Do Women Know Cars?
How much do women know about cars? Do they know much about them at all, past their colorful exterior? Sure, while some women just aren't as interested in cars as men are, that doesn't mean that they're entirely clueless. In fact, women may know a heck of a lot more than you'd think. Don't believe us? Turn to the woman closest to you, and ask if she's familiar with these 20 things.
1. How to Change a Flat Tire
Uh-oh, the tire's flat. What ever should a gal do? Though most men would assume women would be pretty helpless in this situation, plenty of women have, well, probably been in the situation before. Between locating the spare and positioning the jack correctly, they've got this down pat.
2. How to Check Engine Oil
Checking the oil level isn't that complicated, yet men still assume women wouldn't know where the dipstick is and how to read the markings. But most female drivers know all that and more, such as understanding that using the wrong type of oil or neglecting regular changes can lead to costly repair bills.
3. The Difference Between Horsepower and Torque
Women definitely don't know what the heck horsepower and torque are, right? In reality, plenty of female car enthusiasts (and even non-enthusiasts) understand that horsepower describes the rate at which an engine performs work, while torque refers to rotational force. In the words of Elle Woods: "What, like it's hard?"
4. How to Jump-Start a Dead Battery
A dead battery might be an inconvenience, but it's also such a common one that it'd be more difficult to find someone who doesn't know how to jump-start one. And again, you're wrong, men: women do know how to handle this process on their own.
5. How to Drive a Manual Transmission
Yes, because it's definitely only men driving manual transmission cars, right? Really, fellas, is it that surprising to discover that a woman knows how to drive stick? For some, it may have even been their default, and they switched to automatic cars afterwards!
6. What Different Dashboard Warning Lights Mean
Those illuminated symbols aren't Christmas lights to female drivers, contrary to what men may think, and they're not freaking out as soon as they see one, either. Plus, most women know which warnings require immediate attention, and which indicate issues that should be investigated soon.
7. How to Replace Windshield Wipers
Sure, women might rather have others replace them for her, though it's not like they would be deer caught in headlights if they needed to swap out wipers themselves. In fact, many women know how to correctly identify blade sizes and go through the installation process without ever visiting a mechanic!
8. How to Check Tire Pressure
Another thing men underestimate? How much women know about tire maintenance. Since the recommended tire pressure is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver's door, it's not all that hard to gauge this one (pun intended). If they know how to swap out a flat tire, they know this!
9. Front-Wheel, Rear-Wheel, and All-Wheel Drive
"Aren't they all the same?" Most men might assume that's what women would ask when presented with these three choices, but the mechanical differences between front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive aren't that hard to grasp. It's practically in the name!
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10. How to Identify Common Engine Problems
Again, men probably think women freak out at every weird noise, sending most running to the mechanic, but they'd be surprised. That said, diagnosing an engine accurately often requires specialized equipment, so even car-knowledgeable women will rather be safe than sorry.
11. How to Change a Car Battery
Jump-starting the battery isn't a hard task for most women, and yep, not even swapping one out is considered challenging. From being familiar with battery specifications, terminal connections, and the precautions involved, don't worry—the gals have got this.
12. What the Different Engine Sizes Mean
What does a 2.0-liter or 3.5-liter engine actually refer to? Sure, the men might know, but the women? Well, male or female, most automotive enthusiasts understand that these measurements indicate the total swept volume of an engine's cylinders.
13. How to Tell When Brake Pads Need Replacing
Worn brakes are another thing that's pretty easy to tell, despite what outdated stereotypes might suggest. Most drivers, whether male or female, know that squealing or grinding could indicate serious problems! Of course, for those who live on the edge, that doesn't always mean they'll replace them promptly...
14. How to Read Tire Size Numbers
Any woman who's shopped for tires before will be able to explain tire specifications, as confusing as it might be for newbies. After all, understanding the tire's nominal width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter is especially useful when comparing tires for different driving conditions, too.
15. Turbocharged and Naturally Aspirated Engines
Forget the different engine sizes—even some men don't know the difference between turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines! Enthusiasts, though, gals included, understand which use exhaust-driven compressors to force more air into the engine, and which rely on atmospheric pressure.
16. How to Replace an Engine Air Filter
Considering engine air filters are relatively accessible, many owners can replace them themselves, and women are no exception. From locating the filter housing to installing the correct replacement, many female drivers won't break a sweat doing this.
17. How to Negotiate at a Car Dealership
Fellas, your wives don't necessarily need you there at the dealership—they just want you there because you can do the talking for them. Either way, though, don't take their easygoing demeanor lightly; plenty of female buyers do their due diligence before entering a dealership. Some are also familiar with common sales tactics!
18. How to Spot Unnecessary Repairs
Again, women may look easygoing, but try to sell them something they don't need and they can bite. They're also not afraid to argue if they don't recognize some stuff on their bill! Those who understand common repair procedures may be particularly good at identifying unrelated services.
19. How to Perform Basic Fluid Maintenance
Engine oil isn't the only automotive fluid women know how to check or maintain. Many also understand the roles of coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, including the differences between them. They're also not ambitious enough to do everything themselves, as some need specialized servicing!
20. How to Modify and Upgrade a Car
Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions is that women aren't interested in modifying vehicles or learning about aftermarket performance parts. You couldn't be more wrong, though! In reality, female car enthusiasts love, love, love restoration projects, and most even have extensive hands-on experience!
