Bethesda, MD — Jan. 11, 2007 — Results of vehicle check-up events during Car Care Aware Fairs across the country in April and October 2006 revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 vehicles need service or parts, underscoring the huge untapped DIY and DIFM sales opportunities for the automotive aftermarket, the Car Care Council reported today. The unsatisfactory condition of vehicles also reinforces the continued need for consumer education about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

An analysis of nearly 1,000 vehicle inspection forms, submitted from event coordinators in 16 states, show that 88% of the vehicles checked during National Car Care Month in April and Fall Car Care Month in October needed parts replacement, service or fluids. The top problem areas were motor oil, windshield wipers, air filters, belts and hoses and lights.

"Vehicle check-up events are typically the focus of Car Care Aware Fairs sponsored by repair shops, parts stores, distributors in cooperation with local vocational schools, media, civic groups and others," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "While these events are free to consumers and serve as community-relations builders, most aftermarket businesses who participate experience an increase in sales and customers as a result."

When checking lubricants and fluids, the three top failure rates were: low, overfull or dirty motor oil at 30%, inadequate washer fluid levels at 28%, and low, leaky or dirty coolant at 28%. Transmission, brake, power steering and clutch fluids were also checked and had failure rates of 26% and below.

Approximately 15% of vehicles had front windshield wiper failures and 9% needed service to rear wipers.

At least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 22% of the vehicles inspected and 14% required at least one new hose. New air filters were needed in 25% of the vehicles, while 8% needed new PVC filters. The "check engine" light was on in 8% of the vehicles.

Battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 17% of the vehicles inspected, while 9% of the batteries were not properly held down. 11% had either a green, dark or clear/yellow charge indicator light.

Improperly inflated tires were found on 20% of the cars and 11% had worn tread and were in need of replacement.

The leading failure rates for vehicle lights/vision were: license plate lights at 18%, brake lights at 10% and side markers at 8%.

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, visit www.carcare.org.

Source: Car Care Council
CONTACT:
Rich White of Car Care Council, 301-654-6664, or rich.white@aftermarket.org; or Lynn Konsbruck for Car Care Council, 312-768-7362, or lkonsbruck@maxmarketing.com
Web site: http://www.carcare.org/