According to survey findings conducted by the Car Care Council, at least 80 percent of vehicles which were part of community car-care check-up events held during National Car Care Month last April and October, needed service or parts. This reinforces my belief that we need more consumer education about routine vehicle care and regular maintenance, but I think once you get past the figures, the news isn’t all bad.

In analyzing vehicle inspection forms, which were submitted from event coordinators in several states, while it may be that 80 percent of the vehicles which were checked at these events needed new parts service or fluids, only 1 out of every 10 vehicles arrived with the check engine light glowing.  While that may seem like a lot, let it simmer for a minute. Let me put it this way – if we use the same facts and findings, we could also say that 10 out of every 100 vehicles arrived with the check engine light on.  Granted, while the results could be better, I think they show we’re finally learning how to do what we can on our own and kudos to Cars for Girls readers for helping to lead the way!

• The survey also found that when the lubricants and fluids were checked, the three top failure rates were low, overfull or dirty motor oil (32 percent), inadequate washer fluid levels (23 percent) and low, leaky or dirty coolant (23 percent).  Transmission, brake, power steering and clutch fluids were also checked and had failure rates of 17 percent and below.

• The survey found the top problem areas were motor oil, windshield wipers, air filters, belts, hoses and lights, while approximately 15 percent of vehicles had front windshield wiper failures and 10 percent needed service to rear wipers.

• The survey revealed that at least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 18 percent of the vehicles inspected, and 7 percent required at least one new hose. New air filters were needed in 18 percent of the vehicles, while 7 percent needed new PVC filters.

• 10 percent of vehicles were found to need battery cables, clamps and terminals with at least 9 percent of the batteries not secured properly.

• Improperly inflated tires were found on 15 percent of the cars and 12 percent had worn tread and were in need of replacement.

The Car Care Council is a 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.

All in all, I think that while some motorists could certainly improve when it comes to maintaining their vehicles, some of the things mentioned in the findings above could easily be remedied by simply taking our vehicles in every few months for routine service.  Scheduling routine appointments for things such as an oil change or a simple service appointment to check fluids is important to the overall quality of vehicle performance.  Other things, such as a blazing “check engine” light should be serviced as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic and if you’re driving with broken or faulty windshield wipers, please get them repaired or replaced as quickly as you can.  

Cars for Girls offers numerous guides on DIY auto repair, from replacing wiper blades to changing an air filter and everything in between. 

Click here to see all the guides Cars for Girls has to offer.

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