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Garage runs free car‑maintenance workshops for women

James FellIsle of Man
Hannah Simpson Two women stand smiling in a car garage. They are both wearing red overalls. There is a blue and black car behind them, with two people looking at one of the cars.Hannah Simpson
Gemma (left) and Hannah (right) attended the event together

A car garage is hosting workshops called Garage for Girls, which aim to teach women essential vehicle maintenance skills and build confidence behind the wheel.

Island Tyres & Autocare, based in Douglas, launched the initiative earlier this year and has seen demand grow.

The weekly sessions have attracted 130 attendees and the next three months are fully booked.

The workshops teach participants how to change a tyre, check oil, read tyre treads, test lights and top up essential fluids.

They are free to attend, with all donations going directly to Victim Support Isle of Man.

Hannah Simpson Two women stand with their backs to the camera showing their red overalls with 'Garage for Girls! xxx' written on the backHannah Simpson
The workshops are fully booked for the next three months

For Hannah Simpson, a beautician who grew up in Kent but now lives on the Isle of Man, the workshop was more than a useful evening activity.

"I just don't really have a clue about cars," she said. "My dad always used to help but he's got Alzheimer's now, so when I saw this advertised, I thought: 'That's something I really need'."

Simpson admitted that she arrived feeling unsure, but soon found herself immersed. "I didn't realise how easy changing a tyre actually is," she said.

"I learned how to check all my oils, top up power steering, coolant, everything. I'm quite happy to change a tyre now, definitely."

Davanti Tyres Seven women wearing red overalls stand on a staircase. There is a white wall behind them and a window partition, which shows a reception area through itDavanti Tyres
The workshops teach participants how to change a tyre, check oil, read tyre treads, test lights and top up essential fluids.

The atmosphere also helped. "There were seven of us girls, plus two mechanics, and they gave us all red overalls with 'Garage for Girls' on the back," she said. "I'm a beauty therapist - I never usually wear overalls! We had tea, cake, a goodie bag, and I even got a certificate. I was really proud."

She even believes that the workshop has changed how she now feels walking into a car garage. "I've been ripped off before, badly, and it gave me anxiety about a woman visiting a car garage," she explains.

"But after this, I feel more confident. I actually know a bit now, so I'm not just going to accept something if it doesn't sound right."

Gemma Keig, a 36-year-old project manager, joined Simpson at the workshop and agreed she wanted to be pushed outside of her comfort zone.

"Learning this skill, which will help so many people, is amazing," she said. "For safety reasons, it's so essential to learn. Being a part of a team in the workshop really helped me get out of my comfort zone.

"My husband would benefit from going!"

Hannah Simpson A woman in red overalls is using a jack to lift a black car. It has black tyres and red alloys.Hannah Simpson
Hannah is now comfortable to change a car tyre when needed to

General manager Alex Halsall said the response to the workshops has "exceeded expectations", adding: "There's clearly a real need for practical, confidence‑building workshops like this. We're proud that it's gathered so much interest, and even prouder that it supports a local charity."

Davanti Tyres, which partners on the scheme, provides participants with a "Glovebox Guide" - a step‑by‑step manual for key tasks - along with a 10% discount voucher for future use.

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