Rend Lake College, Times Square Mall offers free vehicle inspections | Business

MT. VERNON, IL (KFVS) - In celebration of National Car Care Month, Rend Lake College’s Automotive Technology program is offering a free 41-point vehicle inspection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 20, at Times Square Mall.

Staff from Rend Lake College’s Project CHILD and the Jefferson County Health Department will be providing free child passenger safety seat inspections, and donations will be accepted for Angel’s Cove in Mt. Vernon.

Hot dogs and refreshments will be provided by Mt. Vernon NAPA, and participants can register to win door prizes.

National Car Care Month is a nationwide effort to focus motorists’ attention on the importance of vehicle care and maintenance.

Results of vehicle inspections held at community car care events across the country during Car Care Months in April and October 2011 reveal that 84 percent of vehicles need service or parts, the highest percentage in five years, according to the Car Care Council.

The unsatisfactory condition of vehicles reflects the current economic climate and reinforces the continued need for consumer education about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

The free inspections include checking fluid levels, tires, lights and other system components. After the inspection is completed, volunteer automotive students review any discrepancies with the motorist and provide information about proper vehicle maintenance and repair.

The goal of check lanes is to help motorists learn how to "Be Car Care Aware."

Stop by and let the automotive students identify opportunities for you to improve your vehicle’s gas mileage, enhance performance, increase safety and reduce emissions.

For more information about this event, please contact Nigel Thompson, RLC Automotive Technology Professor, at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1806, or at thompson@rlc.edu.

The Car Care Event is part of a partnership of the Car Care Council, the Automotive Parts and Service Association of Illinois and Mt. Vernon NAPA. For more information about National Car Care Month please visit www.carcare.org or www.apsail.com.

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