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A video by TikToker Cess_furniture_254 complaining about her irritating expertise at AutoXpress Kenya, Embakasi Department, has been making rounds on social media. Cess mentioned she had solely taken her automotive for a easy wheel-balancing service, however when she returned, she was informed her automotive key had damaged and the bolts weren’t working. To make issues worse, the mechanics dismissed her considerations just because she was a lady: what does she know?
What’s extra stunning is what number of girls associated to her story. One commented that her mechanic swapped working automotive elements with previous ones, and she or he solely realized a lot later. One other shared how she took her automotive for a easy wash however was informed she wanted to switch her coolant drain plug, one thing her good friend later confirmed was working completely.
Nicely, the truth is that ladies are much less conversant with vehicles than males. A 2014 survey by Insurance coverage.com revealed {that a} third of the 2000 girls who participated claimed they didn’t know find out how to change a tire and test their automotive’s oil degree in comparison with the 6% of the lads who mentioned so. For most ladies, driving the automotive itself appears like sufficient data. However, because the saying goes, the satan is all the time within the particulars. Lack of automotive data, significantly concerning the automotive mechanics, is strictly what makes girls to be weak to dishonest mechanics, which is strictly what occurred to Cess and the ladies within the TikTok feedback
So, what can girls drivers do to guard themselves on the storage? Listed below are 5 good methods to outsmart dishonest mechanics.
1. Do A Fast self-check earlier than Heading to the Storage
We’ve all heard instances of automotive elements being swapped with previous and worn-out ones. That’s the reason earlier than you permit dwelling, take photographs or movies of your automotive elements, particularly tires, battery, engine bay, and fluids. That means, if one thing mysteriously goes “unhealthy” on the storage, you’ll have proof of its earlier situation.
2. Deliver a Pal, a Male One
Regardless of how sexist it might sound, the vehicles are a person’s world. That’s the reason girls who go to storage alone danger harassment. Right here, harassment right here doesn’t essentially imply sexual. It may very well be verbal or mental. Generally, girls danger being dismissed with remarks like “what have you learnt”. That’s the reason it is best to have a male good friend to accompany you to the storage. In the event that they can’t be there bodily, voice or video name them. The underside line is to make sure that the mechanics perceive that you’re not a ‘damsel in misery’ alone with out assist
3. Study the Fundamentals of Automobile Upkeep
By now you realize that studying to drive a automotive is simply surface-level data. Studying the fundamentals is the surest strategy to shield your self. You don’t should be a full-time mechanic, however realizing find out how to test your oil, tire strain, and coolant goes a great distance. It makes you much less more likely to be tricked with “pressing” repairs you don’t really want.
4. All the time Ask for Written Estimates
They are saying written statements are extra legitimate than verbal ones for a cause. Relatively than your mechanic throwing verbal costs vaguely, let him write them down. This manner, they are going to be compelled to interrupt down the prices, a very simple means of catching them in their very own lies. In truth, with a written estimate, it’s simpler so that you can examine with different garages and see if you find yourself being conned.
5. Belief Your Instincts
Instincts are your physique’s strategy to let you know that one thing is off, and it is best to undoubtedly belief them. You higher be protected than sorry. If one thing feels off, be it the analysis, the value, or the perspective, simply stroll away. A real mechanic would by no means strain you into prompt choices. Keep in mind, it’s your automotive and your cash.