April is National Car Care Month: Turn to Spring Car Care After Rough Winter

BETHESDA, Md. -- Many vehicles were neglected during the recent brutal winter months, and could use a little extra care by now. The Car Care Council recommends setting aside a little time during National Car Care Month in April to get your vehicle ready for the spring and summer driving season.

"Your car has gotten you through one of the worst winters in recent memory, working overtime in harsh conditions, but the extreme cold, potholes and road salt have taken a toll," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Since most Americans rely on their vehicles nearly every day to get to work, school and everywhere in between, taking a little time for car care now can save headaches and money in the long run."

The non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists follow three simple steps during National Car Care Month in April.

• Keep your vehicle clean. Regular car washes and waxes protect the paint and body of your car from corrosive debris. In parts of the country where salt is used on the roads, regularly washing is especially important.
• Keep your car on schedule. Every vehicle has a manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule. Whether you choose to do your own maintenance or patronize a local repair shop, following a routine service schedule is essential to keeping your car in safe and dependable working order.
• Keep an eye on the little things. Your windshield wipers aren't cleaning as well as they should? Your gas tank is missing its cap? There's a warning light on your dashboard?  When you see your car needs attention, don't delay. Repairing small things now can help avoid more costly problems down the road, and add years of useful vehicle life.

The Car Care Council offers many free tools on its website to help consumers drive smart, save money and be car care aware, including the popular 60-page Car Care Guide and a custom service schedule and email reminder service.

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.