National Car Care Month takes preventive measures

Ninety-five percent of all NASCAR fans own a vehicle.

Many will use their cars or trucks to travel extensively to races around the country this year.

So it's important for fans to pay close attention to the maintenance needs of their vehicles.

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And what better time to take your vehicle in for service and repair than April -- National Car Care Month.

Each year, during the months of April and October, the Car Care Council hosts National Car Care Month to encourage motorists to take better care of their second-largest investment.

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

At these events, automotive technicians check components on vehicles that typically get overlooked, including tires, air filters, lubricants and fluids, belts and hoses, battery cables, and lights. These vehicle checkup events emphasize the importance of preventive maintenance and educate consumers about how to take proper care of their cars.

The 2009 campaign included results from a total of 860 vehicle inspections in 12 states nationwide. Statistics from the latest National Car Care Month inspection (conducted in April and October of 2009) continue to underscore the need for motorists to stay committed to vigilant automotive repair:

• 27 percent failed inspection because of low, overfull or dirty engine oil
• 26 percent had low, leaky or dirty coolant in their radiator or surge tank
• 39 percent had front windshield-wiper failures and 9 percent of vehicles also needed service on their rear wipers
• 51 percent had belts reported as unsatisfactory and 10 percent of the vehicles required at least one new hose
• 13 percent of vehicles inspected needed maintenance on battery cables, clamps and terminals, while 10 percent of the batteries were not properly held down
• 15 percent of the vehicles were found to have improperly inflated tires and 9 percent had worn tread and were in need of replacement
• 15 percent needed work on at least one of their license-plate lights and their left, right or center brake light

You may be one of the many motorists holding onto your vehicle longer, opting to repair and maintain rather than purchasing new.

If so, make sure to keep up with proper vehicle maintenance as dictated in your vehicle's service manual.

It'll decrease the chances for roadside breakdown and ensure miles of trouble-free driving.

Log on to www.geminicarcare.com or www.nascar.com/auto today to find a Goodyear Gemini service facility in your local area and get a Spring Car Care Package.