Motorists Get Free Vehicle Inspections At The Auto Club's 2nd Annual Car Care Fair and Car Show on Oct. 19
COSTA MESA, Calif.--Oct. 8, 2002--Hundreds of free automotive safety inspections will be performed as the Automobile Club of Southern California hosts its 2nd Annual Car Care Fair Oct. 19.The event is part of AAA National Car Care Month and is designed to help motorists drive safely and save money.
Technicians from the Auto Club's Approved Automotive Repair facilities, along with automobile repair industry volunteers from the Automotive Service Councils will offer the free vehicle inspections and maintenance advice. The event is open to the public.
"Well-running cars save on repairs and gasoline, reduce vehicle emissions and help keep the air clean," said Ed Lindsay, Approved Auto Repair's program manager and event coordinator.
The 2nd Annual Car Care Fair and Car Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Auto Club's Administrative Offices, 3333 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Vehicle inspections are performed on a first-come, first-served basis. Inspections will focus on proper function and conditions of lights, fluids, belts and pulleys, hoses and tires. Speedometer testing will be available.
The car show with judging and trophy awards will feature muscle cars, street rods and custom cars also will be on display at the community event. Expected to compete in the car show are: a 1929 Ford, 1931 Chevy Roadster, 1932 Ford Fire Engine, 1937 Packard Coupe, 1954 Chevrolet Corvette (only the second year Corvettes were manufactured), 1957 Ford Thunderbird and others.
The event will also include racers, hot rods, classics, muscle cars, motorcycles and Mustangs on display. A live radio remote with Arrow 93 and DJ "Uncle" Joe Benson will be part of the event as well.
Racecars, including a NHRA Funny Car and the Toys `R Us/ProLong NASCAR Monte Carlo, will be at the fair along with vintage vehicles from the Auto Club's historical vehicle collection. Would-be Jeff Gordons will have a chance to sit in a racing simulator depicting the track at the California Speedway. Other exhibits and complimentary food and drink will also be available.
The top-selling cars in Southern California, including passenger cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles, will be available for test-drives. Vehicle purchasing and automotive services information also will be available from the Auto Club.
The Auto Club also offers the following general car care tips:
| -- | Check the oil level each time a tank of fuel is purchased, or at least once a month. Regular oil changes can reduce engine friction and make the engine last longer. |
| -- | Check the air filter once a year, or more often in dusty conditions. A dirty air filter increases fuel consumption and contributes to air pollution. |
| -- | Inflate tires to recommended tire pressure. Under-inflated tires are a hazard and can cut fuel economy by as much as two percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level. Inspect tires for cuts and excessive tread wear. |
| -- | Inspect belts, hoses and clamps, making sure hoses are not cracked or spongy. If there is excessive wear, replace immediately. |
| -- | Ignition timing should be properly adjusted and the engine's idling speed should be set to specification. Excessively fast idling wastes gasoline. |
| -- | Read the vehicle owners manual and perform recommended periodic maintenance checks. |
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs.
Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.