Texas Tech's University Parking Services held their semi-annual car clinic Wednesday afternoon in the West Commuter parking lot.
Hundreds of students lined up in their vehicles to receive a free car check-up from Scott's Complete Car Care.
Heather Medley, the University Parking Services' marketing and training coordinator, said Scott's donates their time to the university, usually checking about 300 cars. This year, she noticed the event was busier than ever.
Scott Egert, owner of Scott's Complete Car Care, said he and his crew were happy to help students in vehicle maintenance before they return home for the holidays.
"It's important to fix problems before you leave," he said. "You don't want to break down along the highway on your way."
Egert said the most common vehicle problems he noticed at the event ranged from bad belts to low fluids. He and his maintenance team refilled automotive fluids at no charge and diagnosed any other vehicle problems for later repair.
"We do this two weeks before they leave so they can be sure and get these things fixed," he said.
Egert urged students to take care of existing problems before travel, and said students who did not make it to the car clinic can receive the same services at any of his three Lubbock locations.
Besides vehicle tune-ups, students had an opportunity to brush up on vehicle safety at the event. Elizabeth Massengale, director of Tech's Parent and Family Relations, said the car clinic served as a good opportunity for not only performing vehicle maintenance, but also to get information about staying safe on the road.
"It's especially important now," she said about the approaching holidays. "Some students have never driven home alone, and this is a reminder of some important things."
Massengale urged students to become aware of Road Raiders, a service provided by Parent and Family Relations. Road Raiders supplies students with names and phone numbers of Tech parents across the state. She said the Safe Travel Network list is a valuable resource for students who find themselves stranded or in broken-down vehicles while traveling.
The Student Government Association and Student Health Services provided students at the event with information on the consequences of driving while drowsy.
SGA Senator and sophomore finance major Caitlin Haworth said she will drive home to her hometown in Katy for the holidays, a nine-hour drive from Lubbock.
Considering the average college student gets less that six hours of sleep per night, she said, drowsy driving is common among college-age students. Haworth recommended students not leave town late at night, no matter how badly they want to go home.
"Just get sleep," she said, "and don't try to leave right after your finals."
Student Health Services Health Educator Amanda Eldredge said students who have a long trip home should pay attention to their body's signs that may signal it is time for them to stop and rest.
"Most importantly," she said, "if you have trouble remembering the last few miles, you're putting yourself and others at risk."
Eldredge urged students to avoid short-term drowsiness remedies, such as coffee or Red Bull, and instead hit the road after a solid meal and a full-night's sleep.
"Even if you really want to get home," she said, "just sleep and wait until the next morning."
Be the first to comment on this article!