On Saturday 11th July, 10 apprehensive ladies arrived on an overcast morning in a small private car park in Beckenham.
Objectives were, understanding how your car works, changing a wheel, legal requirements, safe practices and money saving tips. As the instructor, I explained that in addition to the objectives it would be good to have some fun!
Each lady quickly began to fire questions that were both diverse and intelligent and by the time we got to the practicalities of changing a wheel, apprehension gave way to enthusiasm and much laughter!
Generally cars tend to be our second most expensive purchase and all the ladies agreed they now have grasped the basics of how they work and how to look after them in the first instance.
At the end of the course the group took a short knowledge quiz. All found they had gained new insight and confidence. Everyone went away with a small gift bag which was car related. Our star pupil, Karen Witter, surprised herself by coming top of the class. She was very happy with her prize bag of a JustMeChanics T-shirt, spanner and screwdriver sets, tyre pressure gauge, car wash and other goodies. At least the workshop has now encouraged her to buy an owner's manual for her neglected Renault Clio!
In the next workshop there will be more of the same, hopefully we might even have one or two men enrolled!!
Overall the course was informative and enjoyable and that was for me, the instructor. The ladies left, not quite mechanics, but very confident to deal with them in future. So if you want to learn more about your car, in a relaxed, fun environment, sign up soon to guarantee your place.
Clive McDonald is a fully qualified City & Guilds Motor Mechanic.This note is just to say thank you. At the beginning of the course Clive said it was going to be a learning opportunity and fun. The car maintenance course on Saturday was both. Fulfilled by both Clive's knowledge, teaching skills and his ability to both joke with the participants but at the same time keep us on track. His repeated reference to the importance of reading the car manual reinforced by practical examples of how it would help us to ensure that, irrespective of whether I personally undertake the work or get someone else to do it, our knowledge of the working of our car can both save us money and prevent damage to both our car and those that drive in it will always stay with me. I have driven for the past 35 years and, without pride, I would admit I had never read the manual, checked underneath my bonnet or paid any more than a fleeting acknowledgement of the warning lights. In fact I have always just taken the car to the professional and left it in their hands. I have just driven and paid no attention to how my driving bad habits can damage my car and put at risk my safety. I know appreciate that the car is my responsibility and not the garage's. I have to take responsibility and I have the basic knowledge to ensure, as far as possible that the garage does their job. Thank you. Dee
Wow! Not often do you go on a course and come away thinking: I'd have paid more for that!! I've learnt so much on this very practical course, and consequently when I do finally get my own little vroom vroom, I'll know exactly what I'm doing, I'll even be able to change my own tyres, imagine! (Although I must confess, if I've got my pretty shoes and frock on, I'll be playing the damsel in distress!!). My new found knowledge is thanks to the relaxed down to earth teaching style of Clive, as an ex-mechanic he is very knowledgeable and taught us some important tips! I'd definitely encourage both women and men to attend, so don't delay, when the next course comes round, be the first to sign up! Thank you one again for an enjoyable course! Beep Beep!! Chantelle
Thoroughly enjoyed the JustMeChanics course I attended on Saturday 11th July. The course far exceeded my expectations and I was really glad I came. It's amazing how many of us are breaking the law simply because of lack of knowledge of how to check tyres etc. and after receiving the teaching I've realised just how simple and basic check is. I learned some tips that will save me money if I apply them (which I obviously will). Thank you so much my eyes have been enlightened and I've been set free from the bondage of ignorance regarding what's what under the bonnet of my car. Please tell our excellent trainer, I will definitely purchase a manual as recommended. How I've managed thus far beggars belief. Well done! Karen
Thanks so much for organising the course on Saturday. Clive was so, patient with everyone - and took the time to explain the same thing more than once which made you remember what had been said. There are so MANY women driving around out there with kids and family members in their cars but don't know anything about the car. I learned so much, and picked up valuable tips. I have been telling anyone that cares to listen how great the course was. Every driving woman should go on this course!! Johanna
The session on Saturday was time spent. This course is something that is needed by women and from the sound of it some men as well! Some of the things discussed are so basic but if you have not got the knowledge then you will continue acting in ignorance and ending up having to fork out for something that could be avoided or at least minimised. Some things that were taught to us were vaguely familiar with and other things were a big revelation to me, for instance, I am in the habit of turning the key and driving off the next second as I am putting on my seatbelt whilst moving. Now I am endeavouring to get in the car, start and whilst the engine is going I am putting on my seat belt and consciously giving the engine more seconds to warm up and do what it needs to do before moving off. Thanks once again for a good day. Elaine
Thank you for the Women's Basic Mechanics Workshop. It was clearly presented and very humorous. Clive has great understanding of women, he even challenged us to understand how to change a tyre. Even though I have no intention of ever changing one myself; I might have to instruct a passing gentleman in how to do it correctly!! I learned how to burn calories whilst looking after my car myself. I also learned how to save lots of money which means there will be more to spend on shoes …. I look forward to the next one. Janet