Check Your Fluids
When checking lubricants and fluids, the three top failure rates were: low, overfull or dirty motor oil at 30 percent, inadequate washer fluid levels at 28 percent, and low, leaky or dirty coolant at 28 percent. Transmission, brake, power steering and clutch fluids were also checked and had failure rates of 26 percent and below.
See Clearly
Approximately 15 percent of vehicles had front windshield wiper failures and 9 percent needed service to rear wipers.
Tighten Your Belt
At least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 22 percent of the vehicles inspected and 14 percent required at least one new hose. New air filters were needed in 25 percent of the vehicles, while 8 percent needed new PVC filters. The "check engine" light was on in 8 percent of the vehicles.
Power Up
Battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 17 percent of the vehicles inspected. Nine percent of the batteries were not properly held down. Eleven percent had either a green, dark or clear/yellow charge indicator light.
Rubber Meets The Road
Improperly inflated tires were found on 20 percent of the cars and 11 percent had worn tread and were in need of replacement.
Bright Idea
The leading failure rates for vehicle lights/vision were: license plate lights at 18 percent, brake lights at 10 percent and side markers at 8 percent.
For more information, visit www.carcare.org. 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.
