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2010 National Car Care Month Check Lanes Show 72 Percent Failure Rate

Volunteers across the country conduct these events, with a portion of them returning their vehicle inspection forms to the Car Care Council for tabulation and analysis. The April 2010 campaign included results from a total of 608 vehicle inspections. Statistics from the latest National Car Care Month inspection campaigns continue to underscore the need for consumer education. The potential effects on highway safety, air quality, cost of operation, vehicle performance and vehicle dependability are self-evident from these results. The vehicle failure rate for at least one part or system in April 2010 was 72 percent. This means that seven out of every 10 vehicles failed at least one component of the vehicle inspection process.

Low fluid levels can affect the safe driving performance of the vehicle and damage internal parts if not properly maintained.  Approximately one out of four vehicles (26 percent) failed the inspection because of low, overfull or dirty engine oil.  Approximately one-fourth of the vehicles inspected had brake fluid (24 percent) or transmission fluid (23 percent) which were not the right level or condition. The cooling system protects against damage by keeping the engine operating within the correct temperature range.  Approximately one-fifth of the vehicles inspected (19 percent) had low, leaky or dirty coolant in their radiator or surge tank. Seventeen percent of vehicles had problems with their power steering fluid and 12 percent with their washer fluid.

Roadside breakdowns can be avoided by motorists periodically checking their belts and hoses and replacing them when worn. One out of every 10 (11 percent) belts and hoses was reported as unsatisfactory in the vehicles inspected.

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. Thirteen percent of the vehicles checked needed new air filters. One-tenth of the vehicles inspected had their check engine light on. In addition, 3 percent of vehicles were in need of new PCV filters and 1 percent had a mechanical or electrical issue with their radiator cooling fans.

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. Eight percent of the vehicles were found to have improperly inflated tires and 13 percent had worn tread and were in need of replacement. This is down from about 20% just 4 years ago.

Vehicle lighting provides a means of communicating among drivers and is vital to any properly functioning vehicle. Approximately one out of every 10 vehicles (11 percent) needed work on at least one of their license plate lights, while 8 percent failed on their left, right or center brake lights. Three percent failed due to side markers, turn signals, dash indicator lights and headlights, while 2 percent failed due to backup lights and parking lights.  An additional two percent had problems with their left, right or inside mirror and two percent with their horn. 

Information provided by Car Care Council

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 more information, visit www.carcare.org.