For years American women have been characterized as "wanting it all." However, women now take a backseat to another, more demading group: the American motorist. Today's car owners want it all: speed, looks, safety and afford-ability...or at least a good finance package.

Automotive designers and engineers consistently push the envelope to satisfy the desires of the motoring public, which often become mandated by the federal govenment. Consider the safety issue. There were times in the past that seat belts were thought to hinder the spirit of adventure, but who in present day America would begrudge air bags, a third rear light, the passenger sideview mirror and anti-lock brakes?

Given those measures of security, the modern day automobile would seem immune from jeopardy. However, these innovations often fail to compensate for two variables: the "other guy" and poorly maintained vehicles. While the irresponsiblity of other drivers will always be a problem, poorly maintained vehicles should be an easier fix.

In its annual vehicle check lanes held during National Car Care Month, the Car Care Council reports that the nation's cars are miserably maintained...make that under-maintained. In fact their findings reveal that 9 out of 10 cars on the road today need maintenance. But how many of these maintenance transgressions are true safety hazards? Let's look at a second survey.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recently completed a survey listing the most frequently neglected automotive services. Changing the oil and filter topped the list with the cooling system (including belt and hoses) right behind. Transmission neglect was third. Other top ten failures included tires, steering and brakes.

It's easy to see the correlation between tires or brakes and the safety issue, but how big a threat is an overdue oil change to a motorist's safety. And what does a neglected cooling system have to do with the security of one's family? A great deal according to the Car Care Council. "Any neglected automobile is like a time bomb," says Donna Wagner, the Council's director of operations. "If we could pick when and where our cars would break down, it would be different. But given the accuracy of Murphy's law, it's going to happen at the worst time and at the worst place, a four lane highway in rush hour traffic or a deserted country road in the middle of a snowstorm. That in itself is a safety concern."

With busy schedules and tight budgets, it's easy for car maintenance to slide to the bottom of the "must do" list. However, the Council encourages car owners to be responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of others.

"One of the simplest ways to learn the condition of your car is with a thorough inspection," says Wagner. "Vehicle check ups or inspections are a growing trend among owners who want to be in the know about their car's condition. It also can help detect small problems before they become big, often expensive ones. Finally, many owners use a third party inspection as a selling tool at trade in time."

For a free brochure entitled, "An Annual Physical for My Car," send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Car Care Council, Dept. SS8-XI, 42 Park Drive, Port Clinton, OH 43452. Check out the Council's web site at : www.carcarecouncil.org.