When I and other students were doing our driving lessons in the classroom phase in hight school - the instructor insisted we all learn the basics of how a car works - starter, engine, cylinders, carburetor (back then) - just the basic system.

He said, especially for us women, if we can even talk a little bit about what we THINK might be wrong, it can save us from being ripped off...as the mechanic has no idea what ELSE we might know.

If it keeps stalling and needing boosting, you could say something as simple as "I hope the alternator isn't going! That's a pretty penny!"

Say something simple like that as if you say the word every day! I think it might make a difference.

Also - some colleges run mechanic classes for women - even just the bookwork kind. Can't hurt!