CCC: Majority of vehicles needed some repair

BETHESDA, Md. — The majority of vehicles inspected during recent community car care events needed some type of maintenance or repair service, according to the Car Care Council (CCC).

The community car care event inspections checked a variety of vehicle components, including wipers, belts, hoses, air filters, lighting, tires and lubricant/fluids. The Car Care Council gathered and tabulated the results and found that eight out of 10 vehicles need some type of service.

The top areas showing the highest failure rates include:

• Engine oil — 22 percent of vehicles tested had low, overfull or dirty oil.

• Belts/hoses — inspections revealed 18 percent of belts were unsatisfactory and at least 12 percent of vehicles needed a new hose.

• Air filters – nearly one out of every five vehicles inspected needed a new air filter.

• Check engine light — 14 percent of vehicles had an illuminated check engine light, slightly higher than the previous year's results.

• Batteries – battery cables, clamps and terminals were found to be in need of repair on 18 percent of vehicles inspected.

"At the Car Care Council, we stress the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance and provide free tools, tips and information to help motorists become more car care aware so they can avoid the hassle and expense associated with unexpected car trouble," said Rich White, CCC executive director.

"By implementing a proactive auto care plan, car owners can identify and fix small issues now before they become more costly repairs later."

The CCC offers consumers a free Car Care Guide available at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide. The guide features service interval information, questions to ask a technician and other auto care information.

The CCC hosts the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.