Captivated by cars

Knowing the basics of car maintenance is something Courtney Nicholson sees as essential to daily life and personal safety.

In between her studies training to be a social worker, Courtney is a helping hand and smiling face at Supercheap Auto Blenheim. She understands first-hand the benefits of knowing about vehicle upkeep - despite maintaining she is still a novice.

“There’s been a lot of learning on the go at Supercheap Auto – my parents taught me the basics but I’m constantly learning from staff, customers and my partner who is a complete car nut. The staff discount doesn’t hurt either!”

“The importance and benefits of basic vehicle knowledge is huge. Easy lessons like topping up oil and coolant and changing your wipers ensures your car runs better for longer and saves plenty of money in the long run”.

After moving back to Blenheim in 2018, Courtney wanted a job where people skills were a daily occurrence and has found the Marlborough car community to be inviting, helpful and plenty of fun.

“The study and job translate to each other a lot more than you’d expect – having chats with people that are passionate about their topic of choice really helps build people skills and allows you to relate to them on something they love which social work is all about”.

“I love the conversations I get to have with people about their vehicles. The Blenheim car community is incredibly genuine, nice and always willing to help”.

Working with a wide variety of vehicles, expert mechanics and helping with the issues people come to her with, Courtney is consistently growing her knowledge and confidence.

“One of my former managers is a car wizard and took the time to teach me the ropes around the diagnostic tool and next level work like changing batteries, and I’m incredibly grateful for that”.

“My job got me into cars full time but as a kid I’d watch V8 Supercars with dad and hold the flashlight as he worked on his 70’s Falcon.

“The knowledge I’ve gained has created a great hobby for me and my partner to enjoy together, and I’ve become a call out mechanic for friends and family because they’re not afraid to ask me dumb questions”.

“I’ll keep tinkering away on cars in my spare time despite being a relative novice, but in my mihimihi cars are generally my first hobby that I mention.”

Courtney gets to assist drivers on some of the nicest vehicles Marlborough has to offer, but has a standout favourite.

“We always get Skyline’s and Cefiro’s but their drivers generally know what they’re doing, but a standout I’ve helped with is an old school baby blue Corolla – it was just stunning and so well looked after”.

Having seen everything over the last few years at in her role, Courtney has a few tips are relevant to all motorists.

“Be aware of your fluid levels before long trips, get it checked if you’re concerned and if you’re unsure be willing to ask even if it is just videos on Google. It’s all about ensuring the car you’re driving is safe, but having the backing of AA or an emergency assistance scheme is incredibly worthwhile.

“The local car community all help each other grow and learn - seeing that social side of the community as part of work daily is fantastic to see.”