“You’re out of headlight fluid, that’ll be $500.”

The trope of women getting slugged extra fees when taking their car to a mechanic is well-worn, but it doesn’t change the fact that there’s a large amount of truth behind it.

Recently more and more women have headed to social media to share their mechanical horror stories;  Motor Trades Association WA chief Stephen Moir told Gary Adshead there are unfortunate examples, but their opinion is that a good mechanic will always be honest, no matter the gender of the customer.

“Women are 50 per cent of our clientele; if you don’t respect that, then you’re a fool and you won’t be in business for every long,” Mr Moir said.

Press PLAY to hear more about the debate over mechanics and gender