While Cars for Girls is a great resource, don’t be afraid to supplement information you find here with various other forms of automotive guides and resources which are available at your local library, your local bookstore or at your local community college.

If you want to get down and dirty in your garage, printing out some articles found on Cars for Girls is a great first step, especially for the basics like checking your oil, replacing wiper blades, changing the air filter or even installing a car battery. 

If you’d like to plunge into deeper (and dirtier) territory like learning how to restore an old Ford Fairlane or how to build a kit car, you’re going to need much more instruction than what I can give here, but don’t despair  – there are other ways to learn the major components of auto restoration and major car repairs.
Chilton is a great reference resource for auto mechanics both old and new, from novice to professional.  They provide Do-It-Yourself auto maintenance manuals for almost every single automobile ever manufactured.  You can find Chilton’s manuals at your local library or purchase them at your local bookstore, order them online or find them at Amazon.  Another great DIY resource is Haynes automotive repair manuals, also available at your local library, book store, online or through Amazon.

If you prefer the hands on approach, consider enrolling in an automotive class at your local community college.  Most community colleges offer classes on engine repair, electrical systems such as wiring, batteries and ignitions, fuel injection systems, power trains and transmissions, troubleshooting problems and general service repair. 

Something else to consider are automotive classes specially designed for women. If you’re lucky enough to have these in your area, they’re definitely something to look into. The classes usually include instruction about how the engine, transmission and brakes operate, how to check fluids and how to understand car lingo. If these classes are not offered in your area, why not call a local dealership, speak to the general manager and ask if they would consider sponsoring this type of one day or weekend class. These classes can provide an opportunity to learn from women who are expert professionals in their field and allow you to meet other women who share a love of cars just like you!

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