Have you ever wanted to fix your own car? Have you felt you couldn’t ask questions about basic mechanics? Well, this is the 2-day workshop for you! So add these dates into your calendar, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on Saturday 6th November and Saturday 13th November.

This workshop by the trained mechanic, Petra, will guide you through the fundamentals of buying, owning and maintaining a car.

With no prior knowledge or experience necessary, this workshop will demystify car engines and general operation, and introduce the important tricks and tools of the mechanics trade to encourage women to be more proactive in learning about, fixing and maintaining their own cars.

Women often feel there aren’t opportunities to learn about basic mechanics and the workings of cars and this workshop aims to provide a safe, supportive and encouraging environment to empower women to take more control over the things they use and value daily

Over the two days, participants will be guided through a number of practical issues to identify common problems, with solutions that can be applied to most cars, vans and trucks. These are issues that all car owners or prospective drivers will face at some point in their driving life.

While it is preferred that you attend both days, if you are interested in an individual day, please contact Adult Learning at adultlearning@ceres.org.au

Each session combines theory, demonstration and hands-on practice, so participants will leave feeling confident they can troubleshoot potential problems, approach basic car maintenance themselves, cope with emergencies, and be better equipped to deal with the car industry and mechanics.

Participants will be able to ask questions, share experiences, and put their learning into practice in an intimate and supportive women-only environment.

Come join the Women’s Car Club!

Day I: Tools, Basic Car Mechanics and Checks

Car “Talk”

How does an engine work
How does a car “work”?

General Tools and Tools for car maintenance and repair

Tools and Car Parts
Tool Kit for the car (how to help yourself when something goes wrong)

Find, check, adjust and fix

Car Interiors (Seats, Steering wheel, instrument panel, lights, fuse box, car manual)
Under the Bonnet (liquids, battery, wear indicators, …)

Day II: Basic Car Maintenance and Breakdown Tips and Tricks

Car “Talk”

How does an engine work
How does a car “work”?

Assessing a car and car maintenance

Buying and selling cars (what to look for)
How to determine a car is “in good condition”
How to look after a car

Breakdowns

What can go wrong? (flat tyre, brakes, car does not start, engine failures, …)
What should you do when your car breaks down? (replace tyre, jump start, …)

Trainer

Petra Ohrt was born in a small village in Germany and grew up surrounded by mechanically minded and capable men. She learnt to drive tractors from a young age and apprenticed as a mechanic before studying mechanical engineering, coming to live in Australia in 2006. She is passionate about DIY mechanics and loves tinkering with and riding her bicycle and motorbike in her spare time. She also enjoys German books and film, crafting, yoga and furniture restoration.

What you will learn

Demystify car engines and general operation

What you will get

Hands-on learning
Handouts
Confidence in buying and maintaining a car

What to bring

Pen and paper

What to wear

Clothes you don't mind getting dirty

Appropriate for

Those interested in demystify car engines and general operation