BETHESDA, MD – Aug. 5, 2009 – In preparation for Fall Car Care Month in October 2009, the Car Care Council has put together some recommended guidelines on how to host your own vehicle check-up event. The following list is a good jumping off point on getting started.

• Purchase a "Be Car Care Aware" Point-of-Sale (POS) Starter Kit for $79. The kit provides a variety of marketing and promotional materials to help shops get involved in the ongoing consumer education campaign. The kit also includes a free CD/DVD with a step-by-step demonstration of planning and hosting consumer vehicle check-up events.

•  Choose a location for your event. Once a date and time for your event has been set, secure a location. If you have an off-site event, consider these five things:
                 * Convenience
                 * Traffic
                 * Space
                 * Power
                 * Insurance Permits

•  Determine sponsorship opportunities. Identify and secure potential event sponsors that can help defray the costs of your event either through monetary donations or in-kind contributions. For extra help, consider vendors, other shops or local automotive vocational departments.

•  Secure technicians and volunteers. A check-up event requires technicians to do the inspections and many additional volunteers to welcome motorists and answer their questions. A rule of thumb is to have five technicians per check lane.

•  Register your event online and request inspection forms. When you register your event online, you may request free copies of the Car Care Council’s inspection form to use during your event. 

• Purchase "Be Car Care Aware" merchandise for your event. Balloons, mugs, pens, t-shirts and more are available for purchase and provide excellent giveaways to your customers.

For more information on August Tips, download the Car Care Months Event Planner.