don’t know what they have to have with them in the car. You always need your insurance information, license and registration. Additionally, a flashlight, first aid kit and some tools are also a must! 
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Well ladies, I hope these 6 tips will make you a much safer, more independent and overall better driver. So, go out and try these on your car now, so you’ll be completely ready if any of these emergency occurs.

Cheers!
Nicole Syme
​Owner, LMN Auto & Tire