Auto parts group reports three in four vehicles need work

Nearly one in five vehicles inspected at community events need brake service, while nearly one in ten had improperly inflated tires, according to an organization representing American repair shops and parts suppliers.

Bethesda, Md.-based Car Care Council, a division of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), announced Wednesday results of its inspections from last year. During its Car Care Months in April and October of 2012, the council found that 77% of vehicles inspected needed parts.

“The statistics are based on 1,275 vehicles inspected during check-up events throughout the U.S. primarily held in April and October 2012,” AAIA senior vice-president Rich White wrote in an e-mail to Canadian Underwriter. “The data is collected on inspection forms which are returned to the Car Care Council. Given the number of vehicles in the U.S., the numbers are not statistically significant, but they are a ‘barometer’ of the condition of vehicles on the road.”

April is designated as the national car care month while October is the fall car care month. The council stated that its annual analysis of vehicle inspection forms found the top three problem areas were engine oil (in 22% of cars inspected), cooling systems (20%) and brake service (18%).

“Improperly inflated tires were found on (9%) of the cars and (10%) had worn tread and were in need of replacement,” the council stated. “Tire pressure failure rate has steadily declined after recording the highest rate of (54%) in 2003.”

The council added that 8% of vehicles inspected had the “check engine” light on while new air filters were needed in 19%. It also reported that battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 11% of the vehicles inspected, and 10% of the batteries were not properly held down. At least 13% of the vehicles needed to have lights replaced.

AAIA is conducting its “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, a consumer education program about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. The Car Care Council is AAIA’s non-profit division and the information source for the campaign. AAIA, which was formed in 1999 from the merger of the Automotive Parts & Accessories Association and the Automotive Service Industry Association, represents repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets in the U.S.