Girls Can’t Be Mechanics

Mechanic Girl When our van started making horrible noises on our vacation last year, we pulled off the interstate and into an automotive shop in a small town in Wyoming. My husband went inside to find a mechanic and returned with a young woman, tools in hand, who expertly popped open the hood and began to poke around to see what was wrong. My kids were in the backseat at the time and they both looked up and said “Hey mom – look – it’s a girl mechanic. You should add that one to your shop.” Say no more.

(By the way – I don’t know if it’s polite to call a girl a grease monkey – or a guy for that matter – so please correct me if I’m wrong in using that term.) :D

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44 comments

Nicola

19 years ago Reply

Hey!! I love your website!! I’m only 15 but I know alot about sexism towards girls!! My best friend is an amazing skater chick and lots of people put her down because of it but I know shes great and I want to be a mechanic and am the only girl in my school at senior level taking engineering. The boys give me a hard time alot but I dont care because i know that girls can and I hate it that lots of girls dont respect themselves enough to put on enough clothes to cover their own bodies. Its so sad. More girls need to show the world that we matter and yeah Fanx!!!!!!!!!!
Gema

18 years ago Reply

Wow! i am a girl mechanic and i am always being put down by men saying how i cant do it but i soon prove them wrong! So this is good !

x
- George
  
  10 years ago Reply
  
  Sexism…. honestly I would kill to date a mechanic minded woman. Idk know why guys get put off by a strong women with extremely important skills. However be full warned that this longing might be because I need to do an engine swap on a 2004 ram 1500 quad cab. Fuck cylinder head gaskets.
xoamillion2onex0

18 years ago Reply

Thats what I am planning to do except I want to be a diesel mechanic instead of car. I am very excited to start!:)>-
- Caitlyn Jones
  
  5 years ago Reply
  
  i hope you see this, im starting college in january for diesel mchanics, did you end up going thru with it?
Katherine Anne

18 years ago Reply

I’m an ASE certified technician, and I run circles around the “men”. And for any chick going this direction: you’ll find out the first day the guys are more drama than high school! ;))
Krista Neale

18 years ago Reply

I have always wanted to be a heavy equipment mechanicm, but i feel that guys will constently make fun of me cuzz im a girl, and im just not right for that kind of job, i dont like working with men because of that, but when you love to do something, and you no you are good at it, you have to go for it, even though i no the boys just make fun of you for being a girl, its really because they would look really bad when the girls showed them up on the job!! [-(:d/
A

gretchen

18 years ago Reply

Krista – if you’re really passionate about it, don’t let the opinion of others stop you. Get the training you need and study as much as you can. The more you know and the more you can prove your skills, the less problems you will have. ;)
Katherine Anne

18 years ago Reply

I’ve never seen or heard of guys making fun of the girls they work with. They are always very impressed. I’ve never had a problem with that. They just whine and complain more than you would think.
Katherine Anne

18 years ago Reply

myspace.com/katherinestevens
In fact, I would take working with men over women any day. You can tell a guy he’s stupid to his face and not only will he probably not get mad, he certainly won’t cry and go plot ways to backstab you and talk shiz behind your back. Guys are up-front and direct. Not for every girl. I love that though. So I think if you are a sensitive girly-girl, yeah; you’ll get eaten alive. They call it “guys work” cuz you have to be tough on the inside as well as the outside. I am a girl, and if you came into my shop and cried about everything, I would make fun of you quicker than the guys. You realize once you get comfortable with your job that it doesn’t matter you are a girl. Just leave the gender issue at the door, and the respect should be returned to you.
Krista

18 years ago Reply

If i were a girly girl i dont think i would be interested in that greasy, heavy lifting job, I no what mechanics do and i love it. I just want to know what im in for with the men, because you girls odviously are allready mechanics and work with them now.
Katherine

18 years ago Reply

Add me to myspace if you have it, Krista. I’d like to talk to you more personal. It’s a lot to explain what to expect. But I think the most important thing to remember is to not take anything personal. Guys don’t use their feelings, and won’t want you to at work.
shorty

18 years ago Reply

Hey Krista,

Since I was a kid I have wrenched in all types of garages and even ran one for a couple years. I’m 28 now. I completely agree with what Katherine Anne says!

Get in there and do it! Go for it even if you are afraid. I’ll admit I’ve been pretty nervous walking into those shops the first day!

Most men don’t have a problem working with women as long as they pull thier weight.

Here are some things that I can pass on to you:

1. get good training and learn your stuff. prove yourself by your hard work ethic. show them you are there to fix stuff. Actions not words.

2. dont flirt or flaunt yourself in there. Youre there to work. They’ll lose respect for you very quickly if they get the idea you’re “loose”. Keep your personal life separate- no need for drama!

3. Dont let them get under your skin. All they want is to get a rise out of you half the time. Don’t get flustered and they’ll get bored of it!

4. Dont be afraid to demand respect (calmly) if they cross the line. There are certain things you should not “let roll off your back”.

5. Get in there and get dirty- (i happily put my stilettos on after 5) :)

6. Be teachable. dont run in there like a little miss know-it-all!

7. observe and listen- that’s what i do whenever i enter a new shop! it’ll help you get a good feel for the guys and the culture of the shop. You’ll get a good idea who is good, who’s a jerk, who you can trust, who manipulates, who will help you etc.

Just get in there and have fun! Dont make a mountain out of a mole hill with the whole gender issue.
Hope this helps!
shorty

18 years ago Reply

oh yeah, Gretchen… I’m proud to be a grease monkey there’s nothing wrong with that term! :d
A

gretchen

18 years ago Reply

Cool – thanks for posting, shorty – that was excellent advice!
shorty

18 years ago Reply

You’re welcome, Gretchen! I’m just glad to find a site where I can pass on wisdom and encouragement to other women if they want it. It’s also affirming to hear from other female grease monkeys who are saying the same things. “Girls cant what?” is a great idea!
A

gretchen

18 years ago Reply

Thank you. :)
reghina

18 years ago Reply

:x sweet im a grease monkey all day baby!
Shaun

17 years ago Reply

Does anybody know of an auto shop where more than one girl works there ? maybe a chicks mechanics shop ? somewhere in the USA. Or even a family of women who run an auto repair shop or similar ? I would love to hear from you. Love the comments above
Thanks Shaun
Pete Parker

17 years ago Reply

I am fed up of BS mechanics give. I am not technically/mechanically minded nor do I really want to get dirty lol BUT can anyone direct me to a garage without the BS? Ideally an all female one as I feel that girls give a more complete professional service.

peace.Pete
Amy

17 years ago Reply

Hi im in childcare and im about to set up a mechanics in the dramatic play corner and was wondering if you could give me some stragtiegs of how to include girls and explain to the boys that girls can play and be a mechanic if they wont to.
Ana

17 years ago Reply

Hi Girls:

Greetings from sunny California! There’s no doubt that there are a lot of unsavory characters out there, making the way harder for us all. But I’d like share some positive experiences so as not to discourage our sisters. I am in school – an Automotive program in Los Angeles. 99% male (shocker!). All of the guys I’ve met so far have been amazingly SUPPORTIVE. I’ve actually had guys come up to me in between classes to tell me that they hope I stick it out. That the industry needs more girls out there. And that they think that what I’m doing is really important. My teachers are over the moon to have girls in class too. So stay strong! Eventually you’ll run into the good guys. The ones that will judge you on your merits, nor your gender.
summer louise chapman

17 years ago Reply

hiii yaa im gowin to go collage in september and do mechanics i realy enjoy it im dioin a corse at school nw ui love it and i tthink that a girl or women can do anthing what bthey want mennnn theyt just do nt understan but we get male hair dresses and we could be sexist about that but we are nt x
Cristal

17 years ago Reply

Hey, was going through websites to find scholarships for women that want to be mechanics. I’m 20 years old and want to prove my father wrong. I’ve always loved taking things apart and putting them back together. Now it’s just a few months before I start my training. My mom always told me that I could be somebody, but then I told her I wanted to be a mechanic and she quickly said,” no, no, no I can already picture you under a car, pregnant and working on a car?” WTF? Then to top it all off got a 10 year old cousin that wants to be like me and can’t wait to get her hands dirty. We got to show the world that we got the gutts to do it ladies!
Cristal

17 years ago Reply

wow wrong email lmao
Jessica

16 years ago Reply

I’m a Vacuum Technician (Semi-conductors)and I love my job! I also work around a bunch of guys, but they don’t give me any problems. Well, maybe at first they weren’t used to the idea of a girl technician and I did get a lot of doubt. But now my work has proven its self and I’m the first person they call to get a system back up and running! I agree with you all it is very important to keep the work place as professional as possible, you don’t want the guys to think that your just there for simple eye candy.
Lara

16 years ago Reply

Hi, I think this website is brilliant!
Im 18 and just starting college to do machanics and i have had a fair few amounts of sarcastic comments and werid reactions about it especially from my brothers, dad and boyfriend. Girls can do anything boys can!! I am training to be a machanic because my boyfriend and his mates are all into cars and a few are machanics and dont think i will take it seriously but i will prove them wrong and hopfully be better then them! x
A

gretchen

16 years ago Reply

Thanks ladies! Best of luck in your endeavors. :)
zm

16 years ago Reply

your thinks isnt right we have many mechanic engineer woman in iran
- A
  
  gretchen
  
  16 years ago Reply
  
  My title was sarcasm. We think women can be anything they want to be. :)
Gisele Salas

15 years ago Reply

Hello to all of you making a difference in the male dominated field (diesel technology)
I am a diesel technology student at Santa Ana college.
Iam in it for the love of safe transportation without anything else getting in the way. This is my third year
I am the only girl in the class to this date.I love it.
thanks Gisele Salas
caitlyn

15 years ago Reply

hey
i was just wondering like another comment i saw, is there any place anywhere that there is a garage of girl mechanics or a place with a few girl mechanics in the one place..
Thanks.. also just wondering is there a good salary that comes with the job??I am just wondering cause im young and looking for a good life with a friendly, fun job i’ll love cause they all tell me at school i’ll NEVER find a job i will love to get up to in the morning to. . Thanks so much for the help!!
Maria

15 years ago Reply

I’m currently casting a show about women working in male-dominated professions from Mark Burnett and the creator of “The Biggest Loser”, Mark Koops. If you are a female mechanic (or if you know one), please contact me at mscasting@yahoo.com ASAP. The show is going to be a great one! :-)
Johanna wiethorn

15 years ago Reply

Its so awesome seeing so many girls that work on cars as well. I started working on cars
And motorcyles since I was 15 and LOVED it and from that point I knew I wanted to work on cars for a living. I went to college an took automotive technology and learned a lot from my husband too. Now I am currently work at sears auto center doing just oil changes, tires, batteries, coolant flushes, and alternaters.. its a good start lol. But soon I plan to get ASE certified to become a REAL mechanic :). Its nice knowing that I’m not the only girl that gets picked on by guys bcuz of who I am.. stay strong ladies and remember we can do anything guys can do, if not bettr ;) ( and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise)
britt

15 years ago Reply

I’ve always loved working with my Dad on marine engines, and I’m pretty good at it. However, when I signed up for machine class, I was told to my face that girls can’t join the class “because they lacked the physical and mental fortitude to suceed.” Unfortunately,I was graduating that year and didn’t get a chance to report it because of extenuating reasons. Is there anything I can do now? I’d hate for another girl to go through that.
- A
  
  gretchen
  
  15 years ago Reply
  
  Britt – I wouldn’t hesitate to call your school and explain the situation. There’s no harm in having your voice heard and bringing the situation to the attention of the administration might be the catalyst for change. You have absolutely nothing to lose by doing so.
Tamrah

14 years ago Reply

its not shockin to see girl mechanics anymore! i am one of them! girls are takin intest in male jobs because its fun and exciting unlike sittin at home bein a house wife! i love bein a “grease monkey” and i don’t care what anybody says bout it cause i love cars and love workin on them so any negative comments are just blown off!
Jan

13 years ago Reply

When I was in high school in the 80’s, girls were still not allowed in auto shop. My friends and I were complaining to our advisors about this ridiculous ban on girls. The auto shop instructor and boys wanted us there, but the advisors were hesitate , both female!!! I asked one of them why and here’s the answer ” Women in general don’t have mechanical ability. So why do you want to embarrass yourself in front of boys” She told me she had to go to lunch that day, so I left her office. I tried to make another appointment with her, but she didn’t want to see me. I got another advisor but it was to no avail. The other advisor at least saw no reason why women can’t be mechanics, but she too wanted to keep me on a tight boring schedule. When girls wanted to take math, there was also this attitude that if a girl took a boys place in math class, it would be a waste of space. This was a small Christian High School. Yes, it was low on resources , small classes and low on funds, but there was discrimination against girls. Now being out of school and working as a riding instructor and retail worker, I always felt the school’s obsession with traditional gender roles was behind this. Yes, they only had so many resources and not much money, but still no reason for the sexism. This experience also got me questioning religion and traditional female roles. I don’t think God cares what your profession is , as long as you’re an honest person. I’m more of a spiritual person , than religious, because of deeply held biases.
Cynthia

11 years ago Reply

I am 14 and I am growing into liking cars, and knowing how to fix one. I recently told my dad and he laughed at me for that, my mom asked me to pick something else.. They want me to be a Nurse or a Orthodontist.. But I want to be a mechanic and I want to ask someone if I should prove them wrong because, my dad won’t support me. He only supports my sister because she is studying to become a nurse and that is what he wants. What should I do? My question for him is why can’t girls be mechanics? Why is that wrong?
- Donna
  
  9 years ago Reply
  
  It’s not wrong :) Just a stereotype. There are less women with a personality that takes interest in Mechanics and more women with the personality for a nurse so people jump to the conclusion that all women are not capable and that it is not the traditional job for a woman. If you have ever took a personality test you would understand why and that more women mechanics or realistic jobs might never be equal in ratio, but we can work on changing the thought that women aren’t capable by becoming one. Your mind won’t rest until you do what you love. As one lady said on here in the 80’s her school wouldnt allow her in the class, things are changing.
Elizabeth

9 years ago Reply

Hello, I’m 16 years old, and me too I’m the only one girl in my school that wants to be mechanic, I have been told that this is a job only for man’s but that’s not true, don’t give up
Sara

9 years ago Reply

I don’t think anyone should go into any profession just to prove somebody else wrong. If you love it, go for it. Otherwise find something you are passionate about.
Saffron

8 years ago Reply

I want to BE mechanic, I’m 16 where do I start?
GIrl mechanics are badass btw, and I would love to know how to work on cars and fix problems like that! obviously, I know nothing but the basics about cars, like they have four wheels…….and they need petrol..but I want to know how to fix problems under the hood! Does anybody know where I can start learning? even just at home on an old car we have? love some help! :)

thanks!!
- Jay
  
  7 years ago Reply
  
  I always wanted I job I will like! It take time and learning a lot but u can do it. Do not let anybody let u tink u can not do it because u are girl. Im am HVAC technician comercial servive on air conditioning company and I really happy with my job and Im the only girl working as a comercial service in the hvac company. Do what make u happy!