6 November Time to winterize your vehicle...ICC's Automotive Technology program director shares how November 6, 2023 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 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 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 TAG Truck Center Tupelo facilitates rolling chassis donation to ICC's Diesel Equipment Technology program TAG Truck Center Tupelo (TAG Tupelo) recently facilitated the donation of a rolling chassis training aid to the Itawamba Community College Diesel Equipment Technology program for hands-on training while studying chassis repair during its core diesel curriculum. The chassis, originally used in Daimler Truck North America’s Service Training Academy, was in Tooele, Utah and was due for placement at a college or school which applied for it and would use it for training purposes. TAG Tupelo provided the logistics and transportation costs to have it delivered to ICC’s diesel shop. “Our program’s partnership with TAG Tupelo is strong, and we thank them and Higgins Logistics for facilitating this donation. It will allow for practical hands-on experience for our Diesel Equipment students, which is vitally important for their knowledge growth,” said Jason Gholston, director of ICC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program. ICC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program, which was created in 1985, is an instructional program that prepares students with competencies required to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment. The program includes instruction in inspection, repair and maintenance of engines, power trains, ... ICC automotive technology instructor offers winterization tips 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 ... 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 Respiratory Care Technology program earns national recognition Itawamba Community College’s Respiratory Care Technology program has been recognized for the second consecutive year by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care with the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award, a national honor that highlights programs demonstrating exceptional student achievement and outcomes. The award is part of CoARC’s ongoing effort to emphasize the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential as a benchmark of professional excellence. From an accreditation and outcomes perspective, the organization views RRT credential attainment as a key indicator of a program’s ability to prepare graduates for success and encourage them to reach their highest professional aspirations. Programs selected for this recognition must meet rigorous, objective criteria based on data reported in the 2025 Annual Report of Current Status. To qualify, programs must have at least three years of outcomes data, maintain full accreditation without the need for a progress report, achieve an RRT credentialing success rate of 90% or higher and meet or exceed established benchmarks for high cut scores on the Therapist Multiple-Choice exam and student retention. “This recognition speaks to the consistency, quality and commitment of our faculty and ... 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 ... 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, ... Comments are closed.