An all too common situation at rush hour: cars moving quickly in all lanes when, suddenly, traffic piles up and tempers flare. There's a stalled car ahead, with the hood up.

The stalled car syndrome, more noticeable on our roadways than in our driveways, has been with us for generations. But it becomes more critical with increased population.

Beyond missed appointments or being late for work it also results in the condition known as road rage. Not only can a disabled vehicle have an annoying "ripple effect" that goes beyond the immediate scene, it can be disastrous for the driver who is left vulnerable to roadside crime or to the elements.

"Don't blame your car," says Car Care Council's Donna Wagner. "It can't drive itself to the shop and ask for an oil change or new spark plugs. Considering how dependent we are on our cars, it's surprising how we take them for granted."

An old battery or badly worn tire has its way of forewarning us that it's going to let us down, but we tend to wait for the inevitable.

"Nearly 90 percent of the thousands of vehicles driven through our check lanes during National Car Care Month fail inspection. Most discrepancies are due to owner neglect and can be corrected at little or no cost."

The Council stresses the value of periodic checkups. This not only helps prevent breakdowns, but also ensures the optimum safety and efficiency of our vehicles.

For a free brochure entitled, "How to Find Your Way Under The Hood and Around The Car" send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Car Care Council, Dept. SS8-UH, 42 Park Drive, Port Clinton, OH 43452.