Car Care Council Introduces New Custom Service Schedule For National Car Care Month

April is National Car Care Month and, in celebration, the non-profit Car Care Council has introduced a new online customizable service schedule, free to all motorists throughout the country. The personalized schedule and e-mail reminder service, powered by DriverSide.com, can be customized by motorists at the council's newly-introduced website.

“Basic car care can go a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of your vehicle, plus it helps avoid costly repairs down the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By utilizing our new customized service interval schedule and e-mail reminder service, motorists will have a free resource to help them drive smart, save money and make informed decisions.”

Results of community car care events held throughout the country in 2011 show that many consumers are neglecting their cars, with more than eight out of 10 vehicles failing at least one component of the vehicle inspection process.

“Chances are if you own a car, it needs some work. National Car Care Month in April is the perfect time to focus on your vehicle’s maintenance needs,” said White. “Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, following a preventative maintenance schedule will help keep your vehicle safe, dependable and on the road longer. And our new system will give you the reminders that you need to stay on top of this maintenance.”

To help consumers become more comfortable with the auto service and repair process, the Car Care Council also recently introduced a new video entitled “Auto Service and Repair: What to Expect” that provides a wealth of information on such topics as finding the right auto repair facility, what to expect at the shop and what questions to ask. The video also covers the real truth about consumer rights and the manufacturer’s warranty.

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 or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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