Tulsa's automotive education

For many people, walking into a garage is like walking into a foreign country.<br/><br/>Misty Macal, Car Clinic Student: "I absolutely know nothing about maintenance for cars."<br/><br/>Here, at Cecil

Saturday, March 5th 2005, 6:29 pm

By: News On 6

For many people, walking into a garage is like walking into a foreign country.

Misty Macal, Car Clinic Student: "I absolutely know nothing about maintenance for cars."

Here, at Cecil Tire Center the car-ignorant can find some direction.

Jan Logan: "look, smell, and listen thats what the workshop is about."

Jan Logan teaches folks the basics, so they can help their mechanic identify problems, and make sure no one's taking advantage.

One mom thought its was an important lesson for her almost 16-year-old daughter.

Julie Pennington, Car Clinic Student: "I'm worried about if she breaks down on the highway what to do, how to open a hood... things most women don't know. So I brought her here thinking we both could learn something."

Experts say the best way to take care of your car and make sure you're getting a good deal is simply to ask questions. If a mechanic tells you you need a new air filter ask to see it. You can see the difference between one that's dirty and one that's not.

Another maintenance tip, tire pressure. Logan says you should check your pressure once a month, that way you'll get your money's worth out of your tire and avoid premature wearing. The correct pressure for your car is in the door jam. Your nose will tell you when transmission fluid needs to be changed. And you can feel the wear and tear on rubber parts like belts.

The folks in this class walked away with a lot of knowledge and a little confidence.

Misty Macal: "Oh I learned so much in fact I came to check my belt because you can identify problems by cracks in the belt, my belt looks great by the way."

Julie Pennington: "And I feel better now about her being out on the road and knowing certain things about her car."