Swapping lipsticks for dipsticks

Nottingham based BSI Kitemark certified garage Jim Steel Garage Services runs a popular Ladies Night inviting women into the garage to observe and learn how to carry out simple maintenance and repairs on their cars.

The Ladies Night concept began three years ago and the workshops have proved incredibly popular during the summer months. Kevin Steel, the owner, along with a mechanic runs the workshop between 7-9pm, groups are kept small between 6-8 people to ensure attention to detail.

The workshops teach women how to check the oil, water and washers in the car as well as the tyres, including how to change one. Women are also advised on what they should carry with them in the boot of their vehicle for example a spare tyre, jack, tools etc.

Kevin is thrilled with the success and feedback of the concept: Overall our garage offers the reassurance to all customers that we meet high standards with the BSI Kitemark certification. The Ladies Nights sessions have proved very popular and we are proud to be doing something to empower women with information about their vehicle and make them less fearful of entering garages.

When women take their car in for a service, they should have an idea of what needs doing before the mechanic starts and if they tell you that you need two new tyres, you should question it. In addition, checking the oil regularly could save damage to an engine which could cost a fortune. And knowing how to change a tyre where breakdown services couldn't get to you in time could get you out of a potentially dangerous or vulnerable situation.

Sessions are free to attend and the next one is spring 2009, please contact Kevin on 0115 922 7805 or e-mail kevinsteel1@aol.com.