Students who plan to go home for Spring Break were given a chance to check their vehicles for problems at the fourth annual Spring Break Car Care Clinic on Thursday in the C-9 parking lot.
Jo Henderson, education coordinator for Student Health Services, said she was surprised by this year's turnout.
"Last year we had a good turnout, but this year is so much better," Henderson said.
Mechanics from local automotive services checked students' vehicles for problems with tires, fluids, hoses or belts. The clinic was free and available to all students.
Volunteers distributed goody bags to students, and several students won door prizes.
"All the workers were wonderful to help out," Henderson said.
Angela Wright, a freshman pre-pharmacy major from Southlake, won a T-shirt.
"My parents told me about (the clinic), but I saw it on The UD as well," Wright said. "A lot of students don't get their car checked as much as they should, so this car clinic is a great idea because it gives students a reason now to get their car checked."
Texas Tech Traffic and Parking donated a parking sticker to be given away at the clinic.
Catherine Givens, a junior education major from Grand Prairie, won the sticker.
The clinic was scheduled to start at 3 p.m., but Henderson said the event had to start early because cars were showing up early.
"We had no choice but to start early because students were coming fast and lines were going out to the street," Henderson said.
When mechanics found a problem with a vehicle, they would instruct the student to bring it into a shop to get it fixed.
Rich Beard, a senior finance major from Round Rock, said the mechanics found problems with his car.
"I got my car checked out earlier, and they found a few problems with it, so they told me to bring it in or get it checked out soon," Beard said. "This idea gives students a chance to go home safely without any problems if there is nothing wrong with their car."
Kerri Lowton, a sophomore business and Spanish major from Friendswood, was among the volunteers handing out goody bags.
"I am with Impact Tech and my adviser told us that they needed help out here so I came out since I didn't have class," she said. "It's a really good cause and real safe."
Katie Reitman, a sophomore undeclared major from Germany, distributed slips that gave mechanics permission to check the cars.
"Students have to sign this agreement giving the mechanics permission to check their car, and if anything happens in the future, Tech will not be held responsible," Reitman said.
Brian Tigner, a senior marketing major from San Antonio, said he wanted to get his vehicle checked before he left for Spring Break.
"I have 120,000 miles on my vehicle, and getting a car check-up will help me to keep it from a break down and make sure things are OK. I am going to Nacogdoches for Spring Break."
Be the first to comment on this article!