On entering the usually male-dominated environment of The Garage workshop it was clear that Van der Walt had made a concerted effort to create a relaxed, feminine atmosphere. The 15 ladies were greeted by a beautifully decorated table, with soft candlelight, beautiful giant proteas and welcoming tea and coffee to boot. "Goodness me, look how clean the workshop is," said one of the attendees.
Mickey Pretorius, The Garage mechanic, soon had the ladies firing questions as he explained what was happening under the hood of their vehicles. From possible faults with the battery, alternator and starter motor to the meaning of any warning lights suddenly appearing.
When the informative theoretical session was done, Pretorius had two ladies drive their cars into the workshop where he demonstrated the correct way of changing a flat tyre, both efficiently and as quickly as possible. "When you are stuck alongside the road you want to get going as quickly as possible," he said.
Many of the ladies were horrified that the wheel-changing tools they had in their vehicles were not suitable for the job at hand.
"From here I am going straight to a spares shop to buy the correct wheel spanner," said Sasha-Lee Wilson, who's wheel spanner kept slipping while she tried to loosen the wheel nuts.
Pretorius concluded the Dare to Repair workshop by showing the ladies where the brake-fluid, water and oil could be topped up in their engines and pointing out key elements of their vehicle engines.
Before leaving, all the ladies enjoyed delicious scones prepared by The Garage staff. "Look after your vehicles ladies, and it will look after you," concluded Van der Walt.
The Garage is planning their next Dare to Repair workshop. Watch the press for details.
Mickey Pretorius, The Garage mechanic, explains to Roza Barnes what her various wheel-changing tools are used for during their Dare to Repair ladies workshop.
The Garage mechanic Mickey Pretorius points out various parts of an engine to the ladies during their Dare to Repair Workshop. From left: Janine Pretorius, Lieschen de Goede and Elen Donson. Photos: Fran Kirsten
The Garage, George, offered 15 ladies the opportunity to learn more about their vehicle on Saturday 20 September during the Dare to Repair workshop.
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