#Women’sMonth: Top tips for women drivers
To women, please don't take this seriously — Some important tips every woman driver should be aware of ...
As we celebrate women this month, Pieter Niemand, Director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) shared some important tips every woman driver should be aware of.
• Storage compartment: It’s a car … not an extension of the wardrobe!
The more weight you’re carrying around, the more fuel you’re using, and therefore, the more it’s going to cost you! Assign one day a week to empty out the contents of your car. Just think, what you save when not wasting petrol you could get you a whole new wardrobe!
• Checking your oil and water levels is definitely one thing that you should not put off!
Basically, if your car runs out of oil, the engine will have no lubrication, seize up and die, leaving you with a car that doesn’t work and a hefty mechanic bill. Checking your oil once a month can prevent this. Make sure the engine has been turned off for at least five minutes, open the bonnet, pull out the dipstick, wipe and replace it. Pull it out again. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it’s not, then it’s time to top up.
• Running the air-con uses more fuel than opening the window
Ever heard the common myth that having your air-con turned on uses more fuel than opening the window? At most speeds, if the car window is open, the coefficient drag is enough to make your car work harder and using more fuel. In fact, it uses about the same amount of fuel as having your air-con turned on.
• Changing tyres or getting a flat
Putting the gear lever into ‘park’ won’t stop the vehicle from moving and falling off the jack, once lifted. If you have passengers on board, ask them to get out, and apply the handbrake as tight as it will go. Switch off the engine. Open the boot and ensure that the spare wheel is at hand before undoing the wheel. The biscuit wheel is an emergency wheel and cannot be used indefinitely. Have the flat repaired immediately.
• Testing the fuel gauge
This may sound silly but the ‘E’ on your petrol gauge does not stand for ‘enough’! If you’re running on reserve, find the nearest petrol station and top up. Not only is it dangerous if you find yourself without fuel, it’s not good for your or your engine.
• Stockings do NOT make a good replacement for a fan belt
Unless you’re driving a 1969 Ford Escort, stockings do NOT make a good replacement for a fan belt. Modern motor vehicles have a serpentine belt that drives all the moving components attached to the engine. Stockings will not be able to drive these components. Make time to understand how the serpentine belt works.
• Clutch riding
Keeping your foot on the clutch while driving will not help you change gears more smoothly. In fact, the thrust bearing is being overworked by constant pressure from the fingers of the pressure plate, which will ruin the thrust bearing and cause premature clutch failure.
• Thinking of driving in heels? Think again …
High heels elevate your foot and distort the ability to measure how much pressure needs to be applied to the clutch and brake pedals. Heels also have a good chance of getting caught in the floor mat. If your heel is wedged under the pedals or stuck on the carpet/ floor mat you might not be able to react swiftly. Consider keeping a comfortable pair of driving shoes in your car and do a quick shoe change before driving.
“Remember to have your vehicle serviced regularly. It’s far more cost effective and less dangerous to maintain your vehicle rather than waiting for a part to break and then replacing it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your vehicle and what is being done during a service. Always use a reputable workshop,” advises Niemand.
