National Car Care Month Set for April

BETHESDA, Md., March 28 -- For the third consecutive year, National Car Care Month, a nationwide effort to focus motorists' attention on the importance of vehicle care and maintenance, will be held in April, the Car Care Council announced.

"When it comes to vehicle safety and dependability, too many motorists are putting off the simple preventative maintenance and repairs that could make the difference between being stranded along the side of the road or making it safely to their destination," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "In fact, our research shows that nine out of ten vehicles on the road are in need of routine maintenance or repair."

Consumer vehicle neglect has now reached $62 billion in annual unperformed vehicle maintenance in the United States. Studies have shown that unperformed maintenance results in 5 percent of all vehicle accidents, leading to more than 2,600 deaths, nearly 100,000 disabling injuries and more than $2 billion in lost wages, medical expenses and property damage each year. In addition, poor vehicle maintenance has a direct impact on the environment, with 10 percent of the nation's automobiles causing 50 percent of the automotive pollution.

To raise awareness about the very real economic, safety and environment benefits of performing regular vehicle maintenance and repair, the Car Care Council has designated April as National Car Care Month. The month long event began in the early '80s by the Ohio Department of Energy (ODOE) as a means of conservation. ODOE then approached the Car Care Council seeking educational material. Since its inception, National Car Care Month has earned the endorsement of professional service technicians, consumer advocates, federal agencies and nonprofit organizations alike.

"April is the ideal time for motorists to practice vehicle maintenance because with warm weather and vacations on the horizon, they are more eager to have their cars inspected and repairs or service performed," said White.

During National Car Care Month, many repair facilities and automotive- parts stores join businesses, civic groups, local radio stations and others to sponsor free vehicle inspections, including safety and emission checks. The events, referred to as Vehicle Check Ups, are held in parking lots at shopping malls, schools, businesses and other highly visible locations.

The inspections include volunteers checking fluid levels, tires, lights and other system components. After the inspection is completed, volunteers review any discrepancies with the motorist and provide information about proper vehicle maintenance and repair. The goal of check lanes is to help motorists learn how to "Be Car Care Aware."

To find an event in your area, visit the Car Care Council's Web site at http://www.carcare.org/. Click on National Car Care Month and the Find an Event locator.

The nationwide results of check up events in April 2004 underscore the continuing need for vehicle maintenance education. Eighty-seven percent of all vehicles needed repair or maintenance. Examples include:

  * 34 percent had low or dirty engine oil
  * 27 percent had inadequate cooling protection
  * 25 percent needed new belts
  * 24 percent had dirty air filters
  * 26 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid

To help take the guesswork out of what vehicle systems need to be routinely inspected and when maintenance and repair should be performed, the Car Care Council offers an easy-to-read Service Interval Schedule, available at http://www.carcare.org/.

"Whether you do-it-yourself or rely on a professional service technician, this schedule serves as a convenient quick-reference guide to the proper care of the vehicle's major systems. Taking an active role in maintaining your vehicle is the best way to ensure safety, dependability and avoid costly repairs down the road," White concluded.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of regular care, maintenance and repair. For more information about routine vehicle maintenance and how to "Be Car Care Aware," log onto http://www.carcare.org/.