October 22, 2015

 

Contacts:

Katherine Pfau, 247-3044
University Relations, 657-2266 – Story by Blair Koch

 

Eddie Gabel

City College SkillsUSA Club President Eddie Gabel checks the tire pressure in one of the school’s cars.
He’ll be on hand during Saturday’s free vehicle winterization clinic, which is open to the community.

 

 City College SkillsUSA Club offers free vehicle winterization clinic on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

 

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MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Any day now, Billings could be covered in a layer of snow and ice and that means your vehicle should be prepared for the coming winter.

 

Luckily, the City College at MSU Billings SkillsUSA Club will help you prepare. They are offering a free vehicle winterization inspection on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

 

The community can bring their vehicle in to be evaluated for battery condition, safe tire pressures and conditions, proper fluid levels (including coolant), belt and hose inspection, and recommendations as needed.

 

The clinic is taking place in the automotive department at City College.

 

During last year’s clinic Sophomore Eddie Gabel, who is the club’s president, recalled one particular check-up that ended up being much more than a tire pressure top-off.

 

“We identified that the ball joints were completely shot and the vehicle was unsafe to drive,” said Gabel.

 

Katherine Pfau, automotive technology instructor, said that although the clinic is free donations will be accepted to help defer the cost of the Montana SkillsUSA Competition in April. The club plans on taking about a dozen students to the competition.

 

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry professionals working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

Pfau indicated the clinic is one opportunity for the club to connect with the community.

 

“Essentially, this is a community service project and although the extra little bit of money we bring in is nice the service aspect is pretty cool,” Pfau said. “Some kids have never been in a club before so this may be there first service project and seeing the pride and accomplishment of their helping others is always awesome.”

 

This is the third year the club has hosted the winterization clinic and it’s hoping for a big turn-out. Hot chocolate and refreshments will be available while people wait for their vehicles to be assessed.