One Person’s Trash is Another’s Treasure:

In honor of National Car Care Month this past April, Christian Brothers Automotive asked clunker drivers across the country to share why they love their trusty rusty for a chance to win five years’ worth of free oil changes.

The charismatic contest drew in a number of submissions from passionate clunker owners throughout the month. Then a group of brand representatives narrowed down the contestants to five finalists. Ultimately, Lau and their 2001 Toyota Corolla were crowned as the winner. About their beloved car, Lau said, “From hurricane floods to several hit and runs, this clunker has endured so much, and I know it is meant to last for several years to come. I love how my clunker is dependent and durable after so many hardships. I hope for more memories to come."

Lau won the grand prize, five years of free oil changes redeemable at any Christian Brothers Automotive location nationwide. Lau’s winning submission was chosen based on criteria such as compelling narrative, originality, descriptive language, the creativity of picture or video, and overall appeal.

“Even though the exterior of my clunker may not beautiful, it's the internal beauty of my clunker (battery, engine, brakes), that is important, ” said Lau. “I don't need anything fancy, just as long as my clunker can get me from point A to point B.”

From “Silver Streak” to “Ole Betsy” the clunker entries spanned a variety of makes, models and production years, including one vehicle dating back to 1956. Entrants shared some of their favorite memories of their clunkers, like learning how to drive as a teen and bringing newborn babies home from the hospital. The submissions all included the vehicle’s unique life story, giving them “a little more personality.”

Finalists of the contest included Lau; Kate Porter and their 2005 Dodge Dakota “Little Black Sheep;” Alice Henley and their 1998 Honda Civic “Silver Streak;” NJ Blanchard and their 1999 Chevy Safari “Family Van;” and Michell Distler and their 1998 Toyota 4-Runner “Big Boy Truck.”

"It has been such a pleasure to hear from clunker drivers across the country. Each submission had its own vibrant story; you could sense that these vehicles had become an important extension of each family," said Janis Jarosz, Vice President of Marketing at Christian Brothers Automotive. "We thoroughly enjoyed leading this contest and reading about the unique and wonderful personalities these metal ‘members of the family’ have."

Automotive problems are as varied and unique as the customers who bring them in. Fortunately, Christian Brothers Automotive has decades of experience in auto service and repair, meaning the skilled network of professionals are ready to accommodate an impressive scope of automotive issues.