13 November ICC automotive technology instructor offers winterization tips November 13, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 It’s been a long hot summer that has extended into fall. With cooler temperatures in the forecast, it’s time to winterize our vehicles before the thermometer plummets and stays. According to Itawamba Community College’s Automotive Technology program director Brad Crowder, it’s best to have your car serviced by a professional for winter conditions. That means to have its battery and coolant tested, inspect the brakes and check belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables. “Battery power decreases as the temperature drops, meaning that it takes more power to start your car in the winter,” Crowder said. As far as coolant, the recommended ratio is between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water. “Ask your technician what antifreeze should be used for your vehicle and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to prevent against corrosion and potential freezing.” Additional vital steps to take in winterization include inspecting your tires, changing the oil and wiper blades, keeping the washer fluid full and the gas tank at least half full, the front and rear window defrosters in working order and packing a winter safety kit, Crowder said. “Inspect the tread depth of your tires,” Crowder advised. “To determine whether there is enough tread on your vehicle, insert a penny into one of the grooves between the treads. Lincoln’s head needs to be facing you, and his head should be upside down. Do this in 10-15 areas of the tire. If you see all of Lincoln’s head, the tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, meaning the tire is worn down and you must replace your tires. Checking the tire pressure could warn of a severely deflated tire that could result in a blowout, leaving you stranded on the highway for hours in the bitter cold.” Crowder said that lighter weight oil is important to start an engine in cold weather as is a strong battery. “Check the owner’s manual to determine the proper engine oil weight.” He advised that wiper blades should be changed if they look dry and brittle or leave streaks of liquid on the windshield. “Check the windshield fluid tank frequently,” Crowder cautioned. “Make sure the liquid selected will not freeze when the temperature hits zero or minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Carry a gallon of windshield fluid so you can quickly refill the container under the hood.” Little things like keeping gas in the tank and ensuring that window defrosters are in working order should be a priority as well. “A full tank could be the only thing that keeps you warm until help arrives if you’re ever stranded. And being unable to see forward and behind could create unsafe driving conditions.” Crowder said that a winter safety kit could include matches or a lighter, first aid kit, flares, flashlight/batteries, ice scraper, nonperishable food/beverages, warm clothing and/or blankets, jumper cables, extra washer fluid/antifreeze, some basic hand tools and your cell phone and charger. “It’s important to know what to do before you are in an emergency in case you ever get stuck,” Crowder emphasized. “However, if you’re stuck, don’t leave your car for risk of losing it; don’t run your car for long periods of time to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and put your dome lights on to attract attention.” ICC’s Automotive Technology program prepares individuals to engage in the servicing and maintenance of all types of automobiles. Upon completion of the two-year curriculum, students are awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree, but those who successfully finish 30 hours in the discipline will receive a career certificate. Related Articles Time to winterize your vehicle...ICC's Automotive Technology program director shares how With a small taste of winter last week but rebounding temperatures, it’s time to winterize our vehicles before the thermometer plummets again. According to Itawamba Community College’s Automotive Technology program director Brad Crowder, it’s best to have your car serviced by a professional for winter conditions. That means to have its battery and coolant tested, inspect the brakes and check belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables. “Battery power decreases as the temperature drops, meaning that it takes more power to start your car in the winter,” Crowder said. As far as coolant, the recommended ratio is between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water. “Ask your technician what antifreeze should be used for your vehicle and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to prevent against corrosion and potential freezing.” Additional vital steps to take in winterization include inspecting your tires, changing the oil and wiper blades, keeping the washer fluid full and the gas tank at least half full, the front and rear window defrosters in working order and packing a winter safety ... ICC's Dayton Hipps recipient of Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association scholarship Itawamba Community College industrial maintenance major Dayton Hipps of Smithville is one of 14 recipients of the Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association scholarship for 2024-25. According to the announcement, MAMA awarded the scholarships to community college and university students interested in pursuing a career in the automotive manufacturing industry. “MAMA has supported the growth of a strong workforce essential to the health of all industries in the state since its inception in 2006. This year’s scholarships were awarded to technical and engineering-related majors as well as nontraditional majors that can be applied within the automotive industry.” “After speaking with a life coach right after my first year at Itawamba Community College, I finally realized what I enjoy doing and want to do for the rest of my life,” Hipps said. “After starting the Industrial Maintenance program at ICC, I quickly started to fall in love with it…Hearing about these different types of industries has really made me want to become a maintenance technician at an automotive plant because of my love for vehicles.” His experience includes an internship/co-op at Tronox ... Two ICC students receive Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association scholarships Two Itawamba Community College students were among the winners of Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association scholarships for 2022-23. Chad Bishop of Blue Springs and Joseph Harper of Baldwyn each received an award of $1,500 for one academic year to be used for educational expenses. Bishop, who is a sophomore at ICC majoring in robotics automation, has been a wastewater treatment plant operator at APMM in Guntown for the last 11 years. He is a certified treatment specialist and a hands-on practitioner with operational, analytical and maintenance proficiency across a full spectrum of wastewater systems and equipment. Bishop said that he is “excited for the opportunity to work as a maintenance team member in the automotive industry. With the hands-on training I am receiving, I will be more prepared to take on maintenance responsibilities at APMM when I finish. This degree will help me better support my family and reach higher occupational goals.” A sophomore at ICC, Harper is studying Industrial Maintenance and is in the Advanced Manufacturing Technician program at Toyota Mississippi. ... ICC's Public Health Technology program to join in national celebration with local events Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating the week of April 1 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Community health workers are the backbone of public health, bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of well-being and equity,” said Caroline Newkirk, ICC adjunct instructor and Evaluation Specialist with the Mississippi Public Health Institute. “ICC’s Public Health Technology program fills a critical gap in Mississippi by offering a curriculum that prepares its students exceptionally well with the knowledge and skills to be invaluable community health workers. In a state that is medically underserved, ... ICC's Public Health Technology program joins in Apr. 7-13 national celebration Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating April 7-13 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “It Starts Here.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s nationally-recognized Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities,” Alexander said in summarizing the information provided by the American Public Health Association. “It’s how the places we live, work and play affect our well-being. It’s the way we are all stronger – and healthier – together through the efforts of organizations like the APHA and others that advocate for healthy communities.” Alexander, who serves on the Mississippi State Department of Health Community Health Worker Taskforce, is excited about recent legislation that will help advance the educational and career opportunities for ... ICC's Paralegal Technology program is in the nation's top 10 Itawamba Community College’s Paralegal Technology program has been selected as one of the top 10 online Paralegal degree programs in the nation by BestColleges. ICC offers two degrees in paralegal studies: an online Associate of Applied Science degree in paralegal technology and an Associate of Arts degree in general studies with a paralegal studies emphasis. The two-year A.A.S. degree in paralegal technology includes coursework in legal research, civil litigation and legal writing. Coursework in wills and estates, family law, torts and real property introduces students to subsets of the legal field while providing information about legal principles and procedures, according to program director Jamie Hall. Students gain the analytical, communication, research and technical skills needed to work alongside legal professionals. The program also includes an internship during which students apply learned concepts. ICC’s online paralegal technology program prepares students for entry-level positions as paralegals and legal assistants in law firms, government agencies and businesses. Students can complete the 61-62 hour credit program in two years. “ICC’s general studies associate degree with an emphasis ... Comments are closed.