DENVER -- A Denver auto repair shop is offering free car maintenance classes geared toward women, many of whom cannot afford to buy new cars in a tough economy.

AAA Colorado said the recession is changing the way people take care of their cars.

“A lot of people are nursing along cars, keeping them repaired as opposed to purchasing new cars,” said AAA Colorado spokeswoman Wave Dreher.

It’s a trend that Downing Street Garage owner Doug Kirchdorfer is seeing regularly. Often, Kirchdorfer’s clients are women who have horror stories about sexism at the auto repair shop.

“Specifically women are called ‘Missy’ and ‘Honey,’ which is definitely a no-no,” Kirchdorfer said.

A recent study out of Canada showed that a full 50 percent of women said they felt they were treated worse than men at the auto repair shop.

Kirchdorfer wants to change that with a series of free classes aimed at familiarizing women and men with their cars so they can save money at the repair shop and decide which services they need immediately, and which can be delayed.

“A minor investment in maintenance or even what would be considered a major repair, many times is more cost-effective, cheaper than going out to buy a new car,” said Kirchdorfer.

Jean Long, who has been a customer at Downing Street Garage for 20 years, said she is thinking of attending the class because it would make her feel empowered.

“Most of us have no idea what’s under the hood,” Long said. “I think it's tremendously important for people not to feel a victim.”

Kirchdorfer said his class covers the basics, like fluid changes, but will also help attendees make important decisions about which services are vital and which can wait.

Kirchdorfer said changing the oil every three months or 3,000 miles, cleaning the air filter and getting a thorough check of your vehicle every six months are necessary.

He said many customers put off battery changes if they have Kirchdorfer, and he said it is also acceptable to delay fixing a small radiator leak, but that each delay poses a risk.

“As long as you're aware of the downside, you can put it off as long as you need to,” said Kirchdorfer. “But there's always a downside.”

Kirchdorfer’s classes are scheduled for April 18 from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and April 22 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at 401 Downing Street in Denver. You can RSVP at 303-777-0142