Car Care Council Moves National Car Care Month to April

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 9, 2003; National Car Care Month, a nationwide effort to focus motorists' attention on the importance of vehicle care and maintenance, has been moved from October to April, the Car Care Council announced today.

"While National Car Care Month has traditionally been held in October, recent consumer research shows that springtime resonates better with motorists," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Warmer weather and visions of the family auto vacation inspires consumers to work on their vehicle or take it to a service facility."

During National Car Care Month, many repair facilities and automotive- parts stores will 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 Lanes Inspections, are held in parking lots at shopping malls, schools, businesses and other highly visible locations.

The inspections will 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."

The nationwide results of check lanes underscore the continuing need for vehicle maintenance education. Statistics show that 77 percent of vehicles brought to the check lanes are found in need of repair or maintenance. Failures noted in the check lanes over the past five years include:

27 percent had low or dirty engine oil 23 percent had low tire pressure 26 percent had inadequate cooling protection 21 percent needed new belts 17 percent had dirty air filters 11 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid 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 National Car Care Month, visit the Car Care Council Web site at http://www.carcare.org .