A video by TikToker Cess_furniture_254 complaining about her frustrating experience at AutoXpress Kenya, Embakasi Branch, has been making rounds on social media. Cess said she had only taken her car for a simple wheel-balancing service, but when she returned, she was told her car key had broken and the bolts were not working. To make matters worse, the mechanics dismissed her concerns simply because she was a woman: what does she know?
What’s more shocking is how many women related to her story. One commented that her mechanic swapped working car parts with old ones, and she only realized much later. Another shared how she took her car for a simple wash but was told she needed to replace her coolant drain plug, something her friend later confirmed was working perfectly.
Well, the reality is that women are less conversant with cars than men. A 2014 survey by Insurance.com revealed that a third of the 2000 women who participated claimed they did not know how to change a tire and check their car’s oil level compared to the 6% of the men who said so. For most women, driving the car itself feels like enough knowledge. But, as the saying goes, the devil is always in the details. Lack of car knowledge, particularly regarding the car mechanics, is exactly what makes women to be vulnerable to dishonest mechanics, which is exactly what happened to Cess and the women in the TikTok comments.
So, what can women drivers do to protect themselves at the garage? Here are five smart ways to outsmart dishonest mechanics.
1. Do A Quick self-check before Heading to the Garage
We’ve all heard cases of car parts being swapped with old and worn-out ones. That is why before you leave home, take photos or videos of your car parts, especially tires, battery, engine bay, and fluids. That way, if something mysteriously goes “bad” at the garage, you’ll have proof of its earlier condition.
2. Bring a Friend, a Male One
No matter how sexist it may sound, the cars are a man’s world. That is why women who go to garage alone risk harassment. Here, harassment here does not necessarily mean sexual. It could be verbal or intellectual. In most cases, women risk being brushed off with remarks like “what do you know”. That is why you should have a male friend to accompany you to the garage. If they cannot be there physically, voice or video call them. The bottom line is to ensure that the mechanics understand that you are not a ‘damsel in distress’ alone without support
3. Learn the Basics of Car Maintenance
By now you know that learning to drive a car is just surface-level knowledge. Learning the basics is the surest way to protect yourself. You don’t have to be a full-time mechanic, but knowing how to check your oil, tire pressure, and coolant goes a long way. It makes you less likely to be tricked with “urgent” repairs you don’t actually need.
4. Always Ask for Written Estimates
They say written statements are more valid than verbal ones for a reason. Rather than your mechanic throwing verbal charges vaguely, let him write them down. This way, they will be forced to break down the costs, a very easy way of catching them in their own lies. In fact, with a written estimate, it is easier for you to compare with other garages and notice when you are being conned.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Instincts are your body’s way to tell you that something is off, and you should definitely trust them. You better be safe than sorry. If something feels off, be it the diagnosis, the price, or the attitude, just walk away. A genuine mechanic would never pressure you into instant decisions. Remember, it’s your car and your money.
