Inspections show a 90% failure rate

Motor, Oct 2003 by Nash, Tom

According to the Car Care Council, 90% of vehicles inspected during National Car Care Month in April failed one or more aspects of the inspection. This, the Council says, underscores the need for consumer education. The inspection lanes, conducted throughout the United States by sponsoring local organizations and businesses, are part of the automotive aftermarket industry's ongoing public awareness campaign, "Be Car Care Aware." Volunteers across the country conducted the events. Coordinators reported their activities via inspection forms returned to the Car Care Council, which compiled the results.

"The fact that nine out of 10 vehicles inspected required some maintenance reinforces the need for the motoring public to become more aware of the maintenance needs of their vehicles," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "The potential effects on highway safety, air quality, cost of operation, vehicle performance and vehicle dependability are self-evident from these results."

Results were tabulated for a number of vehicle parts and systems, as follows:

Lubricants & Fluids. Some 38% of vehicles inspected had low, overfull or dirty motor oil, 46% needed washer fluid and 25% had low or dirty power steering fluid. Among other findings in this category: 22% of inspected vehicles had either low, overfull or burnt transmission fluid and 10% had low brake fluid.

As for the coolant in these vehicles, the levels in 15% of them were low and 13% needed a coolant flush, which is needed to protect the system from rust, dirt and mineral deposits. Finally, 21% of inspected vehicles had front windshield wiper failures and 14% needed service on their rear wipers and/or washer.

Parts. At least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 19% of the vehicles, and 12% of them required at least one new hose. Some 16% of the vehicles checked needed new air filters. In addition, 6% were in need of new PCV Biters.

Battery cables, clamps and terminal were found to need maintenance in 19% of the vehicles inspected, and 5% of the batteries were not properly held down. Low battery electrolyte level was found on 10% of the vehicles, while 8% had improper test eye readings.

Tires. Improperly inflated tires were found on 54% of the vehicles, while 14% showed worn tread, an indication that those tires were in need of replacement.

Lights/Vision. Work was needed on at least one of the turn signals on 8% of the vehicles looked at, 6% had problems with at least one of their brake lights and 5% failed their side light inspection. Only 1% of these vehicles failed the inspection for their headlights, parking lights, taillights, backup lights and license plate lights.