As women, we face our own set of obstacles. Of course, we’ve come a long way since the early years of the women’s rights movement and have become much more independent. But even when the situation is much better now, women still face a lot of frustrations daily, mostly when it comes to driving! That’s why we decided to put together a list of things that only our fellow Malaysian female drivers can understand. Don’t forget ladies! You are not alone in the battle!
Many lady drivers are getting tired of people assuming that you are a bad driver. That’s just a tired old stereotype that every single lady driver is sick of hearing, and it should not be generalized. Not only do they assume that we are a bad driver, but they also assume that when the car breaks down and is in trouble, then it’s automatically our fault because in their opinion “women do not know how to take care of cars and drive carefully”. Hello? Road hazards can be crazy, OK? We can never predict what will happen on the road. Hazards could happen to any gender.
People having these kinds of stereotypes lead female drivers to feel worried every time they’re driving alone at night. Not only that, it also makes them feel paranoid whenever they need to walk to their car alone. It is normal to have scary scenarios popping out of your head as long as you are alert, walk fast and always be prepared to defend yourself. Always grip your car keys tightly to protect yourself from potential attackers. It is advisable to have company to go to your car park as we are all aware that it is very dangerous for girls to walk to their car alone. You can always return the favour by dropping them off in front of their cars!
When it comes to a car breaking down in the middle of nowhere, there is no doubt that most ladies are going to freak out at first before they can start thinking wisely. Luckily there are many services like towing services, tyre services and car battery replacement services now. That’s why it is very important to have some automotive knowledge even though you are a lady. There are no limitations when it comes to knowledge.
As a lady or anyone else, identifying signs that your car battery needs to be changed doesn’t require any specific gender-related knowledge or expertise. It’s a matter of observing your car’s behaviour and paying attention to certain indicators. Here are some common signs that your car battery may need replacement:
- Slow engine cranking – If you notice that the engine cranks slowly when starting the car, or if it takes more effort to start the engine, it could indicate a weak battery.
- Dashboard warning lights – Many modern cars have battery-related warning lights on the dashboard. If you see the battery light illuminated while driving, it’s an indication that the battery may not be charging properly or is losing its charge.
- Dim headlights and interior lights – If your headlights and interior lights appear noticeably dimmer than usual, especially when the engine is idling, it could suggest a failing battery.
- Electrical issues – A weak battery can cause electrical components, such as power windows, radios, or an infotainment system, to malfunction or work erratically.
- Corrosion and bloating – Regularly inspect your battery for any signs of corrosion on the terminals and connections. Additionally, a swollen or bloated battery case indicates that the battery is nearing the end of its life.
- Old age – Car batteries typically last around 3-5 years, depending on usage and environmental factors. If your battery is older than this, it’s more likely to require replacement. You may need to be alert when the last time you changed your car battery.
- Needing frequent jump starts – If you find yourself needing jump starts frequently, it’s a clear sign that your battery is struggling to hold a charge and may need replacement.
- Unusual smells – A damaged or overheating battery may emit a sulphur-like smell, indicating potential internal problems.
If you notice any of these signs, having your car’s battery and charging system inspected by a professional mechanic is a good idea. They can conduct tests to determine the health of your battery and advise you on whether it needs replacement. Regular maintenance and periodic battery checks can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure your car runs smoothly.
In conclusion, once you own a car, no matter what gender you must have basic knowledge regarding automotive so that in future if anything happens to your car, you can utilise the knowledge and be prepared.
