Those looking to become more mechanically inclined or feel confident and savvy while shopping for a used vehicle may wish to take part in a free workshop this Saturday. Helping Hands is hosting its "Can you teach an old car new tricks?" workshop on Nov. 17 at the Alliance Church from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is recommended for a coffee and doughnut head count, although not required. Volunteers will deliver a workshop that focuses on two elements: what to look for when buying used and what basic maintenance should car owners be mindful of to keep their engine running smoothly without draining their bank accounts. “Single moms, newcomers, students, seniors and anyone interested looking to arm themselves with knowledge on how to make a good decision when buying a used car would find this workshop useful,” said Helping Hands executive director Jackie Shier. Home wrencher Lyle Balmer and licensed mechanic Phil Cote will share tricks and tips to save money, time and build confidence under the hood. Balmer said in 50 years of driving he has owned only one brand new vehicle and would like to share his own knowledge of the do’s and don’ts that could translate to major cost savings – citing statistics that 20 per cent of average after-tax dollars in North American households are spent on transportation and five per cent is spent on vehicle maintenance. “If you understand just a little about how it works ... you’re going to save a lot of money,” said Balmer, who is looking to arm people with a little knowledge that would boost their confidence when taking their wheels to a mechanic, as well as arming them with the tools to help them make a well-informed used purchase decision. To register or learn more, contact 587-580-9448 or [email protected].
