How should women deal with condescending male motor vehicle mechanics?

I would suggest trying to find out as much about the problem you are having as you can. The more you know, the less they can slip past you. I also hear many women who call in to the NPR radio show "Car Talk" to get info about their cars before they go to the mechanics to avoid getting ripped off.

Learn something about cars so you can talk intelligently and challenge them, if necessary. Of course, the time required for that learning might detract from the time you devote to reading "Us", shopping for the latest "isn't that cuuuuute" pair of shoes, etc.

Just keep trying to find a shop that will treat you right. Make sure your not getting "sweet talked" into unnecessary repairs. You might have to put up with a little attitude for good service.

There are a few mechanics out there who will not be condescending to women, at my shop our mechanics are polite and they will treat you with respect, they will show you exactly what needs to be done and we will not charge you for stuff we have not done for you, if you need to see your old parts we will be happy to show them to you before we send them back to be recycled. 407-601-7796

Do your research about a particular problem with your vehicle. Then stand your ground. Some mechanics think they can get over. But don't let them.

Find a new mechanic. If no good ones are in the area, take a guy or take an automotive class.