Welcome to the first edition of Driving Change, the Cool Air Rebate Program (CAR)’s blog! My name is Nathan Perrine and I am the Executive Director of the Car Care Council, a national nonprofit that educates consumers on vehicle maintenance and promotes vital state-funded programs like CAR, and Chief Financial Officer of the Auto Care Association. Each month, I’ll share news, insights, and stories that showcase how CAR is empowering communities and improving air quality for all Californians.
As a father of five, I know how crucial having safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation is—especially in California’s blazing heat. CAR not only assists households in affording critical air conditioning repairs but also supports local auto repair shops by connecting them with customers and fueling revenue growth. This program is a win-win: it keeps families cool, strengthens small businesses, and contributes to cleaner air for all.
This issue highlights CAR’s growth into Sacramento and San Bernardino and exciting new partnerships with the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA) and the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA). Looking ahead in 2025, we’re eager to broaden our influence and continue making a difference.
WHAT’S NEW: CAR Expands Statewide
Since launching our pilot program in July 2024, CAR has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from drivers, industry partners, and the broader community. So far, we’ve helped hundreds of Californians save more than $700,000 on air conditioning repairs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Building on this success from Fresno and Kern County last year, we are expanding our program throughout the state in 2025. Residents in these areas will have access to affordable air conditioning repairs, while local auto repair shops benefit from increased business and visibility. We’re actively recruiting additional community partners to strengthen CAR’s foundation and extend our reach across California.Our recent partnerships with ASCCA—the state’s largest independent automotive repair organization—and NAPA, which operates more than 900 car care centers statewide, will significantly boost program awareness and participation. Their involvement is instrumental in growing CAR’s reach and engagement.
IN FOCUS: Key Milestones from 2024
CAR successfully launched across Fresno, Bakersfield, Stockton, and Modesto. Since then, the program has:
- Repaired over 600 vehicles
- Prevented more than a hundred pounds of R-134a refrigerant emissions
- Supported 85 auto repair shops
- Approved 2,000+ repair applications
- Paid out $700,000+ to participating auto repair shops
CAR is a groundbreaking financial assistance initiative designed to eliminate leaking R-134a refrigerant, a harmful greenhouse gas found in vehicles manufactured between 1993 and 2019. By addressing this issue directly, we strive to improve air quality, benefit the environment, and support local communities.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Auto Shops Thrive with CAR
Auto repair shop owners who have joined CAR are seeing firsthand the benefits of participation. Many praise the program’s role in strengthening customer relationships and attracting new business.
“It’s a wonderful program, and it’ll help your bottom line,” said George Smith, owner of California Smog Repair in Fresno. “Customers are thrilled to save up to $1,500 … many of them have been driving for years without air conditioning.”
For some, CAR’s mission is deeply personal. “I grew up in a family that would have needed this service if it was available 20 years ago,” Ricky Diaz, owner of Ricardo Diaz Automotive Repair in Tulare, shared. “I’m very proud to be a part of [it].”By joining CAR, auto repair shops can build trust, grow their business, and improve their communities’ access to clean and comfortable transportation. If you are interested in becoming a community partner, you can easily apply online and, once approved, gain access to our free, bilingual educational materials.
WHAT’S NEXT: Preparing for Summer’s Extreme Heat
Having a functional air conditioning system is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. With California’s summer temperatures frequently surpassing 100 degrees, vehicle air conditioning systems play a critical role in protecting drivers and passengers from heat-related health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Families—especially those with young children, seniors, or individuals with health conditions—are particularly vulnerable. CAR helps ensure that all Californians have access to affordable vehicle air conditioning repairs, keeping them safe and comfortable during extreme heat.
I’m incredibly proud of what CAR has already accomplished and excited for what lies ahead. Next month, we’ll share more details on additional plans and resources. Stay tuned!
