For the sixth consecutive year, the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) will sponsor a period of Brake Safety Awareness. New for this year, the highly successful annual promotion will expand to the full month of August, rather than the typical week as in years past.
During Brake Safety Awareness Month, from August 1-31, more than 9,200 MAP participating facilities will offer inspections, educate vehicle owners about key undercar systems, provide complimentary automotive troubleshooting materials and answer consumers’ preventive maintenance questions. Consumers can look for a repair facility prominently displaying its “Motorist Assurance Program” decal near its entrance or customer waiting area, or they can find participating stores in a particular area by visiting the MAP website at www.motorist.org.
Each installment of Brake Safety Awareness Month has resulted in increased participation by consumers. During the 2010 event, an average facility performed repairs on more than 50% of the vehicles inspected.
Highlights of the 2012 Brake Safety Awareness Month are new point-of-sale promotional materials, including a poster that can be displayed in participating facilities and an information sheet titled “Brake Time,” which helps to educate consumers on the benefits of a brake inspection.
“Many vehicles require service that the average person wouldn’t be able to detect from daily driving, making it even more critical to perform periodic safety inspections,” said MAP President Barry Soltz. “Plus, it’s important to know what to look out for when it comes to brake components and other undercar parts that periodically wear out.”
As unperformed maintenance continues to rise, help spread the word that better-running, well-maintained vehicles prevent bigger-ticket repairs down the road.
Educate your customers on the value of preventive maintenance and emphasize how good car care boosts vehicle performance and longevity.
Let your shop take the lead in changing the consumer mindset from one of vehicle neglect to regular car care. If you can move that needle even slightly, everyone wins.
