October Designated Fall Car Care Month

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 14 -- To focus motorists' attention on the importance of preparing their vehicles for the upcoming winter months, the Car Care Council has designated October as Fall Car Care Month (FCCM).

"Fall is an ideal time for a vehicle reality check up. Summer vacations are over, students are back in school and winter is just around the corner," said Rich White, Car Care Council executive director. "Making sure your vehicle is ready for winter weather conditions is one of the best safety precautions you can take. Breakdowns can not only be costly, but can be dangerous in cold weather."

To make sure your vehicle is ready for winter, the Car Care Council recommends the following tasks be performed by a do-it-yourselfer or professional auto technician:

  * Check the coolant (antifreeze); coolant should be flushed and refilled
    every two years in most vehicles.
  * Check the owner's manual to see if your driving habits are considered
    "severe," and if so, have the oil changed accordingly, usually every
    3,000 miles; consider changing to a "winter weight" oil if you live in a
    cold climate.
  * Check the battery and exhaust system - if the battery is older than four
    years, in may not work well in cold weather.
  * Make sure the brakes are working properly
  * Be certain the heater and defroster are working properly.
  * Keep the gas tank at least half full, decreasing the chances of moisture
    forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
  * Check tire tread depth and tire pressure; consider special tires if snow
    and ice are a problem in your area.
  * Check to see that lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
  * Replace wiper blades every six months; consider special snow blades if
    the weather dictates.

To help motorists prepare their vehicles for the long winter ahead, many repair facilities and automotive-parts stores will conduct Vehicle Check Up events in October, which will include safety and emissions checks. Statistics from the National Car Care Month vehicle inspection campaign (April 2005) show an 85 percent failure rate, which continues to underscore the need for consumer education. The goal of the Vehicle Check Up events is to teach motorists to "Be Car Care Aware."

To see if there is an event in your area, visit the Car Care Council's Web site at www.carcare.org. Click on Fall Car Care Month and the Find an Event locator.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. For more information about Fall Car Care Month, visit the Car Care Council Web site at www.carcare.org.