According to the nonprofit Be Car Care Aware Council, Spring is the perfect time to give your car a little extra tlc!
In April during national car care month, vehicles were inspected at community car care events across the country where shocking results revealed that 84 percent of vehicles needed service or parts. This is up 5 percent from the previous year.
“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value. These results show that the majority of vehicle owners could save money by being proactive in the maintenance of their second largest investment,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.
Some of the highest inspection results are as followed:
Lubricants and Fluids (Top FAILURE Rates)
- Low washer fluid: 27%
- Low or dirty motor oil: 25%
- Low, leaky or dirty coolant: 17%
- Power steering, brake and transmission fluids: 13% and below
Under the Hood
- Needed a new air filter: 18%
- ‘Check Engine’ light on: 13%
- One belt reported as unsatisfactory in 17% of the vehicles inspected
- One new hose: 8%
- Battery cables, clamps and terminals needing maintenance: 14%
- Batteries not properly held down: 9%
Outside the Vehicle
- Front windshield wiper failures: 16%
- Vehicles needing lights replaced: 11%
(headlights, brake lights & license plate lights) - Improperly inflated tires: 10%
- Worn tread in need of replacement: 14%
“Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, National Car Care Month is the perfect time to focus on your vehicle’s maintenance needs to make sure it is ready for the upcoming spring and summer travel season,” said White.