April is National Car Care Month -- A Good Time to Take Control of Your Gas Expenses

BETHESDA, Md., March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- April is National Car Care Month, the time of year to focus on taking better care of your second largest investment. Especially now, with record high gas prices, regular vehicle maintenance is even more important as it can increase gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, according to the Car Care Council.

"Consumers cannot control the price of gas at the pumps, but they can control the amount of gas they use," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "The condition of tires, air filters and spark plugs can impact fuel economy and these components can be easily checked on a regular basis."

During April, many auto repair shops and parts stores throughout the country celebrate National Car Care Month by offering special discounts on parts and service, handing out free Car Care Guides and hosting vehicle check-up events in the community. At these events, businesses volunteer their time to check components on vehicles that typically get overlooked, including tires, air filters, lubricants and fluids, belts and hoses, battery cables and lights. These free vehicle check-up events emphasize the importance of preventive maintenance and educate consumers about how to take proper care of their cars.

In 2007, results of car care events showed that consumers are neglecting their cars, with eight out of 10 vehicles failing at least one component of the vehicle inspection process. Low tire pressure, which decreases gas mileage and tire life, was found on 14 percent of the cars inspected, while 24 percent had worn tread and were in need of replacement. Of the vehicles checked, 24 percent had dirty air filters, which can also decrease gas mileage and increase emissions, and the "check engine" light was on in 12 percent of the vehicles. Problems with lubricants and fluids were also found in 27 percent of the vehicles inspected, which can affect the car's performance and damage internal parts if not properly maintained.

"Each year, car care events routinely identify that consumers are not taking proper care of their vehicles and in many cases, this amounts to spending more money at the pump than necessary," said White. "If you don't have the opportunity to visit a car care event in April, at least commit to having the vehicle checked on a regular basis to make sure it's running at optimal performance."

Motorists should check with their repair facility to identify the nearest car care event or visit the Car Care Council Web site, www.carcare.org, for more information.

The Car Care Council is the 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 a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.