More than 40 per cent of the women entering the market place purchase a vehicle is likely to be shopping for a new car, according to a 1998 report by Des Rosiers Automotive Consultants.  This means that 60 per cent of women in the market will be buying a used car.  The same report indicates they will likely have it for 6.8 years.  More and more households are run by single women, therefore women are responsible for vehicle maintenance in a growing number of families.  Historically, women have reported they were treated "differently" than males by repair facilities, but that is different now.

Attitudes in repair facilities are changing, as more and more facilities recognize that a large part of their customer base is female.  They're realizing their female customers should be treated with the respect they give to their male customers.

Surveys show that women enjoy the safety and security of having a well-maintained vehicle, but dislike having limited knowledge.  So how can women learn more about their vehicles, practice good safety measures, and even save money?  The can answer this question by following these simple tips.

1. A properly maintained vehicle is less likely to break down and it costs less in the long run.  The average annual cost for vehicle repair in Canada is around $777.  Of course you should take into consideration that the older your car, the more annual cost of maintenance will be.

2. Ensure that all the safety features on your car are properly maintained and in proper working order.  One area to focus on is the brakes, tires, and shocks.  These all work together, so if any one of these key components is not working in top condition, stopping distances can increase dramatically and driver control can be seriously diminished.

3. If your vehicle breaks down, you should pull off the road as far as you can and put your hazard lights on.  You should also put up your "Call Police" sign that your emergency kit should include.  Also remember, be careful when looking under the hood while trying to asses a problem since engine parts can be very hot and cause severe burns.

4. Check your wiper blades to make sure that they are wiping clean and you can see where you are going and what is happening in front of you.

5. Check all your lights and make sure that they are functioning properly, i.e.:  brake lights, signal lights, and headlights.  If other drivers can anticipate your next move by seeing your brake lights and turn signals, they can react appropriately.

Here at Buehler Automotive, we welcome all drivers.  If you have any automotive questions or problems, we'll do our best to explain to you what is happening to your vehicle, or explain the benefits of practicing preventative maintenance for your car.