For the sixth consecutive year, the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) will sponsor a period of Brake Safety Awareness. But this year, instead of covering just one week, the successful annual promotion will expand to the full month of August.

During Brake Safety Awareness Month, which will be held Aug. 1-31, more than 9,200 MAP participating facilities will offer inspections, educate vehicle owners regarding key undercar systems, provide complementary automotive troubleshooting materials and answer consumers’ preventative maintenance questions. Consumers can look for a repair facility prominently displaying its “Motorist Assurance Program” decal near its entrance or customer waiting area, or they can find participating stores in a particular area by visiting the MAP website at www.motorist.org.

Each installment of Brake Safety Awareness Month has brought increased participation by consumers, the program says. During the 2010 event, an average facility performed repairs on more than 50 percent of the vehicles inspected.

A highlight of the 2012 Brake Safety Awareness Month will be new point of sale promotional materials, including a poster that can be displayed in participating facilities and an information sheet titled “Brake Time,” which helps to educate consumers on the benefits of a brake inspection.

“For very obvious reasons, it’s important to make sure your brake system is working correctly and that all system components still have plenty of service life to ensure trouble-free performance,” said MAP President Barry Soltz. “Many vehicles require service that the average person wouldn’t be able to detect from daily driving, making it even more critical to perform periodic safety inspections. Plus, it’s important to know what to look out for when it comes to brake components and other undercar parts that periodically wear out.”