Miss Fix-it class Jan. 16 teaches automobile basics

Ladies, what would you do if you got a flat tire while driving? What if your car started leaking oil?

You might be thinking, “I’d take it to a mechanic” or “I’d have my husband fix it.”

Unfortunately, as military spouses, our husbands leave us at the drop of a hat for months — or years — at a time. And how many times have you left mechanics having no idea of what they’ve told you?

Here at the Fleet & Family Support Center, we want to help you avoid those situations and empower you with the skills you need to perform your own basic auto maintenance with our brand-new workshop called “Miss Fix-It: Auto 411.”

Growing up, my dad performed all the maintenance on our cars. He’d be out in the garage in his coveralls for hours at a time working on things that were sure to leave him dirty and covered in grease.

When I turned 16 and was given the family clunker to drive, my dad insisted that I learn some basic things about cars and how to maintain them before I was allowed to drive.

“You have to take care of the car,” he told me. “It’s not going to take care of itself, and I’m sure not going to take care of it for you when you’re the one who’s driving it.”

With an obvious roll of my eyes, I headed into the garage. A few weeks later, I emerged with auto skills you wouldn’t believe. I felt like I could take on any Ford, Chevy or GM mechanic. I knew how to change a tire, check all my fluids, change a brake light, headlight and turn signal and even change my own oil.

I felt empowered.

Today when I go out on the road, I don’t worry about what I’ll do if I get a flat tire. I don’t have to pay $40 or more for an oil change because I do it myself in my garage for less than half the price. I want you to have the same advantages, empowerment and peace of mind. Wouldn’t you like to take care of those things yourself rather than relying on someone else who will take your time and money? You can! Join us for Miss Fix-It: Auto 411 from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the Port Hueneme FFSC and learn valuable skills that will save you time and money.

For information call 982-5037.

And look for future Miss Fix-It workshops that cover even more auto skills and do-it-yourself fixes in your home.

— Brittany Barton is a Work and Family Life consultant at the Fleet & Family Support Center.