What do you think?
Rate this book
Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership: Uncomplicating Cars for All of Us
A comprehensive guide to car ownership and maintenance intended for anyone—regardless of age, gender or experience.
When did you last pick up a book about cars? Typically written for men, particularly automotive enthusiasts and mechanics, these books rarely appeal to the everyday car owner. Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership is different. Automotive educator, journalist, and social media influencer Chaya M. Milchtein is a queer woman who has spent the last decade deeply entrenched in the automotive industry.
In a country where economic injustices disproportionately impact marginalized people, particularly people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, a reliable car and an excellent relationship with a quality mechanic is vital to climb out of poverty. Chaya understands that a vehicle is an economic necessity that can provide access to career opportunities, financial security, and physical safety. She also understands that queer folks and women often find it daunting to buy a car and, subsequently, deal with the realities of getting it insured and repaired.
In Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership, Chaya speaks to readers of all identities and socio-economic backgrounds, arming them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the intimidating automotive industry. At its core, this book is an accessible and comprehensive guide that will put readers at ease by providing them with basic knowledge about car ownership and maintenance. From buying a car, to getting it insured, finding the perfect mechanic, and dealing with car emergencies, Chaya encourages her audience to make educated decisions regarding their vehicles.
Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership is a must-have—one that will last readers through a lifetime of car ownership.
When did you last pick up a book about cars? Typically written for men, particularly automotive enthusiasts and mechanics, these books rarely appeal to the everyday car owner. Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership is different. Automotive educator, journalist, and social media influencer Chaya M. Milchtein is a queer woman who has spent the last decade deeply entrenched in the automotive industry.
In a country where economic injustices disproportionately impact marginalized people, particularly people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, a reliable car and an excellent relationship with a quality mechanic is vital to climb out of poverty. Chaya understands that a vehicle is an economic necessity that can provide access to career opportunities, financial security, and physical safety. She also understands that queer folks and women often find it daunting to buy a car and, subsequently, deal with the realities of getting it insured and repaired.
In Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership, Chaya speaks to readers of all identities and socio-economic backgrounds, arming them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the intimidating automotive industry. At its core, this book is an accessible and comprehensive guide that will put readers at ease by providing them with basic knowledge about car ownership and maintenance. From buying a car, to getting it insured, finding the perfect mechanic, and dealing with car emergencies, Chaya encourages her audience to make educated decisions regarding their vehicles.
Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership is a must-have—one that will last readers through a lifetime of car ownership.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2024
117 people are currently reading
1439 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 29, 2024
This a great book filled with a lot of practical and easy to understand advice about researching, buying, owning, maintaining, and selling cars. As someone who doesn’t consider themselves super car literate, I found this book (and Chaya’s online car content) to be very accessible and comes across as advice from a close friend who’s looking out for you, isn’t judging your questions or lack of experience, and just wants to help.
Unfortunately, like many women, I’ve been talked down to and made to feel stupid by car guys and mechanics alike, making me dread things like handling car maintenance issues or even the thought of looking for a new car. While there’s a lot of car info available online, it can be hard to even know where to start or who to trust. I love that this book sort of covers it all, never telling you what you SHOULD do, but laying out the different options, helping break them down so you really understand the differences (including the pros and cons of each), along with advice to help you make the best decision for YOU and YOUR needs.
The book’s tone makes tasks that can feel overwhelming (like looking for a new car) less scary and breaks everything down into manageable chunks and topics. It answers questions I’ve been too afraid to ask in the past (or didn’t know I should be asking). The language itself is very welcoming and inclusive - facts and advice interspersed with personal stories/experiences from others also stumbling their way through car ownership and maintenance. It really helps you feel like you’re not the only one still trying to figure all this car stuff out.
While I’m grateful to NetGalley for the advance digital copy, I’ve already pre-ordered my own physical copy from Chaya, as I know this is a book I’m going to be referencing again and again - and it’s going to be way more helpful than my actual car manual.
Unfortunately, like many women, I’ve been talked down to and made to feel stupid by car guys and mechanics alike, making me dread things like handling car maintenance issues or even the thought of looking for a new car. While there’s a lot of car info available online, it can be hard to even know where to start or who to trust. I love that this book sort of covers it all, never telling you what you SHOULD do, but laying out the different options, helping break them down so you really understand the differences (including the pros and cons of each), along with advice to help you make the best decision for YOU and YOUR needs.
The book’s tone makes tasks that can feel overwhelming (like looking for a new car) less scary and breaks everything down into manageable chunks and topics. It answers questions I’ve been too afraid to ask in the past (or didn’t know I should be asking). The language itself is very welcoming and inclusive - facts and advice interspersed with personal stories/experiences from others also stumbling their way through car ownership and maintenance. It really helps you feel like you’re not the only one still trying to figure all this car stuff out.
While I’m grateful to NetGalley for the advance digital copy, I’ve already pre-ordered my own physical copy from Chaya, as I know this is a book I’m going to be referencing again and again - and it’s going to be way more helpful than my actual car manual.
May 11, 2024
This is excellent and simple to understand, quick to read, and a confidence booster. That’s right, I can change my own headlight bulbs and air filters! The advice is practical and no-nonsense, relatable with anecdotes, and also has good facts and figures. I read this ebook through the library, and I’m going to buy it digitally so I can have it in my pocket when I need it.
May 29, 2024
Exceeded my expectations (which were high to start with!). Reccomending this to everyone I know that has/wants a car, especially queer & BIPOC folks! This was a quick read, accessible to me as someone with very little car knowledge and I learned so so SO SO much. I feel 100x more confident in caring for my car, finding a new mechanic, and selling/shopping for a car than I did before.
June 5, 2024
I thought this was a great overview on car ownership! It was simple to understand and would be good to refer back to. I liked that she focused on what marginalized groups go through during the buying process and with car maintenance and gave tips on how to navigate that.
July 18, 2024
7/7. I'm about to be EVANGELICAL about this book. Every car owner who doesn't think of themselves as a "car person" needs to read this!
Chaya struck the exact balance I needed between "I want to be educated and do things myself" and "I'm not a mechanic and I just want someone else to handle it." I finished this book feeling genuinely excited to pop open my hood and get more familiar with my car!
Can't wait to bully every car owner I know into buying a copy <3
Chaya struck the exact balance I needed between "I want to be educated and do things myself" and "I'm not a mechanic and I just want someone else to handle it." I finished this book feeling genuinely excited to pop open my hood and get more familiar with my car!
Can't wait to bully every car owner I know into buying a copy <3
March 1, 2024
Everyone needs this book.
I come from a family of “car people.” My dad and his brothers are mechanics; my brother has worked in parts sales and tire service; I worked at a luxury car dealership during college.
I’ve had the experience of being the only person in a car full of well educated adults who knew how to change the blown tire we just had. I’ve had friends call me for advice when they begin shopping for their first car. This book serves a deep need: accessible, practical, non-judgmental advice about the lifecycle of purchasing, owning, and selling a vehicle.
I’ve already been aggressively recommending this book to everyone I know. I made my brother and dad listen while I read aloud specific passages that so encapsulated everything I wish I had to share with my car-illiterate friends.
I love this book. I love Chaya’s voice, her story, and the way her empathy seeps throughout this book. Everyone needs to read this book.
I come from a family of “car people.” My dad and his brothers are mechanics; my brother has worked in parts sales and tire service; I worked at a luxury car dealership during college.
I’ve had the experience of being the only person in a car full of well educated adults who knew how to change the blown tire we just had. I’ve had friends call me for advice when they begin shopping for their first car. This book serves a deep need: accessible, practical, non-judgmental advice about the lifecycle of purchasing, owning, and selling a vehicle.
I’ve already been aggressively recommending this book to everyone I know. I made my brother and dad listen while I read aloud specific passages that so encapsulated everything I wish I had to share with my car-illiterate friends.
I love this book. I love Chaya’s voice, her story, and the way her empathy seeps throughout this book. Everyone needs to read this book.
June 24, 2024
This was a nice primer for those of us who don't know much about cars. There was a lot of really practical information about navigating dealerships and body shops as a marginalized person, and the author didn't shy away from naming the power dynamics in those places. However, I wish the author would have included more resources and more detailed steps for the how-to sections. It also would have been so much easier for me to understand if it included some illustrations or photos to follow along with the instructions for maintenance services and if the how-to sections were broken down into bullet points. Otherwise, this was generally a helpful book.
June 21, 2025
This is definitely more geared for people who don’t work on their own car or who don’t have the means to. However, as someone who grew up learning to maintain and fix their car I STILL learned a few things.
I particularly learned a lot about all things that are tires, there are two different versions of brakes (I used to lump them together), how to handle an overheating engine, and what exactly the beloved battery light on the dashboard truly means. Also surprised at how much I learned about EVs and Hybrids.
Anyone can learn something new from this book! I’m really glad I gave this a shot.
I particularly learned a lot about all things that are tires, there are two different versions of brakes (I used to lump them together), how to handle an overheating engine, and what exactly the beloved battery light on the dashboard truly means. Also surprised at how much I learned about EVs and Hybrids.
Anyone can learn something new from this book! I’m really glad I gave this a shot.
August 31, 2025
This is such a great book. I initially got it from the library, then once digging in, realized it’s something I could see myself referring back to in years to come (so i bought a copy!). Such a good breakdown of all stages of car ownership, I’d recommend this to anyone looking to become a more empowered and knowledgeable vehicle owner!
January 7, 2025
Own a car or want to? Read this book. I learned so much and am so thankful it exists.
February 6, 2024
Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership: Uncomplicating Cars for All of Us is an accessible and enchanting book about cars. I started another book on the same subject and got stalled by the pacing and large amounts of information being tossed on me.
Chaya M. Milchtein's cadence and insight felt like a well-informed friend giving me the lowdown on what to expect from owning a car. While I've only read the book through once, it's definitely a book you would use as a reference as you for caring for your car. I'd also recommend it, as the author does, while perusing your important owner's manual. This would make for a lovely gift for any new car owner. I'd recommend it to anyone working on getting a better handle on their car and it's maintenance or buying or selling a car.
Thank you Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an ARC.
Chaya M. Milchtein's cadence and insight felt like a well-informed friend giving me the lowdown on what to expect from owning a car. While I've only read the book through once, it's definitely a book you would use as a reference as you for caring for your car. I'd also recommend it, as the author does, while perusing your important owner's manual. This would make for a lovely gift for any new car owner. I'd recommend it to anyone working on getting a better handle on their car and it's maintenance or buying or selling a car.
Thank you Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an ARC.
August 18, 2025
Super informative. Gave me a lot to think about. It would be useful to keep as a reference book for specific situations. Now excuse me while I go read my owner's manual...
March 8, 2025
Does what it says in the tin. If you are a first time car owner and not someone who grew up dreaming of owning one or anything it’s a good read imo. Will save money. If you have to contribute to the auto industry at least do it as cleanly as you can I suppose
October 19, 2025
Thank you Chaya Milchtein for writing this book 🙏 It's the exact comprehensive, lifetime kind of guide I was looking for, and it came out last year, just in time for me now as I take preliminary steps toward the IDEA of owning/driving a car. I learned so much and I won't remember it all, so when it's time, I will definitely need to pick up a physical copy of this book.
I basically live on public transit, so I don't need a car, but still, I'm considering one, inspired by:
- "Vroom Vroom" by Charli XCX on repeat
- the white car on fire in "Gone", also by Charli XCX with Christine and the Queens
- the three Fast and the Furious movies I've seen (and Michelle Rodriguez's badass character)
- the Subaru BRAT that looks like a car/pickup truck hybrid
- the idea of bringing a couple bikes or kayaks to any trail I want
- car camping in the midwest or wherever
- "tailgating"??? if I ever get into football??? it looks like it could be fun
- being able to drive my friends/family in emergency situations or even regular appointments
- being able to help drive in roadtrip situations (wasn't able to, back in 2015)
- being able to rent a car for national park visits
- and I have a gf now who drives and it bothers me that I'm still unable to, like it's "uneven"
- oh yeah, and being able to drive 1.5 hours to a place like Three Oaks, MI to attend a friend's wedding so that I don't have to walk 3 hours to my Airbnb from the nearest Amtrak with my luggage (ZERO rideshares available), only to accept a ride from a Jehovah's Witness with only 37 mins left to walk, and later realizing what a close call that could have been
🚗💨
Chapter 4: Your Owner’s Manual and Emergency Kit / 02:37:11
Mon, Sep 29 | 7:44:22 AM
Rec: besides jump starter, also get a tire inflator to save you the trouble of having to go to a gas station
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:19:07
Sun, Sep 28 | 10:00:40 PM
In one city where catalytic converter theft was so high, the city offered to paint the catalytic converter baby pink so that it would be harder for the part to be sold
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:18:15
Sun, Sep 28 | 9:59:25 PM
You can also install a catalytic converter cage at the mechanics
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:17:50
Sun, Sep 28 | 9:58:43 PM
The most obvious way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to park in a garage if possible
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:15:29
Sun, Sep 28 | 9:56:07 PM
You’ll know that your catalytic converter is stolen as soon as you try to start your car and it will sound very, very loud like a motorcycle
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:14:58
Sun, Sep 28 | 9:55:20 PM
How to prevent catalytic converter theft
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:35:42
Wed, Sep 10 | 10:28:03 PM
Don’t get sucked into upselling of nitrogen in tires. No proven studies on whatever seller is promising. It doesn’t hurt but it’s not worth $$
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:25:23
Wed, Sep 10 | 5:52:06 PM
If there’s one thing to add on, it’s tire and wheel protection
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:23:46
Wed, Sep 10 | 5:50:15 PM
You can hire “the car chick”, a personal car shopper to help with this process
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:18:52
Wed, Sep 10 | 5:44:52 PM
Recommendation: Lemon Squad will come to the car you wanna buy, drive it and inspect it with a full detailed report
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:06:20
Wed, Sep 10 | 5:30:31 PM
The window sticker matters a lot and lists what the car features are.
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:03:17
Tue, Sep 9 | 6:59:45 PM
Do not be afraid to leave a dealership that’s being pushy. You have the power in the situation by coming in with your research.
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:00:53
Tue, Sep 9 | 6:56:43 PM
Avoid sellers who won’t let you take the car to the mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 00:58:37
Tue, Sep 9 | 6:54:07 PM
Avoid sellers who won’t let you test drive the car, since you won’t know what’s wrong with it. Never buy a car sight unseen.
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 00:57:50
Tue, Sep 9 | 6:52:52 PM
NEVER buy a car with a title. Avoid sellers who require a deposit before showing you the car.
Chapter 1: Budgeting, Research, and More to Help You Buy the Right Car / 00:38:17
Sun, Sep 7 | 9:22:35 AM
If you’re set on buying your car online, it’s less risky to go with a new car or one that’s under manufacture’s warranty (usually less than 36k miles and under 3yo)
Chapter 1: Budgeting, Research, and More to Help You Buy the Right Car / 00:37:08
Sun, Sep 7 | 9:04:06 AM
Issues with buying a car online: you can’t test drive the vehicle, you can’t have it inspected, there’s no negotiation, and the return terms are too restrictive.
Chapter 1: Budgeting, Research, and More to Help You Buy the Right Car / 00:34:04
Sun, Sep 7 | 8:59:20 AM
Start your research with Consumer Reports
Chapter 1: Budgeting, Research, and More to Help You Buy the Right Car / 00:31:41
Sun, Sep 7 | 8:56:32 AM
Make a list of what you need and what you want
I basically live on public transit, so I don't need a car, but still, I'm considering one, inspired by:
- "Vroom Vroom" by Charli XCX on repeat
- the white car on fire in "Gone", also by Charli XCX with Christine and the Queens
- the three Fast and the Furious movies I've seen (and Michelle Rodriguez's badass character)
- the Subaru BRAT that looks like a car/pickup truck hybrid
- the idea of bringing a couple bikes or kayaks to any trail I want
- car camping in the midwest or wherever
- "tailgating"??? if I ever get into football??? it looks like it could be fun
- being able to drive my friends/family in emergency situations or even regular appointments
- being able to help drive in roadtrip situations (wasn't able to, back in 2015)
- being able to rent a car for national park visits
- and I have a gf now who drives and it bothers me that I'm still unable to, like it's "uneven"
- oh yeah, and being able to drive 1.5 hours to a place like Three Oaks, MI to attend a friend's wedding so that I don't have to walk 3 hours to my Airbnb from the nearest Amtrak with my luggage (ZERO rideshares available), only to accept a ride from a Jehovah's Witness with only 37 mins left to walk, and later realizing what a close call that could have been
🚗💨
Chapter 4: Your Owner’s Manual and Emergency Kit / 02:37:11
Mon, Sep 29 | 7:44:22 AM
Rec: besides jump starter, also get a tire inflator to save you the trouble of having to go to a gas station
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:19:07
Sun, Sep 28 | 10:00:40 PM
In one city where catalytic converter theft was so high, the city offered to paint the catalytic converter baby pink so that it would be harder for the part to be sold
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:18:15
Sun, Sep 28 | 9:59:25 PM
You can also install a catalytic converter cage at the mechanics
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:17:50
Sun, Sep 28 | 9:58:43 PM
The most obvious way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to park in a garage if possible
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:15:29
Sun, Sep 28 | 9:56:07 PM
You’ll know that your catalytic converter is stolen as soon as you try to start your car and it will sound very, very loud like a motorcycle
Chapter 3: Car Insurance and Extended Warranties / 02:14:58
Sun, Sep 28 | 9:55:20 PM
How to prevent catalytic converter theft
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:35:42
Wed, Sep 10 | 10:28:03 PM
Don’t get sucked into upselling of nitrogen in tires. No proven studies on whatever seller is promising. It doesn’t hurt but it’s not worth $$
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:25:23
Wed, Sep 10 | 5:52:06 PM
If there’s one thing to add on, it’s tire and wheel protection
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:23:46
Wed, Sep 10 | 5:50:15 PM
You can hire “the car chick”, a personal car shopper to help with this process
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:18:52
Wed, Sep 10 | 5:44:52 PM
Recommendation: Lemon Squad will come to the car you wanna buy, drive it and inspect it with a full detailed report
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:06:20
Wed, Sep 10 | 5:30:31 PM
The window sticker matters a lot and lists what the car features are.
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:03:17
Tue, Sep 9 | 6:59:45 PM
Do not be afraid to leave a dealership that’s being pushy. You have the power in the situation by coming in with your research.
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 01:00:53
Tue, Sep 9 | 6:56:43 PM
Avoid sellers who won’t let you take the car to the mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 00:58:37
Tue, Sep 9 | 6:54:07 PM
Avoid sellers who won’t let you test drive the car, since you won’t know what’s wrong with it. Never buy a car sight unseen.
Chapter 2: Buying the Damn Car—the Right Way / 00:57:50
Tue, Sep 9 | 6:52:52 PM
NEVER buy a car with a title. Avoid sellers who require a deposit before showing you the car.
Chapter 1: Budgeting, Research, and More to Help You Buy the Right Car / 00:38:17
Sun, Sep 7 | 9:22:35 AM
If you’re set on buying your car online, it’s less risky to go with a new car or one that’s under manufacture’s warranty (usually less than 36k miles and under 3yo)
Chapter 1: Budgeting, Research, and More to Help You Buy the Right Car / 00:37:08
Sun, Sep 7 | 9:04:06 AM
Issues with buying a car online: you can’t test drive the vehicle, you can’t have it inspected, there’s no negotiation, and the return terms are too restrictive.
Chapter 1: Budgeting, Research, and More to Help You Buy the Right Car / 00:34:04
Sun, Sep 7 | 8:59:20 AM
Start your research with Consumer Reports
Chapter 1: Budgeting, Research, and More to Help You Buy the Right Car / 00:31:41
Sun, Sep 7 | 8:56:32 AM
Make a list of what you need and what you want
July 3, 2025
Incredible, accessible, easy to understand, thoughtfully written and very well put together. Most importantly, not intimidating to those who, like me, know next to nothing about cars. Whoever you are, whatever your background is, whatever level of car knowledge you possess - this book is for you. HIGHLY recommend!!
I bought this book because I'm finally at a place where I can buy myself a car after mine was totaled in an accident two years ago. I'm almost 30, but up until now, my father has been there to guide and make all car decisions for me. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case, and while I have the support of my found family, I'm ultimately making these car decisions alone for the first time ever. I felt so lost with no idea how or where to begin, what to look for, what to avoid, etc. Chaya's videos have NEVER made me feel like I was being talked down to - which is the way a lot of us feel when interacting with car stuff. Crying tears of frustration one night while trying to teach myself, I found that Chaya published this book. I bought it immediately and I'm SO glad I did.
Every question, concern, and 'what if' that had been lingering in my head was answered in these pages. I'm a Queer, disabled woman who has ALWAYS felt at a disadvantage in car-related situations. But this book has equipped me with enough knowledge to feel like I'm on a more level playing field while shopping for a used car. This book is life changing!
I bought this book because I'm finally at a place where I can buy myself a car after mine was totaled in an accident two years ago. I'm almost 30, but up until now, my father has been there to guide and make all car decisions for me. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case, and while I have the support of my found family, I'm ultimately making these car decisions alone for the first time ever. I felt so lost with no idea how or where to begin, what to look for, what to avoid, etc. Chaya's videos have NEVER made me feel like I was being talked down to - which is the way a lot of us feel when interacting with car stuff. Crying tears of frustration one night while trying to teach myself, I found that Chaya published this book. I bought it immediately and I'm SO glad I did.
Every question, concern, and 'what if' that had been lingering in my head was answered in these pages. I'm a Queer, disabled woman who has ALWAYS felt at a disadvantage in car-related situations. But this book has equipped me with enough knowledge to feel like I'm on a more level playing field while shopping for a used car. This book is life changing!
December 24, 2025
Great and accessible introduction to car ownership and maintenance.
If you've ever nodded (un)knowingly when a Jiffy Lube team member shows you your cabin/engine air filter..read this book!
This book will have you confident to start changing your own filters and declining unnecessary services. It's inspired me to read my owners manual.
For someone interested in learning more about negotiation, Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It is a good read.
tldr:
Set calendar/phone reminders on a schedule to help you track maintenance
Document the work to make resale more valuable
Read your owners manual to learn specifics about oil, tires, and milestone services like changing the timing belt.
Things you can check and handle the schedule for yourself:
Filters, wipers, fluids, spare tire condition, tire pressure, oil changes or use them to develop a relationship with an independent shop.
Things you should know the schedule for:
Alignment, tire rotations, 30,60,90k or 100k mile services.
If you've ever nodded (un)knowingly when a Jiffy Lube team member shows you your cabin/engine air filter..read this book!
This book will have you confident to start changing your own filters and declining unnecessary services. It's inspired me to read my owners manual.
For someone interested in learning more about negotiation, Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It is a good read.
tldr:
Set calendar/phone reminders on a schedule to help you track maintenance
Document the work to make resale more valuable
Read your owners manual to learn specifics about oil, tires, and milestone services like changing the timing belt.
Things you can check and handle the schedule for yourself:
Filters, wipers, fluids, spare tire condition, tire pressure, oil changes or use them to develop a relationship with an independent shop.
Things you should know the schedule for:
Alignment, tire rotations, 30,60,90k or 100k mile services.
April 9, 2024
The need-to-knows of car ownership can seem overwhelming. If you already own a car there is routine maintenance and insurance. How much do you need to learn and understand? Then there will come a time when you’ll need to face the possibly exciting, but probably unpleasant, task of buying a vehicle. It’s highly unlikley that you’ll have Chaya Milchtein in person right there to help you out. So get her book, read it, take notes, keep it, review it. This is a reference book and it is excellent.
Milchtein’s explanations have clarity without unneeded detail. She shares resources and tips. She covers whys and why nots. She recognizes that there is a large range of financial situations, which is very refreshing. The amount of information is impressive for a book this size. And it is all very readable. If you think that understanding car stuff is beyond you Chaya Milchtein will prove you wrong and you won't regret it.
I received a digial advanced copy of this book compliments of Little, Brown through NetGalley.
Milchtein’s explanations have clarity without unneeded detail. She shares resources and tips. She covers whys and why nots. She recognizes that there is a large range of financial situations, which is very refreshing. The amount of information is impressive for a book this size. And it is all very readable. If you think that understanding car stuff is beyond you Chaya Milchtein will prove you wrong and you won't regret it.
I received a digial advanced copy of this book compliments of Little, Brown through NetGalley.
January 1, 2025
Everyone who owns / intends to own a car should read this book! 👏 I feel like I should’ve learned this a while ago but didn’t and I even consider myself slightly more knowledgeable than the average woman about cars (I check my oil regularly 😂). So much of the auto industry is male dominated and I appreciate Chaya’s approach to teaching the average car owner and particularly those who are queer and/or women. I am not a car enthusiast like my father but I do want to know enough to take care of my car.
Did I learn everything I need to know about cars? No. Did I learn enough to learn more? Yes.
Will I go read my car manual front to back after reading this? Yes!
“A lot of what I share in this book can feel like common sense, and that’s because it is! You’ve spent your life being told that you don’t know enough about cars to make decisions or to protect yourself, but I disagree.”
Did I learn everything I need to know about cars? No. Did I learn enough to learn more? Yes.
Will I go read my car manual front to back after reading this? Yes!
“A lot of what I share in this book can feel like common sense, and that’s because it is! You’ve spent your life being told that you don’t know enough about cars to make decisions or to protect yourself, but I disagree.”
August 29, 2024
Overall, I thought this book was fine. It contained a lot of common sense written in an accessible way.
Normally, I would have given this book 4 stars, but I took away one because I think it requires a little more editing. In many chapters, there are references to other chapters and sometimes those references are wrong. For example, in Chapter 10 (Dash Lights), in the section on the Oil Pressure Light, it says "....checking the engine oil (see Chapter 10 for how to do this)." This reference to Chapter 10 is wrong because the statement is made IN Chapter 10 and Chapter 10 is about Dash Lights. I don't know how many other references in the book are incorrect (I'm not the editor), but those mistakes should be corrected.
Normally, I would have given this book 4 stars, but I took away one because I think it requires a little more editing. In many chapters, there are references to other chapters and sometimes those references are wrong. For example, in Chapter 10 (Dash Lights), in the section on the Oil Pressure Light, it says "....checking the engine oil (see Chapter 10 for how to do this)." This reference to Chapter 10 is wrong because the statement is made IN Chapter 10 and Chapter 10 is about Dash Lights. I don't know how many other references in the book are incorrect (I'm not the editor), but those mistakes should be corrected.
October 27, 2024
Note to deaf drivers/readers: The author goes into some detail about sounds a car might make (eg, brakes squealing) so you’ll have to find alternatives. Instead of hearing brakes, you might notice the brakes going “soft” or “spongy”—having to push harder to slow the car—which would indicate it’s time to get them checked out/replaced. Paying attention to how the car moves and vibrates (radio off!) will be the go-to. If in doubt, get a [knowledgeable but as unannoying as possible] hearing friend/family to be a passenger once in a while and listen to the car on your behalf to make sure it’s all good.
December 8, 2024
This was a very helpful and easy to read guide to car ownership and maintenance. Chaya takes step by step through owning a car from buying a car, to getting it insured, to finding a mechanic, and dealing with maintenance and energies. This was an extremely helpful guide and even though I knew some of this information from my experience owning a car, I still learned a lot about car ownership. I especially like Chaya’s writing style and how easily they explain everything.
This is just an extremely helpful guide to car ownership and I highly recommend it if you are a new driver or just as a reference guide about cars.
This is just an extremely helpful guide to car ownership and I highly recommend it if you are a new driver or just as a reference guide about cars.
April 4, 2024
Chaya is "spot on" according to a source I know and trust well. Working in the auto industry my entire life, I know a good chunk more about cars than the average person, however, this book is a must-read for anyone and everyone! Turning 16 and getting a license? Get the book. Been in a city with public transportation and are thinking about moving out of the city? Get the book. Been treated like you're less than by a shop in the past? Get the book.
Chaya's endless knowledge, helpfulness, and honesty are priceless.
Chaya's endless knowledge, helpfulness, and honesty are priceless.
May 9, 2024
I devoured this audiobook and I learned so much great information! I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy because it is a great reference book to use as a refresher when you are making big decisions like car buying, finding a good mechanic, choosing the best type of car for your situation, etc. This is the book that every teenager, college student, women, queer/trans person, etc. should be gifted by a loved one. There is so much knowledge and power and compassion in this book! You will not regret reading it!
April 17, 2024
I found this writer thanks to TikTok and I am so glad that I did! She approaches car care in a very comprehensible and layman’s terms sort of way. I know nothing about cars outside of when they stop sounding good and I came out of this book feeling not like a mechanic, but as a more knowledgeable consumer than I did going in. I’m looking forward to understanding what my car guy is talking about when he explains what he is doing to fix my car. Can’t wait to learn even more in book two!
August 10, 2024
This book is a must read! I’ve spent the majority of my life saying “I know nothing about cars” but I feel much more empowered and knowledgeable now. I especially appreciate the author’s intentionality in centering the experiences of women and queer people when it comes to the many facets of car buying and ownership. It was also very easy to read and understand the topics that were once so daunting to me. I still have lots to learn about cars but feel much more confident now.
March 10, 2025
I will probably buy this next time I am at lions tooth because it’s a great reference book, and I want Rob to read it so I won’t be making all the car decisions. But this book inspired me to look through my car manual, check the oil, check (and cough up the money for new) tires, and clean it. Woohoo! Car ownership broken down for the lay person. Plus the author is from Milwaukee and seems cool as heck.
August 4, 2025
An excellent handbook for any driver! I borrowed this from the library but I'll be purchasing my own copy as a reference manual. Chaya explains the ins and outs of car ownership in a very clear, helpful, and empowering way. I have been feeling tremendous anxiety about taking care of my car but now I feel so much more informed and less anxious. I even changed my own cabin air filter this weekend. Thanks Chaya!!
June 19, 2024
Really useful. Easy to read.
My main takeaways:
Read your manual!
Do all your scheduled maintenance - It feels expensive but it’s much cheaper than getting stranded.
There are some basic maintenance things you can do yourself but consider having it done because it’s a low stakes opportunity to establish a comfortable relationship with a mechanic you trust.
Look under the hood regularly, get to know what stuff is supposed to look and sound like so you recognize when there’s a change.
Maintain good tire pressure.
Makes a really good gift for any new drivers in your life.
My main takeaways:
Read your manual!
Do all your scheduled maintenance - It feels expensive but it’s much cheaper than getting stranded.
There are some basic maintenance things you can do yourself but consider having it done because it’s a low stakes opportunity to establish a comfortable relationship with a mechanic you trust.
Look under the hood regularly, get to know what stuff is supposed to look and sound like so you recognize when there’s a change.
Maintain good tire pressure.
Makes a really good gift for any new drivers in your life.
Read
September 4, 2024quick no nonsense read with some info that feels like common sense but is nice to have confirmed
helpful for a few specific cases and in general just sharing the sentiment it is okay to ask questions and you should (when buying a car or at the mechanic) but still a good first dip into basics of what you should know about buying and owning a car
helpful for a few specific cases and in general just sharing the sentiment it is okay to ask questions and you should (when buying a car or at the mechanic) but still a good first dip into basics of what you should know about buying and owning a car
September 28, 2024
After spending $1800 to fix my car last month I accepted I should stop pretending I can ignore knowing more things about car maintenance. This was great, and while it says "femme" I think it's really appropriate for anyone who feels lost going to the mechanic. And I should probably go check my tire pressure now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews