Empowering Women to Take the Wheel: A Hands-On Approach to Car Maintenance

In the parking lot of SoCo Smog Test, a group of women with furrowed brows watch Angie Hernandez demonstrate her command of car basics. Sporting a high ponytail, gray t-shirt, and a well-worn pair of jeans, Hernandez is replacing a tire on a Toyota Camry, easily lifting it out of the wheel well. This is the scene of the Women with Wrenches workshop, a free course that aims to demystify the often male-dominated field of auto repair and upkeep.

Unlocking the Secrets of Car Maintenance, One Workshop at a Time

Shattering the Stereotypes: Women Reclaiming Their Automotive Prowess

The automotive industry has long been perceived as a "boy's club," where women often feel underrepresented and lack the confidence to tackle car-related tasks. However, Angie Hernandez is on a mission to change that narrative. Through her Women with Wrenches workshops, she is empowering women to take control of their vehicles and embrace the joy of hands-on car maintenance.Hernandez's journey into the world of auto repair began at a young age, when her father would fix the family cars. She discovered a passion for the process, finding a sense of empowerment in learning to do it herself. After graduating high school, Hernandez pursued a degree in early education, but eventually left the profession due to low pay. Determined to find her true calling, she enrolled in trade school, obtained her smogging license, and started working in various shops.Undeterred by the challenges of being a young female entrepreneur, Hernandez persevered and opened her own smog shop in Costa Mesa. Recognizing the need for a welcoming and inclusive space, she transformed the shop into a vibrant, plant-filled environment, setting the stage for her Women with Wrenches workshops.

Bridging the Gender Gap: Empowering Women to Become Car-Care Confident

The workshops cover a range of car maintenance basics, from checking fluids and filters to properly using jumper cables and changing tires. Hernandez's hands-on approach and relatable teaching style have resonated with attendees, who often express a lack of confidence in their automotive knowledge.Alexa Barajas, a recent workshop participant, explains her motivation for attending: "I'm not educated enough. I'm like, 'What don't I know about my car?'" This sentiment is echoed by many women who have felt intimidated or underestimated when dealing with mechanics.The gender gap in the automotive industry can lead to a lack of trust, with a 2023 Consumer Affairs survey finding that men were twice as likely as women to say they fully trust their mechanics. Stacey Homs, a workshop attendee, shares her experience of often relying on the men in her life to advocate for her when getting work done on her car, fearing she might be taken advantage of.

Fostering a Safe and Empowering Environment

The Women with Wrenches workshops not only teach practical skills but also provide a safe and supportive space for women to learn and explore their automotive interests. Brandy Chico, another participant, expresses her discomfort in traditional automotive settings, often feeling the need to "hide [her] body" and "look like a man" to avoid unwanted attention or harassment.Hernandez's commitment to creating a welcoming environment extends beyond the workshops. When searching for a property to house her smog shop, she faced challenges as a young female entrepreneur, often being outbid or turned away by landlords who doubted her capabilities.Undeterred, Hernandez persevered and found the perfect spot, transforming it into a vibrant, plant-filled space that reflects her vision of empowering women in the automotive industry. The workshops have since gained a following, with attendees discovering the courses through viral TikTok videos and eagerly requesting similar programs in their own communities.

Driving Change: The Ripple Effect of Empowered Women in Automotive

The impact of the Women with Wrenches workshops extends beyond the immediate participants. By equipping women with the knowledge and confidence to tackle car-related tasks, Hernandez is challenging the traditional gender norms and creating a ripple effect of empowerment.As more women become comfortable with car maintenance, they can share their newfound skills with friends, family, and their broader communities. This not only fosters a sense of self-reliance but also helps to break down the stereotypes that have long plagued the automotive industry.Hernandez's ultimate goal is to inspire women to explore their automotive interests and see the joy and empowerment that can come from understanding and maintaining their vehicles. By creating a safe and supportive environment, she is paving the way for a future where women are equally represented and respected in the world of car care and repair.