AAA Texas Offers Free Car Care Check-Ups

    FORT WORTH, Texas--Sept. 20, 2001--The AAA Texas Fort Worth office will kick-off National Car Care month on Tuesday, October 2, with a free 36-point check-up for your vehicle. Fort Worth police will also provide free Auto Etching services. New to this year's program are free child safety seat inspections and a blood drive.
    Vehicle inspections will be performed by AAA-approved auto technicians. The automotive systems that will be examined include hoses, belts, pulleys, fluids, lubricants, radiator, battery, air conditioning, lights and tires. "Prevention is the best medicine for your vehicle," says Jim Ervin, AAA Texas Fort Worth District Office Manager. "Participating in AAA's free car care inspection and following the regular maintenance schedule listed in the vehicle's owners manual can help prevent costly repairs and keep your car running trouble free."
    The Fort Worth police will also participate in the event, offering free Auto Etching theft prevention services. Police have found that etching the VIN number on a vehicle's windshield can deter theft and can aid officers in recovery of stolen vehicles.
    Child safety inspections are a new part of this year's program that will be conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation Interagency Child Safety Seat Task Force. Despite the growing use of child safety seats, traffic crashes continue to be the leading cause of death among young children. "Parents need to be aware that proper installation of the child safety seat, using the right type of seat for the vehicle and choosing the right size seat for the child are all important in keeping young children safe in a motor vehicle," said Ervin. "One size does not fit all -- a child's size and weight are significant factors in selecting the correct seat." Infants, toddlers and older children each require a different type of safety seat.
    The Carter Blood Mobile van is also participating in this community event. "In light of our recent national tragedy, we wanted to offer the community an opportunity to help relieve the on-going need for blood," said Ervin. AAA's 11th annual Car Care Day will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 2 (weather permitting). The activities are free and open to the public. AAA's auto inspectors, the Fort Worth Police Theft Prevention Program and the Carter Mobile Blood van will be available throughout the day. Child safety seat inspections will be conducted 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    AAA Texas is an affiliate of AAA, a not-for-profit federation of clubs with more than 40 million members in the U.S. and Canada, which serves more than 900,000 members through 21 offices statewide. Since 1902, the club has been serving members in Texas. Today, AAA Texas provides emergency roadside assistance, auto-related services, financial products and a full service travel agency. AAA Texas' history of public service includes motorist, bicycle and pedestrian safety programs, as well as legislative advocacy.