BETHESDA, Md. – With severe weather striking most of the country this winter, it’s hard to believe that National Car Care Month in April is on the horizon. However, it’s not too early to starting thinking about ways to leverage the Car Care Council’s national consumer media campaign to help grow your business.
 
“After a harsh winter like this one, customers’ vehicles will need extra attention to make sure they are ready for the spring and summer driving season, and that means more business for shops throughout the country,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Participating in National Car Care Month is time well spent and gives you a chance to build awareness of your business, increase car counts and educate consumers on how much of their vehicle’s maintenance is going unchecked.”
 
The Car Care Council suggests five quick and easy ways to get involved in National Car Care Month:
 
· Suggest your customers sign up for the free customized service schedule and e-mail service from the non-profit Car Care Council at http://www.carcare.org/car-care-service-schedules/custom-service-schedule/.
 
· Send your customers to www.carcare.org/car-care-guide to view the free digital Car Care Guide, available in English and Spanish, or order a free printed copy for their glove compartment.
 
· Print out car care tips at http://www.carcare.org/car-care-resource/car-care-tips/ and leave them out for customers to read while they are in a waiting room or standing at the counter.
 
· Hang a Car Care Month poster and banner, and place a Car Care Month mirror dangler on each customer’s rearview mirror. Make your own signs or get a special point-of-sale kit from the Car Care Council at http://www.carcare.org/pos-starter-kit/.
 
· Hosting a car care event in your community? Visit http://www.carcare.org/industry-participants/host-an-event/ to list your event at no charge on the Car Care Council’s website.
 
Many auto repair shops and parts stores throughout the country celebrate National Car Care Month by hosting community car care events. At these events, businesses volunteer their time to check components on vehicles that typically get overlooked, including tires, air filters, lubricants and fluids, belts and hoses, battery cables and lights. These free vehicle inspection events emphasize the importance of preventive maintenance and educate consumers about how to take proper care of their cars.