If you mechanic is too busy (which is completely understandable) then check out your local community college or a small tech school. Maybe they offer a "beginners" course about automotive technology. You don't want to get into an intense course, but look for something that's made for you. Many schools are now offering programs for women so they can learn basic automotive skills. Keep an eye out for those types of programs and perhaps take the course with a couple other girlfriends. Could be a fun and educational experience.
Basic skills that you CAN learn and might help in emergency situations
- Pumping gas
- Adding windshield wiper fluid
- Changing a tire
- Jumpstarting the battery
- Checking the oil level and adding oil
Knowing those skills and the basic facts about your car is half the battle when it comes to safe winter driving. Armed with those facts and skills, you can be safe in the fact that you aren't completely ignorant about what goes on with your car.
When a winter storm hits, the leading cause of death is accidents related to transportation. Keeping that in mind, it is important to be prepared when you get out on the road. If you are in the midst of a winter storm, do everything possible to avoid traveling. Public transportation is normally your best bet if you have to go out.
If you are planning a long trip over the winter months, keep in mind that anything could happen. Be sure to plan long trips carefully. Unless you are living in an area that never gets bad winter weather, you should make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for the worse. Also be sure you know how to react if stranded or lost on the road.
To make sure you travel the long roads safely, listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. It is always best to travel during daylight, but especially during the winter when dark nights mean colder temperaturs. If you can, take at least one other person along with you. Traveling alone can be dangerous enough, adding the winter problems can make it worse.
Before you leave for a long winter road trip, have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
- Thermostat
- Battery
- Defroster
- Flashing hazard lights
- Wipers and windshield washer fluid
- Ignition system
- Lights
- Exhaust system
- Antifreeze
- Heater
- Brakes
- Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)
