The Communique

Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Feature

Media Credit: Liz Blood, Jaime Abernathy and Garrett Knock

Iowa's cold winters can put a dent in your pocketbook. By winterizing your apartment or home you can save on electric bills and, by winterizing your car, you can stay safe while saving money.

Grace Crusoe, manager of Campus View apartments in Cedar Rapids, offers these tips for renters:

1. Check windows and doors for drafts.

2. If there is a draft coming in from the window make sure to first notify maintenance. Use clear plastic and double-sided tape to tape around the windows. Hanging curtains can help as well. Blankets are typically too heavy and usually build up moisture.

3. Weather stripping around the doors can help stop a draft from coming in. Keep the thermostat set at 65 or 67 degrees all the time instead of cranking up the heat and then turning it way back down. That just uses more electricity.

Students living at some apartments near Kirkwood's main campus can do chores to save money on rent. For example, Campus View offers an option to shovel snow. In return for the hours worked, money is deducted from the rent. Check with your apartment complex to see if it offers similar options.

There are many ways you can prepare your vehicle for winters. David McCloskey, an auto tech major at Kirkwood, recommended a few pointers to prepare for the cold and snow:

1. Check to make sure tires have good tread depth. If the tire tread is bald you will not get traction on the ice this winter.

2. Make sure tires are properly inflated for safe driving.

3. Have the battery, alternator and starter checked by an auto shop.

4. Make sure the vehicle's heating system is working properly.

5. Check rubber moldings around the doors on the inside and outside to make sure they are in good condition because that will keep a cold draft from entering the car.

McCloskey added that if your car were to break down in the winter, it is a good idea to turn on your hazard lights, get as far off the road as you can and call for help. If you cannot call for help, stay in your car and try to keep warm rather than trying to walk for help.

McCloskey also advised keeping blankets in your trunk, along with an extra coat, hat and gloves to keep you warm while you wait for help.

Kirkwood's Auto Tech department offers some automotive services. For scheduling or more information, call (319) 398-5479.

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