For most women, hoses and belts are usually part of discussions focused on clothing. Similarly, batteries are items thought of in terms of a cell phone or child’s toy.
But a recent class at First Baptist Church, Gardendale, “Powder Puff Automotive,” discussed the relation the items have to automobiles. The class was a first for the church and its teacher, Tim Irwin, a member of the church and a mechanic at Darrell’s Tire and Automotive in Gardendale.
Some people can sing and others can greet people. But Irwin, who admits he cannot do either, saw an opportunity to share his talents with the women.
Debbie Scheffler, a member at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Homewood, attended the class. She said the it was definitely a good idea. As a single woman, Scheffler said it is important to learn what to check and how frequently.
Among the advice Irwin shared was using a nickel to measure tire tread, telling them the tire is worn if you can see Jefferson’s head on the coin. He also discussed the importance of checking the oil, brake and radiator fluids on a regular basis.
While she knows where to put the oil, Nelle Bruce, a member at First, Gardendale, took the class to learn other basics of car care. Bruce said new cars are “all Greek to me” because of enclosed parts and newly designed engines.
Jeanne Edwards, who is also a member of First, Gardendale, said she remembers when service stations did more than just pump gas. Now she said people have to tell the repair shops exactly what to do when it comes to servicing an automobile.
For Edwards, a lack of knowledge resulted in an automotive nightmare during a visit to the mall. She shared how her car would not crank, and she had to wait 45 minutes for someone to help.
Another woman offered to loan her jumper cables. but neither knew how to use them. The car started after a man nearby hooked up the cables. Edwards said she took the car to a mechanic the following day, only to learn the problem was corrosion on the battery posts.
Irwin also brought goodies for the women to take home. A tire gauge was a big hit, and some of the women checked their tire pressure before leaving the church’s parking lot.
Among the other tips Irwin shared with the women were:
–If there’s corrosion on a battery, get someone else to clean it.
–When attaching jumper cables to a battery, remember to connect red on red and black on black.
–Leaving interior lights on overnight should not cause your battery to die, but the headlights will kill the battery if left on overnight.
–Use windshield washer fluid; water will freeze and cause damage.
–Do a visual check for feathers or bugs on your radiator; use a hose to clean the radiator grill.
–Rotate and balance tires every 5,000 miles; align tires every 10,000 miles.
–Keep the trunk free of unnecessary items.
–Keep a first-aid kit in the car.
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