Following the most recent snowstorm to hit campus, safety officers and the student body share some helpful tips to keep up with your vehicle during the winter.

For many years, Safety Services has provided different ways to help the student body around campus, especially when it comes to car troubles. Students call Safety Services for various reasons from assisting in locating their car in a parking lot, to even helping dig out their car from a snow mound.

Dave McLaughlin, thirty-year Director of Safety Services, provides helpful information for students as the winter season and the semester progress.

“We will help you jump start your car,” McLaughlin said. “We’ll give you shovels to help you shovel out your car, we’ve helped people push out their cars provided that it’s safe to do so. Another thing is if people have AAA (American Automobile Association), make sure you get a hold of your parents and if they have AAA. Make sure you have the number and the plan number, especially if you’re going home.”

For students who do not plan on traveling, McLaughlin and other students also provided advice just for the upkeep of vehicles this season..

Sophomore Emma Francis said, “Let your car run every day for a little bit even if you aren’t driving! If you can keep your tank filled up with gas as much as you can, little amounts don’t freeze in your tank.”

Another tip provided was that everything in the car from the lights, to the heat, and the radio is turned off to not drain the battery over a long period.

“The number one thing is starting the car,” McLaughlin said. “Let it run, get it out on the road, and let the battery charge. Also, check the air pressure in your tires, another thing is keeping a blanket in your car at all times.”

“Get a snow guard for your windshield,” said sophomore Grace Donnelly. “Always carry a snow brush and wiper fluid with you, and always have at least half a tank of gas.”

Staying safe on campus also means keeping your car safe and accessible even when it is not being used.

“Make sure you take good care of (your car),” McLaughlin said. “Make sure your fluids are full, that’s the number one thing.”