The American National Car Care Month in April is right around the corner. It’s not too soon to think about ways to take care of your car and help your community.

Many auto repair shops and parts stores throughout America celebrate National Car Care Month by hosting community car care events.

At these events, businesses volunteer their time to check components on vehicles that typically get overlooked, including tires, air filters, lubricants and fluids, belts and hoses, battery cables and lights.

These free vehicle inspection events emphasize the importance of preventive maintenance and educate consumers about how to take proper care of their cars.

“Supporting National Car Care Month doesn’t have to take a lot of time,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Just a few minutes is all it takes to help your customers learn the safety and economic benefits of regular vehicle care.”

The Car Care Council suggests five quick and easy ways to get involved in National Car Care Month:

• Sign up for the free customized service schedule and e-mail service from the non-profit Car Care Council at .

• Go to the American Car Care Council’s website  and view the free digital Car Care Guides, available in English and Spanish or order a free printed copy.

• Print out car care tips at  their website and pass them out to friends, co-workers, and relatives.

• Tell your mechanic so he can hang a Car Care Month poster and banner in his business.

• Hosting a car care event in your community? Visit  the American Car Care Council’s site to list your event at no charge on the Car Care Council’s website.

“Hosting a community car care event is time well spent and gives you a chance to educate consumers on how much of their vehicle’s maintenance is going unchecked,” White said. “These popular events build awareness of your business and increase car counts and store traffic.”

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide, which is now available electronically, or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.