SASKATOON – The ability to drive and maintain a vehicle is an essential part of most people’s independence. Those who can tune up a car might be referred to as a jack of all trades or a handy man.
A new program in Saskatoon ‘know your car’ is helping a group of senior women become Jill’s of all trades.
They aren’t mechanics and have no aspirations to become mechanics.
“I want to know where to put the correct fluids,” said Myrt Ryhorchuk.
The Saskatoon council on aging has partnered with ENS Toyota to teach the basics of vehicle upkeep to a receptive group of seniors.
The curriculum includes topping up oil and fluids. finding the spare tire and following a maintenance schedule.
These are tasks Liz Shendelka’s husband used to take care of. “He passed on 6 years ago,” said Shendelka, “the men looked after the cars and the ladies, they were the cooks and the gardeners.”
At the Ens dealership, the women pulled their vehicles into the shop, popped the hoods and learned maintenance on their own cars.
“For them it might mean a little more” said Bob Forward, the class instructor and service manager at Ens.
“Plus, if they do have a problem with their own vehicle and we discuss that and use it as a demo, it might make a little more sense.”
The women are also learning how to winterize and to beware of some repair shops where the elderly may be taken advantage of, something Forward said he sees all too often.
“There are some people that will sell you more stuff than you actually need.”
The ability to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ is an essential part of a senior’s independence. Gaskets, fuses, spark plugs and other shop terminology aren’t likely to be part of their day to day lingo, but these ladies have built on their special relationships with their vehicles.
“My car is Ruby and I’d like the best for her,” said Shendelka laughing.
Relationships that will hopefully be extended thanks to classes like this one which is a first of its kind in Saskatoon.
The Saskatoon council on aging and Ens say there was a lot of interest and plan to offer the course regularly.
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