Just because National Car Care Month in April has come and gone, it doesn’t mean you can’t still participate in the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign.  Here are things you can do in July! 

•  This summer is the perfect opportunity to remind consumers of regular vehicle maintenance. With 20 percent of car dealerships in the U.S. projected to close in 2009, according to a study by consulting firm Grant Thornton LLP, many motorists will be looking for a local repair shop to service their vehicles. Help ease the transition by informing them of a recent press release distributed by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), which states that vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops. In fact, independent repair businesses account for more than 70 percent of vehicle service and repair, compared to 28 percent of non-warranty repairs by new car dealerships. 

•  Educate consumers on the "Cash for Clunkers" program recently passed by Congress. "Cash for Clunkers" would earmark federal funds for car owners to trade-in their sport utility vehicles in exchange for vouchers to be used to obtain newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. On the surface the program may sound reasonable, but its consequences will increase the nation’s carbon footprint, increase pollution and overload landfills. In fact, more motorists are actually choosing to keep their vehicles longer.

•  Start thinking about Fall Car Care Month. It is never too early to start planning for Fall Car Care Month in October!