BETHESDA, Md. – The Car Care Council recommends that automotive parts distributors, parts stores and repair shops looking to bolster their businesses in the New Year should conduct a community car care event during National Car Care Month in 2011.

“Each year, $50 billion in vehicle maintenance and repairs go unperformed. That’s a lot of service, repair and parts sales sitting out there because so many consumers don’t know what needs to be done to their vehicles and why it’s important,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Hosting a free and fun car care event during National Car Care Month in April is an inexpensive and highly successful way to capture a greater share of that potential new business.”

The Car Care Council has a free video available to give distributors, repair shops and stores a “test drive” of community car care events with vehicle inspections. Loaded with footage of events in several states and candid testimonials from industry professionals, the video shows and describes specifically how car care events grow new business, increase traffic, improve employee morale and demonstrate community good will.

Shop and store owners on the video explain how the cost of holding a car care event is minimal, compared to traditional advertising and describe the tool kit of marketing, event management and other resources available from the Car Care Council. A point-of-sale kit is available that includes consumer education brochures, posters, bay banners, mirror hangers, vehicle inspection forms, an English/Spanish counter mat and the popular Car Care Guide.

“Now is the perfect time to start thinking about how National Car Care Month can help grow your business,” added White. “By choosing a date and determining the scope of the event now, you’ll have plenty of time to make sure your event is a huge success.”

For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.