An increasing number of people are rolling up our sleeves and washing their cars. With drivers watching their wallets as the credit crunch continues, DIY car care is definitely on the agenda, so don't ignore this category.

After a house, a car is probably most people's most expensive purchase, which is why they're so keen to take care of them. But are you providing your customers with what they need?

The supermarkets are always there to spoil the party aren't they? With the likes of Tesco and Sainsbury now selling more non-food items than ever before, car care has become yet another area where forecourts face extra competition from the multiples. But they are perfectly placed to rise to the challenge, says David Rogers, sales director of premium valeting products company. Autoglym. "Car care products are big sellers, and their increasing popularity is illustrated by the fact that they are now readily available in supermarkets. Forecourts should be capitalising on this trend, rather than seeing their market share decline as the supermarkets and car accessory stores seize the potential."

As forecourt retailers transform their shops into convenience stores, they might be tempted to push car care to one side, but the high-margin and distress nature of car care make it one of the most important categories to the forecourt shop. If a motorist runs out of fuel, breaks down or loses a headlight bulb, the nearest forecourt will be their first destination for a petrol can, tow rope or new bulb.

If you’re a forecourt store and you don’t offer the basics in car care then you could be missing out. Because if Mr Jones goes to wash his car on a Sunday morning and finds his sponge has fallen apart, his local forecourt is going to be the most convenient place to get a replacement. Likewise motorists wanting screen wash will drop into the forecourt first. That said, you don’t need to go over the top. Shelf space in the average forecourt store doesn’t allow for a huge range so it’s best to stick to basics.