Building It Better NI
UNDER THE BONNET - BEGINNER'S CAR MAINTENANCE FOR WOMEN // SAT 20 SEPTEMBER 2025
UNDER THE BONNET - BEGINNER'S CAR MAINTENANCE FOR WOMEN // SAT 20 SEPTEMBER 2025
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This empowering one-day workshop is designed to help women build confidence, independence, and practical know-how when it comes to car care and maintenance. Whether you’ve never opened a bonnet before or you’re just tired of feeling unsure when something goes wrong, this hands-on session will give you the tools — and confidence — to take control.
Led by a skilled female mechanic in a friendly and relaxed environment, this course covers the basics of everyday car maintenance with no jargon, no pressure, and no previous experience required.
What You’ll Learn
Get to Know What’s Under the Bonnet
Learn to identify and understand the main components of your car’s engine bay. We’ll show you what everything is — and what it does — including:
🔹 Engine oil dipstick and cap
🔹 Coolant reservoir
🔹 Brake fluid reservoir
🔹 Battery terminals and safety checks
🔹 Windscreen washer tank
🔹 Air filter and fuse box
You’ll also learn how to spot leaks, top up fluids correctly, and understand what dashboard warning lights might be telling you — so you’re not caught off guard.
Tyre Safety and Maintenance
Tyres are your car’s only contact with the road — so knowing how to check and maintain them is vital. In this section, you’ll learn:
🔹 How to check tyre pressure and inflate using a foot pump or air machine
🔹 How to check for signs of damage or uneven wear
🔹 How to measure tread depth — and understand the legal minimum (1.6mm in the UK)
🔹 Where to find your car’s recommended tyre pressure and size
🔹 How to read tyre markings and load ratings
You’ll also learn when it’s time to replace your tyres and how to look after your spare.
How to Change a Tyre
A flat tyre doesn’t have to mean a breakdown. We’ll guide you through:
🔹 Locating and using the jack and wheel brace
🔹 Loosening wheel nuts safely
🔹 Lifting the car correctly and replacing the wheel
🔹 When to call for help — and what to do if you don’t have a spare
You’ll get the chance to practise in a safe and supportive environment so you can feel confident should you ever need to do it for real.
Fluids & Levels – Keeping Your Car Healthy
Many breakdowns and costly repairs can be avoided with regular checks. You’ll learn how to:
🔹 Check and top up engine oil
🔹 Check and refill coolant (and why it’s important)
🔹 Fill washer fluid and add screenwash concentrate
🔹 Spot the signs of overheating or leaks before they become serious problems
Changing Wiper Blades and Bulbs
Simple but essential – we’ll show you how to:
🔹 Choose the right wiper blade sizes
🔹 Remove and replace blades properly
🔹 Change common car bulbs (headlights, brake lights, indicators)
🔹 Handle bulbs safely and avoid electrical mistakes
Bonus Tips & Real-World Scenarios
We also cover common questions and “what to do if…” situations, like:
🔸 Your car won’t start
🔸 Warning lights come on
🔸 You hear a strange noise
🔸 You break down on the road
Who It’s For
This workshop is for anyone who’s ever felt unsure or nervous about handling car maintenance — no matter your background or skill level. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a new driver, or just want to feel less reliant on others, you’ll leave with real skills, practical knowledge, and the confidence to look after your vehicle.
When: Sat 20th September
Time: 12.30pm- 5.50pm
Cost: £60
