U.S. Car Inspections Reveal Myriad Deficiencies

The just-released statistics from the U.S. National Car Care Month inspection campaign in April show an 87% failure rate, which continues to underscore the need for consumer education, according to the Car Care Council.
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.”
“Compared to the 90%t failure rate last year, the 2004 inspection results indicate that the motoring public is beginning to understand the importance of maintaining their vehicles and are starting to take action to reduce vehicle neglect,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “While we are thrilled to see the numbers decrease, an 87%t failure rate is too high. This just reinforces the fact that the aftermarket industry needs to continue to show its support for the campaign and keep the momentum going through donations and consumer education.”
Volunteers across the country conducted the events, reported their activities to the Car Care Council and returned inspection forms for compilation. Overall, the net failure of any part of system was 87% of the vehicles inspected. Parts inspected included windshield wipers, batteries, tires, and lighting as well as lubricants and fluids.
The potential effects on highway safety, air quality, cost of operation, vehicle performance and vehicle dependability are self-evident from these results.
The following tables show the percentage of motorists participating in the National Car Care Month inspection campaign whose vehicles failed this part of the inspection.