TORRANCE, California --Honda dealerships nationwide invite owners to participate in Honda Car Care Days this April. In conjunction with National Car Care Month. Participating dealers provide Honda owners a free, 40-point inspection to help keep their Honda in great shape.

The Travel Industry Association predicts that nearly 281 million people will take car trips this spring. Honda Car Care Days aims to increase awareness of the importance of vehicle maintenance in order to help improve highway safety, air quality and fuel economy.

Honda-trained technicians at participating Honda dealers will offer free, 40-point inspections looking at the vehicle's major systems including the engine, brakes, drivetrain, suspension and steering components. Each owner will be provided a detailed, written report on their vehicle's condition and expert advice on future care and maintenance, as well as a special Honda Road Atlas (while supplies last).

According to the Car Care Council, most mechanical failures can be traced to neglected maintenance. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports the leading cause of mechanical breakdowns on U.S. highways is overheating, a condition that can easily be avoided. Other failures are contributed to low antifreeze/coolant, worn or loose drive belts and defective cooling system hoses.

"Honda Car Care Days is our way of helping to educate motorists that something as simple as basic vehicle maintenance can make a big contribution to safer roads and cleaner air," said John Petas, senior vice president of American Honda's Parts and Service Division.

The Car Care Council reports that under-inflated tires, dirty air filters, worn spark plugs and O2 sensors, dirty or substandard engine oil and loose gas caps, if all present at the same time, could mean a potential loss in fuel economy of 10 miles per gallon.