Author: coolMaster

Welcome to Driving Change, the official blog of the Cool Air Rebate Program (CAR) program! I’m Nathan Perrine, Executive Director of the Car Care Council and Chief Financial Officer of the Auto Care Association. Each month, I share news, insights and stories that highlight how CAR is helping reduce harmful R134a emissions, improve air quality and provide affordable A/C repairs across California.

In this April edition, we’re celebrating a major milestone (100+ approved repair shop partnerships), a new collaboration with the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA) and the growing momentum behind CAR’s statewide expansion.

WHAT’S NEW: Celebrating 100+ Approved Repair Shops Across California

We’ve officially surpassed 100 approved repair shops across California and, with new applications rolling in daily, momentum continues to build. Shops are eager to join a movement focused on affordability, sustainability and community impact.

What’s more, this growth has been largely organic. Instead of relying on large-scale advertising, we leaned heavily into our partnerships — with NAPA, ASCCA, the Bureau of Automotive Repair and local shops — to spread the word. 

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. From customers grateful for affordable repairs to business owners energized by new opportunities, the program is proving to be a win-win for all involved.

IN FOCUS: Our Partnership with the Automotive Service Councils of California

Our collaboration with ASCCA, the state’s largest network of independent automotive repair professionals, has been critical to CAR’s success. Its trusted statewide network has helped us reach more motorists and extend the program’s impact in meaningful ways.

Most shops in our program are independently owned. Many are entrepreneurs who are deeply rooted in their communities and looking for ways to make a difference. That made ASCCA a natural partner.

ASCCA has opened doors to their leadership and membership, helping us build trust and spark meaningful conversations. A recent ASCCA-hosted webinar with our onboarding team led to a surge in interest, with ten shops applying that same day. Peer-to-peer recommendations have also helped ease automotive repair shop concerns and demonstrate how simple it is to join, participate and get paid.

“We are excited to work with the CAR Program to provide more savings and benefits to our members and their customers,” said Dave Kusa, ASCCA President. “This program not only helps drivers save money but also supports environmental responsibility – values that are at the core of ASCCA’s mission.”

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Statewide Launch Preparation

The CAR Program has steadily expanded, week by week, from Sacramento to San Diego. What started as a small group of early adopters has become a movement, with shops stepping up for both the financial opportunity and the community mission at the heart of the program.

This is about more than just repairs. It’s about investing in people, strengthening neighborhoods and driving long-term, systemic change. So far, CAR has reinvested nearly $1 million back into local communities. These additional funds help shop owners hire new technicians, buy necessary equipment and support nearby businesses. 

For consumers, the savings are real: the average customer pays just $275 instead of $1,375 for eligible A/C repairs. That extra $1,100 can go toward essentials like groceries, medical bills or even debt repayment.

The benefits ripple outward. Participating shops gain access to new customers, boost their visibility and become leaders in purpose-driven business. They also contribute to public health by helping reduce R134a emissions.

Some shops have made CAR a core part of their brand. In Bakersfield, McWilliams and Walden produced their own promotional video and dedicated a webpage to the program. By leaning into the mission, they’ve deepened community trust and grown their business, demonstrating that CAR benefits both their customers and their business.

WHAT’S NEXT: May 8th Statewide Launch

Mark your calendars: on May 8, we’re hosting a statewide celebration at Bill McAnally Racing NAPA Autocare in Antelope to recognize our 100th participating shop and everything the CAR Program has accomplished.

Bill McAnally Racing is known for its high-quality service, environmental responsibility and community focus. Bill was one of the program’s earliest supporters, so his shop is the perfect place to mark this milestone.

The event also aligns with NAPA Auto Parts’ 100th anniversary, creating a moment of shared pride with deep industry roots. We’ll be joined by shop owners, elected officials, environmental leaders and community partners who’ve helped bring CAR to life.

As we celebrate, we’re also looking ahead. Our goal is to onboard hundreds of new shops by summer and invest $2.5 million directly into participating businesses in 2025. May 8 is our moment to reflect on our journey so far and get excited about what’s next.

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!