BETHESDA, Md. (Aug. 26, 2003) — Nine out of 10 vehicles inspected as part of the Car Care Council's National Car Care Month failed one or more parts of the inspection, the Bethesda-based council said.
The inspection lanes, set up in April across the U.S. by sponsoring organizations and businesses, were part of the council's “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign. Coordinators reported their activities to the council through inspection forms.
“The fact that nine out of 10 vehicles inspected required some maintenance reinforces the need for the motoring public to become more aware of the maintenance needs of their vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council.
Among the inspection items, the council found:
* 38 percent of vehicles had low, overfull or dirty motor oil.
* 25 percent had low or dirty power steering fluid.
* 15 percent had low levels of coolant.
* 54 percent had improperly inflated tires, and 14 percent were driving on tires that needed to be replaced due to worn tread.
* 19 percent had at least one belt reported unsatisfactory.
* 16 percent needed new air filters.
* 21 percent had front windshield wiper failures and 14 percent needed service on their rear wipers and/or washer.
* 13 percent needed a coolant flush.
* 19 percent needed maintenance on battery cables, clamps and terminals.