She Drives 3rd Edition: Empowering Women Behind the Wheel
by Mariane Uzuellli – JR Auto Service Gold Coast
Last Saturday morning, our workshop at JR Auto Service Gold Coast looked a little different.
Instead of the usual sound of engines, it was filled with laughter, questions, and the excitement of women ready to learn something new.
We hosted our third edition of She Drives, a hands-on car maintenance workshop designed to help women feel confident behind the wheel and more independent when it comes to taking care of their cars.
The Purpose Behind She Drives
When I created She Drives, my goal was simple: to make women feel empowered and secure around their cars.
Over the years, I’ve seen that many women drive daily but don’t feel comfortable doing even basic checks like topping up fluids, changing a tyre, or identifying what a dashboard light means.
This isn’t about becoming a mechanic. It’s about knowledge, safety, and independence.
Understanding how your car works means you can prevent problems, make informed decisions, and avoid unnecessary stress.
That’s why She Drives exists to share knowledge that builds confidence and helps women take control of their own safety on the road.
A Morning of Learning and Laughter
From the moment everyone arrived, the energy was incredible.
We started with a delicious breakfast, coffee, and lots of conversation. Everyone quickly connected, and what began as a group of curious women soon felt like a circle of friends.
The entire morning was filled with laughter, questions, and that wonderful “I can do this!” feeling that comes from hands-on learning.
Session 1 – The Engine and Its Components
We started with the heart of the car the engine. Participants explored what each main part does and why proper maintenance is so important.
Many said it was their first time seeing what’s really inside the engine bay. With each explanation, curiosity turned into understanding, and confidence.
Session 2 – Under the bonnet
Next, we explored what’s hidden under the bonnet identifying the main parts and learning how to spot potential issues.
Participants discovered how to locate essential components like the battery, air filter, and coolant reservoir, and what early signs of wear or leaks can look like.
By the end, everyone felt more comfortable opening the bonnet and recognising what’s normal and what’s not.
Session 3 – Dashboard Lights
This station was all about those little icons that cause big confusion. We covered the most common warnings oil, battery, engine, ABS, and temperature and what to do when each one appears. Clear, simple steps helped everyone understand what’s urgent and what can wait.
To make it practical, we turned it into a mini challenge: each group received printed icons, their names, and real-world scenarios. Working together, they “built a dashboard,” matching each light to its meaning and situation. It was quick, fun, and memorable.
By the end, participants said they felt calmer and more prepared to respond if a warning light comes on.
Session 4 – Under the car
Time to see what happens underneath! We placed the car on the hoist so everyone could observe the suspension, exhaust, brakes, and protective covers.
Seeing the car from below helped connect everything they had learned earlier and gave a new perspective on how complex and well-built modern vehicles are.
Session 5 – Tyres and Hands – On Practice
We wrapped up with a hands-on session on tyre safety: how to read tyre size, check tread depth, and recognise uneven wear.
Everyone also learned how to measure and set tyre pressure finding the recommended PSI on the door placard, using a pressure gauge, and adjusting when tyres are cold (including the spare).
Finally, we practised a safe tyre change with the jack and wheel brace: where to position the tools, how to tighten the nuts correctly, and what to check before driving off.
By the end, participants felt confident inspecting their tyres and keeping pressures on point.
By dividing the workshop into these five sessions, everyone had the chance to learn step by step, without pressure.
It made the day flow naturally, with plenty of time for questions, practice, and laughs along the way.
👉 Watch the recap and see how it all happened.
The She Drives eBook
To keep the learning going, we launched the She Drives: Basic Mechanics Guide for Women, a free eBook.
It’s a simple, practical guide covering everything from how a car works to how to check fluids, understand dashboard lights, and take care of your tyres and brakes.
Even if you couldn’t attend the workshop, the eBook helps you feel confident doing the basics on your own.
Because knowledge empowers, and taking care of your car is also a way of taking care of yourself.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
We couldn’t have done this without the support of our amazing sponsors, who share the same vision of empowering women through knowledge and confidence.
✨ @improvesurfing – for inspiring balance, focus, and empowerment.
✨ @the.pointsacademy – for encouraging growth, learning, and new challenges.
✨ @febertacco.financas (Fernanda Bertacco) – for reminding us that confidence on the road starts with confidence in life and finances.
Their collaboration and generosity made this edition even more memorable, and we’re so grateful for their continued support.
Want to Join the Next She Drives?
We’re already planning the next edition, and it’s going to be even bigger and better.
If you’d like to join us, add your name to the waiting list and be the first to know when registrations open.
Mariane Uzellli
Founder of She Drives | JR Auto Service Gold Coast
