BETHESDA, Md. – According to the Car Care Council, eight out of 10 vehicles on the road today are in need of maintenance or repair, making National Car Care Month (NCCM) in April the perfect time for automotive repair and parts distribution facilities to grow their businesses.

NCCM community car care events throughout the country in recent years show that consumers are neglecting their cars, with eight out of 10 vehicles failing at least one component of the vehicle inspection process. Even with an estimated 20 percent more vehicles inspected in 2009, the overall failure rate remained unchanged from 2008 and 2007.  

“Each year, community car care events routinely identify that consumers are not taking proper care of their vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “These results show there is a huge opportunity for shops and stores to increase DIFM and DIY business.”

During April, many auto repair shops and parts stores throughout the country celebrate National Car Care Month by offering special discounts on parts and service, handing out free Car Care Guides and hosting community car care events in the community. 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.

Of the vehicles checked, one out of 10 vehicles had an illuminated “Check Engine” light and 27 percent were found to have low, overfull or dirty engine oil. Low, leaky or dirty coolant in the radiator or surge tank was identified in 26 percent of the inspected vehicles. One out of every two belts was reported as unsatisfactory in the vehicles inspected (51 percent) and 10 percent of the vehicles required at least one new hose. For a complete list of results, visit http://carcare.org/NCCM.

“Community car care events educate consumers on how much of their vehicle’s maintenance is going unchecked,” White said. “These popular events build awareness of your business and increase car counts and store traffic.”

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information on the council and National Car Care Month, visit www.carcare.org.