Ladies Talk Cars at StarTech
As co-owner of Nohr’s Auto Haus Inc. in Buellton, California, Mary Nohr has made an interesting observation: Most cars that are delivered to the garage for routine maintenance are brought in by women. The former aircraft mechanic decided she wanted to help women understand what to look for in those cars and teach them to perhaps do some of the routine maintenance tasks themselves. To that end, Nohr is working with Mercedes-Benz Club of America’s Director at Large Josie Lesler, chairwoman of the Enthusiasts Committee, to develop a Ladies of Mercedes program that will be available for four national and regional MBCA events next year.
The program, “Let’s Talk Auto,” gives women basic knowledge about their automobiles and how to care for them. According to Nohr, even if women who take the course don’t actually change the fluids or perform other maintenance tasks, they will at least have a better understanding of what is happening when their car is being serviced. This will instill confidence in women, who can now be certain that service shops aren’t taking advantage of them. It’s the seminar’s ability to build confidence that Nohr said is even more important than learning to change a tire or check the fluids.
Nohr offered the seminar for the first time at StarTech 2015 in Ohio. I participated in the program with 15 other women, and we’re all grateful for the new knowledge and confidence it has given us. Seminar participant Monica Cordeau of the Southwest Florida Section said, “I found it very informative and nice to hear tech info from a woman’s perspective, which was much less intimidating for those of us who didn’t grow up in a garage.”
Nohr presented the information in a straightforward, non-condescending way that encouraged participants to ask questions and try some of the things she was teaching. Cordeau was impressed with the presentation. “Mary was pleasant and kept her cool throughout, even when the tent overhead got picked up by the wind and showered her with rain water from the night before,” Cordeau said.
The women enjoyed the hands-on aspect of the program, which helped demystify some aspects of car maintenance. In fact, some wished there were more hands-on stuff.
Learning the proper way to use a tire gauge to ensure tire-pressure readings are correct is important for safety. The knowledge required to change a tire is important: For example, does my car have the right bolts in the trunk for the “donut” space-saver spare? The ones on the wheel might not fit. Changing a tire can be a bit daunting until you learn how to place the jack and inflate the spare.
I’ve only had two flat tires: One was in the parking lot at work when I was single – I had no trouble getting help from some of the guys; the second flat occurred in my driveway recently when I ran over a piece of metal that someone – who shall remain nameless – accidentally dropped in the driveway. He changed the tire. But I can now change it myself if necessary.
Nohr also noted that some cars have no spare and showed us how the Fix-A-Flat and tire inflator often included in the trunk can be used, though she said we were likely better off driving the car to a safe area and calling for roadside service: The car would likely need a new tire.
Attendee Rachel Thorne of Bluegrass Section was also thrilled with the program. “Mary’s seminar eliminated the fear of taking a look under the hood of a Mercedes,” Thorne said. “I have always heard how complicated they are, or how they are over-engineered – whatever that means. … I have depended solely on dealerships to maintain my cars.”
Knowing how to do the simple things – checking the oil and adding more, checking tire pressure and refilling the windshield-washer reservoir – gave us a greater understanding of the cars and the confidence to do these jobs without depending on dealerships or independent mechanics. Nohr offered some useful tips, such as to use only windshield washer fluid in our cars: Adding dish detergent or some other household cleaner can cause havoc on the paint finish and to the washer pump. No, I don’t know that from personal experience, but I gathered Nohr has come across this situation before.
At the end of the all-day seminar, halted mid-day for a delicious lunch break, each participant received a vehicle-information card for the glove box. On the card is information space for the VIN, the correct weight oil and octane rating for gasoline, and other data a service garage might need.
We also filled out a survey to rate the seminar: The only negative feedback was that there weren’t enough hands-on tasks and more time was needed for questions and answers. Those of us from colder climates, including me, wanted more information about cold-weather maintenance. Who knew there’s a different oil weight used for winter and summer driving? The confidence instilled aside, most agreed attending the seminar to learn about their cars was more important than touring the city: All would definitely like to attend another of Nohr’s programs.
“I am no longer afraid to pop the hood and make sure my cars – my babies – are okay,” Thorne said. “I am eager to learn more.”
I know I feel more confident when I look under a hood. I’m no expert, but at least I know where the windshield washer fluid and the oil go. I can identify the tools in the compartment with the spare, know what they’re for and how to use them. I know when to call for a flatbed for my car; my car should never be towed on a hook. And I won’t be afraid to speak up about these things – now that I know them.
I urge all women to attend one of Nohr’s seminars when they have the opportunity: I guarantee it will be worthwhile.