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Automotive students voluntarily offered free inspections at the Mark Austin Technical and Engineering Building on November 15.

Brian O’Crowley, a junior from St. Cloud, Fla., and events vice president of the Automotive Service Association, stood out in the cold evening, directing traffic. O’Crowley was one of about 18 volunteers, all automotive majors, who stayed from 4 to 7 p.m., checking vehicles.

“It’s just your basic inspection,” O’Crowley said. “We fill it out and then give the checklist to the students.”

The idea began with the Automotive Society brainstorming how they can give service to their fellow students. They decided this was something they could do. The inspections took about 5 to 10 minutes each, depending on the condition of the car.

Tara Griffith, a senior from Pasco Robles, Calif., brought her car in because her dad has been asking her to get it checked.

“I don’t know where to go in town,” Griffith said. “I feel like I can trust BYU-Idaho.”

A team of two automotive students worked on her car, first checking the lights and gauges inside. Then they lifted the hood and ask her questions as they worked.

The teams of mechanics were set up by automotive professors. The teachers put volunteers together that complemented each other.

“We have some advanced students and some beginning students,” said Justin Miller, an automotive professor.

The group inspected 230 vehicles, and had to turn away more than 50 vehicles because they didn’t have time. The volunteers checked for engine oil, transmission, brake and power steering fluids levels, condition of drive belts and hoses, tires and suspension components, and more.

“We want to help students know what to pay attention to with their vehicles,” Miller said. “Especially before they travel.”