[It] wasnt a very empowering position, considering Im an engineer, she says.

Im in a male-dominated field, Im smart, but yet I was an auto airhead.

After reaching out to other women, Banks realized she wasnt alone.

A woman mechanic stands in front of her garage.

Women get advice about car buying, basic maintenance, realistic repair costs and finding the right mechanic in Banks’ free monthly workshops. Photos courtesy of Girls Auto Clinic

All too many found themselves in similar situations.

She decided she was going to do something about it for herself and for other women.

So Banks went back to school to learn how to become an automotive technician.

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The shop Girls Auto Clinic is run by women and caters to a female clientele.

Banks is dedicated to changing the face of the automotive industry and empowering women with auto education.

Probably not as good as youd like.

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It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.

But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?

After all, your car is an investment that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Do you want to spend $40 for an oil change or $3,000 for a new engine?

It is based on your owners manual.

An oil change is one of the least expensive auto-related costs youll likely encounter, she says.

So How Much Will This Cost?

The least expensive are tasks like oil changes, getting your tires rotated and replacing your windshield wipers.

Major repairs will be your highest expenses.

And the older your car is, the more likely itll need some major repair work.

I tell women everything on a car will fail.

It will fail eventually.

You have to expect it.

Then start saving up for repairs.

She recommends socking away about $100 a month.

Another important aspect of being a smart car owner is to have a mechanic you trust.

Open communication between technicians and customers is one thing Banks prioritizes at Girls Auto Clinic.

Mechanics … diagnose things by hearing, feeling, seeing and smelling, she says.

So if we can hear, feel, see and smell it, so can you.

We take people out into the shop and we show them what were seeing, she says.

We have them feel what we feel.

Communication is key to helping clients not feel like theyre being taken advantage of, Banks says.

Chain repair shops and dealerships are notorious for upselling, Banks says.

And when her car needs work done, she doesnt have to call a man to help.

Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

This story was originally published in October 2018.

(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)

You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…