01/11/2007
PRNewswire-USNewswire
Bethesda, MD
Vehicles Checked Show Consumer Neglect
Results of vehicle check-up events during Car Care
Aware Fairs across the country in April and October 2006 revealed that
nearly nine 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
percent 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 percent,
-
inadequate washer fluid levels at 28 percent, and
-
low, leaky or dirty coolant at 28 percent.
Transmission, brake, power
steering and clutch fluids were also checked and had failure rates of 26
percent and below. Approximately 15 percent of vehicles had
front windshield wiper failures and 9 percent needed service to rear
wipers.
At least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 22 percent of the
vehicles inspected and 14 percent required at least one new hose. New
air filters were needed in 25 percent of the vehicles, while 8 percent
needed new PVC filters. The "check engine" light was on in 8 percent of
the vehicles.
Battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 17 percent of
the vehicles inspected, while 9 percent of the batteries were not
properly held down. Eleven percent had either a green, dark or
clear/yellow charge indicator light.
Improperly inflated tires were found on 20 percent of the cars and 11
percent had worn tread and were in need of replacement.
The leading failure rates for vehicle lights/vision were: license plate
lights at 18 percent, brake lights at 10 percent and side markers at 8
percent.
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 http://www.carcare.org.