Car Care Council: 80% of Vehicles Need Parts & Service

Chances are it’s a wise idea to have a vehicle check-up performed before venturing out on the highways for that cross-country family vacation this summer, according to a report recently released by the Car Care Council.

Vehicle check-ups at community car care events across the country in 2008 revealed that 80 percent of vehicles inspected were in need of service or parts. The vehicles checked during National Car Care Month in April and Fall Car Care Month in October needed parts replacement, service or fluids— and nearly one out of every 10 vehicles rolled in for inspection with the check engine light on!

Typical trouble spots included motor oil, windshield wipers, air filters, belts and hoses, and lights. Lubricants and fluids most in need of attention were low, overfull or dirty motor oil at 32 percent; low washer fluid levels at 23 percent; and low, leaky or dirty coolant at 23 percent. Also not making the grade were transmission, brake, power steering and clutch fluids, which clocked in at failure rates of 17 percent and below.

Belts were battered, with at least one belt reported as unsatisfactory in 18 percent of inspected vehicles. New air filters were also needed in 18 percent of vehicles, while battery cables, clamps and terminals required maintenance in 10 percent of the vehicles. Tires inspected were improperly inflated (15 percent) or had worn tread (12 percent) and were in need of replacement.

For more information, visit www.carcare.org. And remember, Mopar® is your trusted source for any and all maintenance parts needs—choose Authentic Mopar Parts.