February 2009

Women drivers get their nails dirty with car repairs

Millions of female drivers are changing tyres, topping up oil and swapping their windscreen wipers, according to Diva, one of the UK’s leading providers of car insurance for women.

Diva drivers are dispelling the stereotypical image of dipsy female drivers who know nothing about cars, for a more motor savvy hands-on driver.

A survey of 1,300 Diva drivers revealed that day-to-day car maintenance was not a problem for the Divas with 81% regularly checking and topping up their oil and a further 71% happily to refill their tyres to the correct pressure.

When it comes to breakdowns, Diva drivers are not fazed with an impressive 53% knowing how to change a tyre and 12% able to jump-start an engine. Some Divas can even diagnose engine problems with 21% able to recognise an exhaust leak and 18% knowing that spongy breaks indicates air in the braking system.

Rebecca Corbett, Head of Diva car insurance for women said: "It’s about time we abandon the age-old stereotype of women who know nothing about cars. We’ve found that women not only have a lot of knowledge about cars, but are also very hands-on when it comes to minor repairs.

"However, we would only advise people to make repairs if they know exactly what they are doing, as shoddy repairs can be very dangerous."