Simple precautions can keep vehicles running smoothly, say TSTC Automotive Technology students
FRESHWATER Texas roads will soon be packed with summer travelers.
Two automotive technology students at Texas State Technical College recently said preventive vehicle maintenance is the key to a successful road trip. Automotive Service Professionals Month, celebrated in June by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, is a good time to check different areas of your vehicle.
Charles Mick, a third-semester student from Snyder, learned from experience that it is important to check an engine’s coolant.
“My vehicle’s radiator and water pump broke because I didn’t check the coolant,” he said in a news release.
Mick said if you take your vehicle to an auto repair shop, a mechanic can check the coolant level and quality.
“You don’t want your vehicle to overheat, especially when you’re traveling,” he said.
Mick said another system to check is the air conditioning.
“If you are not getting cool air from your air conditioner, you need to check your Freon level,” he said.
Joseph Dinolfo of San Angelo said in the release that drivers should also check their tires to make sure they have good tread and the proper pressure.
“You can also check the date code on the tire,” he said. “If it’s more than five years old, it’s probably a good time to buy new tires.”
The four-digit code is located on the side of the tire and indicates the week and year the tire was produced. Dinolfo said that if the code is 3122, for example, then the tire was manufactured in the 31st week of 2022.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated on its website that the battery and all lights should be checked before traveling. The NHTSA also suggested checking your wiper blades, as hot summer months can make them vulnerable to heat damage.
Engine belts should also be on the pre-trip checklist. The NHTSA has stated that belts should be inspected for signs of bulges, blisters, cracks or cuts in the rubber.
The need for qualified auto service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow in Texas in the coming years. According to onetonline.org, Texas employs more than 55,000 of these technicians statewide, and that number was predicted to reach 61,000 by 2030. The website stated that the average annual salary for a technician in the state is $46,800 .
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology and an Automotive Technician certificate of completion at its Harlingen, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Various other certificates, including Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, Chrysler Specialization, and Tesla START Technician, are also available depending on campus location.
Registration for the TSTC fall semester is ongoing. Learn more at tstc.edu.
