#Oursharedstory: Driveway Car Care Lessons

#Oursharedstory: Driveway Car Care Lessons

Babcox Media employees kicked off National Car Care Month, giving their kids some hands-on education on vehicle maintenance.

April is National Car Care Month, and while we may be house-bound these days due to shelter-in-place orders, we can still venture out to our driveways and show some love to the family ride.

Babcox Media employees heeded the call and stepped out into the sunshine yesterday to kick off National Car Care Month and give their kids some hands-on education on vehicle maintenance.

“A driveway vehicle check only takes about 10 minutes. These simple steps will help keep you on the road so you can run important errands and arrive safely to your destinations,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “If you find your vehicle needs service, automotive repair is considered essential, so call your trusted local repair shop. Many shops have remained open in stay-at-home areas and most have instituted polices to ensure limited personal contact, allowing you to drop off and pick up your vehicle quickly and safely.”

The non-profit Car Care Council suggests inspecting the following items as part of a simple driveway vehicle inspection:

  • Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. 
  • Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system. 
  • Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. 
  • Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation. Keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

The Car Care Council’s 80-page Car Care Guide can be ordered free-of-charge by visiting www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

Check out the photos below for your step-by-step guide to a driveway vehicle inspection. Send photos from your driveway car care moments this month – email AMN Editor Amy Antenora [email protected]. To share on social media use the hashtag #oursharedstory.

Babcox Editor Doug Kaufman opened the archives for this photo of he and his son Ryan working on the “Blue Dragon.” 😉
First…always check your vehicle’s Users Manual…
Proud Papa Babcox Executive Director of Content Scott Shriber works with 22-year-old daughter Sarah to change out the cabin air filter on his Dodge Charger.
Sarah Shriber pulls the old filter out.
New filter goes in – fresh air inside, perfect during spring allergy season.


Sophia, 17-year-old daughter of Babcox Director of Art & Design Nicole Anderson, checks the tire pressure on mom’s car.
12-year-old Brady Anderson, brother of Sophia, tops off the fluids.
Logan, son of Babcox Ad Services Coordinator Christine Perry, checks the oil level for his mom. Logan turns 10 next week. Happy Birthday Logan!
Checking the oil…
Olivia (17), daughter of AMN/Counterman Publisher Frank Bird, learns how to safely fill up the family car.
Don’t forget to buckle up! One-year-old Isla is ready for a road trip with her dad Babcox Video Editor Wesley Hollendonner.

You May Also Like

5 Minutes With…Alyssa McGhee, MAHLE Aftermarket

Get to know McGhee, her role at MAHLE Aftermarket, industry involvement, preferences for continuing education, and much more.

Alyssa McGhee found the aftermarket by chance, and stayed for the passion and people in this industry. “It truly is unlike any other industry I have been a part of, and it feels small once you’re in it," she said.

In this installment of “5 Minutes With…,” get to know McGhee, her role at MAHLE Aftermarket, industry involvement, preferences for continuing education, and much more.

Care Resource Receives $50K from Advance Auto Parts Foundation

The foundation’s financial contribution was matched by a Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) H8F grant to complete the purchase and customization of the unit.

Eaton Named One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies

Recognized for the 13th time, Eaton was one of only 10 honorees in the Industrial Manufacturing category.

Eaton Named One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies
The Pronto Network Awards 2024 Super Bowl Trip

Pope Auto Worx was awarded the trip package.

Auto Care Association, ASE Announce 2024 World Class Techs

The recognition honors professional technicians who have attained ASE certification in 22 specific areas during the previous calendar year.

Other Posts

Hunter Engineering: ADAS Calibration & Connectivity Drive Growth

Hunter’s Pete Liebetreu explains the company’s Ultimate ADAS system, its areas of growth and its outlook on wheel service for EVs.

Pete-Liebetreu-Hunter-Engineering
NAPA Honors Suppliers at Partnership Event

Old World Industries, Autel, Gates Corp. and others were honored at the event.

NAPA-Supplier-AWard-2024-Spirit-Award-Milwaukee-Tool
Northwood University Announces 2024 Class of 20 Under 40

The 20 Under 40 program recognizes NU alumni who are professionals elevating their careers, organizations or communities.

Northwood-University-20-under-40-2024-class
BBB Industries: Creating a Circular Economy in the Aftermarket

BBB Industries’ Maria Caballero and John Boyer explain the company’s sustainable manufacturing mentality and how it’s looking to create a circular economy in the aftermarket.

John Boyer Maria Caballero