2006 national car check events show 78% failure rate

The results from the National Car Care Month car check events (May 2006) are in and they couldn't speak louder for the need for regular vehicle inspections and maintenance. The results show a 78% failure rate which underscores the need for consumer education, according to Car Care Canada. The inspection lanes, conducted across Canada last spring by volunteers from local repair shops, are part of the public awareness campaign, Be Car Care Aware.

"This pilot project was launched in the spring to provide a free service to consumers and to also gauge the condition of vehicles on Canada's roadways," explained Marc Brazeau, executive vice-president of Car Care Canada. "Obviously we need to educate the public about the need for regular vehicle

maintenance so people can start taking action to reduce vehicle neglect. A 78% failure rate is too high."

The potential effects on road safety, air quality, cost of operation, vehicle performance, and vehicle dependability are selfevident from these results. Here are the startling results:

* 20% of vehicles failed the inspection because of low, overfull or dirty motor oil. 15% failed the washer fluid inspection. Low fluid levels can affect the safe driving performance of the vehicle and damage internal parts if not properly maintained.

* 16% of the vehicles inspected had one or several of the following problems: low levels of coolant in the radiator, low coolant levels in their surge tank, needed a coolant flush, which is needed to protect the system from rust, dirt and mineral deposits, coolant leaks. The

cooling system protects against damage by keeping the engine operating within the correct temperature range.

* Just over one-tenth of vehicles (12%) had windshield wiper failures.

* 13% of the vehicles checked needed new air filters. The air filter keeps abrasive dust, dirt, bugs and other foreign matter out of the fuel system air intake. A dirty filter can decrease gas mileage and increase emissions.

* Battery cables, clamps and terminals were found to need maintenance in 10% of the vehicles.

* Almost a fifth of the vehicles (18%) were found to have improperly inflated tires. Low tire pressure decreases gas mileage and tire life. Vehicles traveling with worn tread are at greater risk of losing traction on wet or snowy roads.

The majority of vehicles inspected had working lights on their vehicle which is good news for all drivers on the road. Vehicle lighting provides a means of communicating among

drivers and is vital to any properly functioning vehicle.

Car Care Canada plans to continue the car check events through its participating shops to help

raise awareness of the need for regular maintenance. For more information about vehicle maintenance and safety, visit the Car Care Canada Web site at www.carcarecanada.ca.