The number
of vehicle check-up events held during National Car Care Month in April has
doubled in 2014, according to the Car Care Council. The council attributes a portion
of the overall increase in National Car Care Month interest to the recent harsh
winter weather and the need to address postponed service and repairs.
“During the winter months, many motorists put off needed vehicle
maintenance. Many organizations realize that community car care events are a
unique opportunity for them to educate motorists about their vehicles’
condition and how postponing routine vehicle
maintenance can greatly impact safety, dependability, performance, air quality and
operation cost,” said
Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.
The Car
Care Council’s website featured more than 1,000 vehicle check-up events held
nationwide by repair shops and auto parts stores, as well as vocational schools
and other auto care industry organizations. The free inspections held during
these events provide an opportunity for technicians to talk one-on-one with
motorists in a fun, non-threatening environment.
An analysis of vehicle inspection forms, submitted by
volunteers who conducted car care events last year, found that eight out of 10
vehicles need service or parts. The top problem areas were identified as engine
oil and fluids, air filters, brakes, battery cables, belts and hoses. The Car
Care Council created a vehicle
maintenance infographic to illustrate these findings.
The Car Care Council offers many free tools on its website to help consumers drive smart,
save money and be car care aware, including the popular 60-page Car Care
Guide and a custom
service schedule and email reminder service.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the
“Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of
regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information,
visit www.carcare.org.