REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 23, 2001 — The MSN® Carpoint® online automotive service, the most visited car-buying and car-ownership site on the Web, today announced the key findings of its September 2001 Fast Facts survey on consumer car maintenance habits, just in time for October National Car Care Month.
Results indicate that 75 percent of consumers surveyed follow suggested service and maintenance schedules, and 46 percent wash their vehicles at least once a week. In addition, almost half the consumers surveyed get their car serviced the day after their check engine light comes on, while 39 percent wait up to a week to do so.
“Motorists realize that maintenance and repair must be practiced regularly,”
said Ann Job, consumer editor of Carpoint.com.
“It’s encouraging that so many consumers recognize the need for car care, which can increase the safety and road life of their vehicles.”
When asked about general car maintenance knowledge, 66 percent of women said they have never changed their oil, but 53 percent said they know how. In addition, 75 percent of women and 97 percent of men indicated they know how to change a tire.
The Carpoint survey also revealed that the biggest hassle consumers face when bringing their car in for a regular tuneup is not having another vehicle to drive while their car is in the shop (40 percent), followed by finding time to schedule an appointment (29 percent). Thirty-two percent indicated they would use an online service to help them make service and repair appointments.
Consumers who visit Carpoint.com can quickly and easily schedule appointments online for services ranging from oil changes and tire alignments to tuneups and general car maintenance. In addition, Carpoint users can receive e-mail service reminders, check live traffic conditions and view gas prices in their ZIP code area. They also can access driving directions and direct e-mail notification of auto manufacturers’ recalls updated weekly by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration and customized to users’ make and model of vehicle.
“More than 3 million consumers have registered their vehicles for the Carpoint ownership service, and the number continues to grow,”
Job said.
“Consumers also contributed more than 200,000 personal vehicle reviews to assist other car buyers and owners in the research and purchase process.”
MSN Carpoint.com Fast Facts is a monthly online survey conducted via Carpoint.com that provides consumers with feedback on car-related topics. The September 2001 survey was derived from a sample of more than 800 Carpoint.com users.
About Carpoint
Launched in October 1995, Carpoint ( http://www.carpoint.com/ ) is the leading online automotive marketplace, visited by more than 7 million consumers each month. From product reviews and surround video features to new- and used-car pricing, Carpoint helps consumers find the car they love, at a price they can afford. With details on more than 10,000 car models and 100,000 used vehicles, visitors can research and compare cars of virtually every make and model, identify local dealers, and receive instructions for post-purchase service and maintenance.
With a network of more than 5,000 affiliated dealers nationwide, Carpoint generates more than $8 billion in auto sales each year and is exclusively endorsed by the American International Automobile Dealers Association.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft, MSN and Carpoint are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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