 Clue Customers In on Car Care Basics
April is National Car Care Month
By Trisha Hessinger
With gas prices recently reaching all time highs across
the nation, people want to find ways to increase the fuel
efficiency and prolong the life of their vehicles. There’s
no better time to educate customers on car care basics than
during National Car Care Month, which kicks off in April.
As many of us know, a neglected vehicle can cause
poor performance and huge repair bills. By recommending
the following steps to help customers save money on car
care, automotive employees can build lasting relationships
and increase return business.
First, recommend that customers check their tires once
a month. Most consumers do not realize how important it
is to check the tire pressure on their cars. Warn them that
tires lose an estimated one pound per square inch (PSI)
of pressure each month from normal wear and tear, and can
lose one PSI for every 10 degrees the temperature drops.
In addition, advise customers that properly inflated
tires can save them money – up to $150 a year in fuel. Remind
them it is important to remember that proper tire rotation,
alignment and balance will help their tires last longer
and prevent early replacement.
And, of course, many customers forget altogether to check
tire tread depth. Smooth or bald tires can be especially
dangerous during wet Spring weather. Show your customers
the wear bars in the grooves that show up when tires are
worn out. And consider sharing the old reliable "penny test"
with customers so they can check the safety of their tire
tread on their own.
Maintaining tires is only one example of how consumers
can preserve their cars while keeping money in their pocket.
Another easy way for them to cut costs is to get regular
vehicle check-ups.
Inform your customers of the seven main fluids that are
essential in keeping their vehicles in good condition: window
washer fluid, engine oil, radiator coolant (or antifreeze),
brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and,
of course, fuel. In the warmest climates and for those who
spend a lot of time in their cars, you may want to suggest
customers check their antifreeze weekly to help prevent
their vehicle from overheating. In any case, recommend that
by keeping all fluids at their specified levels, customers
can help avoid unnecessary problems in the future. How do
they know their vehicle’s specified levels? By referring
to their vehicle manufacturer owner’s manual.
Which brings me to a crucial point: one of the most important
things technicians can advise people to do to keep their
cars running smoothly and trouble free is to take it in
for the vehicle manufacturer's recommended scheduled maintenance
services. Help customers understand that this will unquestionably
help save them money in the long run.
Finally, with Spring’s unpredictably wet conditions around
the corner, give customers a tip or two about driving in
inclement weather. For example, wet roads can have drivers
skidding right into an accident. Remind customers that stopping
on a wet road can take up to four times the stopping distance
on a dry road. Put nervous customers at ease by telling
them that if they start to skid and they have ABS, simply
apply steady pressure to the brakes and turn in the direction
of the skid to prevent hydroplaning. Always remind customers
to not pump the brakes when skidding.
Take advantage of National Car Care Month to help your
customers start on a regular maintenance routine and practice
safe driving with their vehicles. They will thank you for
it.
To get more ideas on how to help customers learn more
on car care, please visit
www.MasterCareUSA.com.
Trisha Hessinger is a renowned automotive education specialist
and the national spokesperson for Firestone Tire & Service
Centers’ award-winning Car Care Academy program.
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