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Vehicle Assistance Program

The Department of Public Safety has developed this program and information in order to assist car owners with problems that typically occur.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Jump-Starting Vehicles!
Pushing Cars
Shovels
Hints to Avoid Trouble
Helpful Phone Numbers

Vehicle Repair and Service

Online Maintenance Resources

 

New: go to the Registry to see where your Massachusetts safety & emissions test can be done

JUMP-STARTING VEHICLES

The department has two sets of "Booster Pacs" which allow us to assist community members and visitors with dead batteries without the use of another car! To request assistance, please call the office at x2304.

PUSHING CARS

Public Safety staff can not push, pull or tow vehicles that are stuck in snow or mud. However, our staff would be happy to assist you in contacting towing services.

SHOVELS

During the winter months, Facilities Management supplies shovels and leaves them at residence halls on campus. Shovels can also be borrowed on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Public Safety Office in the Central Services building. If you are stuck to the point where you are unable to shovel yourself out, you may call Facilities Management to see if they are able to assist you.

HINTS TO AVOID TROUBLE

1. Have your car serviced regularly.
2. Before winter arrives, check your battery and tires, and have all the fluids in your vehicle checked. If your vehicle needs a tune-up, you may want to consider having one done before the weather starts to get cold.
3. Always check to be sure you have turned off your headlights every time you get out of your car.
4. Park your car legally; this will prevent the frustration that comes along with getting a parking ticket on top of worrying about your car's health.
5. Pay attention to the weather in the winter; Facilities Management makes every effort to clear spaces of snow, but your assistance in moving your car according to the Snow Regulations listed in the Mount Holyoke College Parking Regulations, or when requested, makes it easier on all concerned and will prevent your car from being "plowed in".
6. Be sure to carry an emergency road kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, flares, basic tools, and the like. Also be sure to keep antifreeze, water, oil and other fluids in your car in case of an emergency.
7. In the winter, keep some road salt or sand in the trunk of your vehicles. Sand and salt will not only give your car more traction, but will also be useful if you get stuck.
8. Start your car regularly and move it periodically, especially during the winter months. This will increase the likelihood of it starting when you need it. In addition, this may decrease the chances of it being stolen or broken into. If it is stolen or broken into, you will discover it sooner and be able to report it earlier, thus increasing the chances of the car and/or your belongings being recovered.
9. Keep your gas tank full, especially during the winter.

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

The following telephone numbers have been provided for your convenience:

AT MOUNT HOLYOKE...

LOCAL VEHICLE REPAIR AND SERVICE STATIONS

**These numbers provided for informational purposes only; this is not an endorsement of any of the listed businesses. Services vary.

IF YOU BREAK DOWN

If you break down in your car, consider these hints for getting help and staying safe.

HELPFUL WEB SITES

Car Talk, the site of Click and Clack, the vehicle maintenance gurus of National Public Radio

AutoShop Online - tips from the Car Care Council

Popular Mechanics - offers content on car maintenance and repairs

AAA, a popular automobile safety, travel and insurance agency. Provides information on benefits, how to request assistance, and operator safety information.