October is Fall Car Care Month: Time to Take Care of Your Vehicle Investment

BETHESDA, Md. Sept. 22, 2010; Celebrate Fall Car Care Month in October by getting your vehicle in shape for the cold weather approaching and protecting your mobile investment. The Car Care Council recommends taking care of simple maintenance now to avoid costly repairs down the road.

"Making your vehicle last longer makes good financial sense," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "By simply budgeting the equivalent of just one car payment, you could cover an entire year's worth of basic maintenance."

Basic Fall Car Care maintenance includes checking the oil, filters and fluids, the belts and hoses, brakes, tires and air conditioning. The council also recommends an annual tune-up and wheel alignment.

Results of vehicle inspections at community car care events across the country in April and October 2009 revealed that 80 percent of vehicles need service or parts.

To help motorists take care of their vehicle investment, a free digital Car Care Guide can be found on the council's Web site at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide. The guide is available in English and Spanish, and includes information on service interval schedules, questions to ask a technician and tips to drive smart and save money.

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 free copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.