ACDelco Helps Promote National Car Care Month In April

GRAND BLANC, MICH. - ACDelco is helping educate consumers during National Car Care Month about the benefits of keeping their vehicles properly maintained.

An affiliate sponsor of the "Be Car Care Aware"TM nationwide campaign, ACDelco is encouraging motorists to have their vehicles inspected at Total Service Support shops that feature ACDelco parts for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda and virtually every other vehicle on the road.

"In a weak economy, people are more likely to keep their vehicles longer," said Sue Christophersen, ACDelco manager of product service and training development and a member of the Car Care Council Women's Board. "We are promoting vehicle care awareness so they can maintain the value and performance of their cars."

While most people are content with a quarterly oil change, Christophersen said it is important to also regularly check the tires, batteries, brakes, engines, emissions systems, belts and hoses, heating, fuel systems, lights, fluids, and steering and suspension system.

ACDelco recommends that motorists use the following checklist as they transition their vehicles from colder to warmer weather:

Check all fluid levels

Remove snow tires, if applicable, and have tires balanced and rotated

Replace windshield wipers

Pressure test the cooling system for leaks and inspect hose connections, radiator, coolant mix and cleanliness

Check the suspension, steering and the drive train for wear and tear (winter driving means collisions with curbs, potholes and hidden obstacles that may have caused concealed damage) Christophersen also suggested that unless vehicle owners feel qualified to perform these tasks themselves, they should consider taking their vehicle to a service center for regular checkups and maintenance.

During National Car Care Month, businesses and civic groups around the country are again expected to offer free Vehicle Check Lane Inspections in parking lots at shopping malls, schools and other visible locations where volunteers will check for basic maintenance needs.

Statistics show that during the past five years, more than 75 percent of vehicles brought through the check lanes during National Car Care Month were found in need of repair or maintenance. The most common problems have been: low or dirty engine oil; low tire pressure; inadequate cooling protection; worn belts; dirty oil filters; and low or contaminated brake fluid.

According to the Car Care Council, National Car Care Month was moved from October to April because research showed that with warm weather and vacations approaching, consumers are more eager to have their cars inspected and serviced in the spring.

ACDelco is a global leader in automotive replacement parts and services offering products for virtually all vehicles. ACDelco is headquartered in Grand Blanc, Mich., and markets automotive replacement parts worldwide under its brand name. For more information, visit the ACDelco Web site at acdelco.com .