‘Girl’ mechanics are doing it for themselves

IDON’T remember ever meeting a female motor mechanic. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever met a female car salesperson either. This is a bit strange when you come to think of it, because more than half the cars on the road are driven by women these days, and figures released in America recently show that more than half the new car purchases are made by, or influenced by, women.

What’s more, most women apparently feel those males in the motor industry regard them with a slightly patronising eye. “Poor little airhead lady, just leave it to me. You don’t understand why your car needs a service.”

Well, one American woman is steadily changing that. Patrice Banks was so irritated by her automotive experiences that she decided to change the whole car scene. She admits she used to be an “auto airhead” who actually disliked her car, and certainly feared having to face mechanics when it needed servicing, so she enrolled for a university degree course in materials engineering and followed this with a course in automotive engineering.

Then she obtained funding for an all-female automotive business she has called Girls Auto Clinic, aimed specifically at making women enjoy their motoring experience.

She has trained skilled mechanics and runs regular courses for women drivers so they understand their cars better and are able to diagnose faults and know when they need servicing.

All the staff at Girls Auto Clinic – clerical as well as mechanical – are women.

To make motoring even more women-friendly there’s a salon attached to the auto clinic providing beauty treatments, manicures and pedicures while customers wait for their vehicles, and a safe play area for their children.

Patrice has been named Entrepreneur of the Year and has won several other business awards. Needless to say, her business is thriving.

What amazes me is why all this has taken so long. I find it hard to believe that so many women have simply allowed themselves for so long to be regarded as incompetent concerning their cars. There are plenty of female doctors, lawyers, architects and civil engineers, all competing successfully in areas once the exclusive domain of males. Why not mechanics?

It seems to me there’s a huge opportunity in South Africa for enterprising women to follow Patrice’s example and fill a serious gap in the automotive world. If you’re one of those women, you might like to look up the Girls Auto Clinic website.

Last Laugh

Sam met his pal, Billy, in the mall. “Hey Billy, long time no see. What’s up?” Billy replied quietly that he was okay, thanks. “What’s the matter?” asked Sam. “You look a bit sad.”

“Well yes, three weeks ago an uncle of mine died and left me R50 000.” “Oh, sorry to hear of your uncle’s death.” “Thanks. But two weeks ago a distant cousin passed away and left me R100 000.” “Gosh, that’s amazing!” “Yes, last week an uncle in America died and left me a million dollars.”

“Well, congratulations, Billy, but why are you looking so downhearted?”

“This week,” said Billy, “nothing.”