Saving Money On Spring Car Care Includes Doing-It-Yourself

    ORLANDO, Fla.--March 28, 2001--Gloomy news about the nation's economy and shrinking mutual fund balances may be prompting more motorists to think about keeping their vehicles longer between trade-ins, AAA said today.
    "In periods of economic uncertainty consumers often consider putting off large purchases -- such as a new car or truck -- until their personal financial and employment picture clarifies," said Marshall L. Doney, vice president of AAA Automotive Services. "However, a decision not to purchase a replacement vehicle means an existing car or truck must be carefully maintained."
    To keep an older vehicle in reliable operating condition AAA recommends following the maintenance schedule in the vehicle owner's manual. Motorists who want to save money can perform some maintenance tasks on their own, but should be careful to choose only quality replacement parts, fluids and other automotive products.
    Motorists also need to know how to perform the required maintenance procedures, or have someone knowledgeable available to give help and guidance.
    A good place to start when considering do-it-yourself vehicle maintenance is a local auto parts store. Motorists should look for stores that carry recognized brands of parts and supplies that will service a variety of makes and models. They also should expect sales and counter personnel to be friendly, knowledgeable and patient in answering car care questions, AAA said.
    NAPA AUTO PARTS stores offer AAA members an exclusive seven percent discount on parts and automotive supplies - excluding motor oil, spark plugs and remanufactured engines -- when members show their AAA membership card.
    "NAPA is pleased to participate as a Show Your Card and Save(TM) partner," said NAPA president Steve Handschuh. "Our network of over 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores can supply AAA members all of their automotive needs from cleaning and appearance products to tune-up parts to the tools required for any automotive project."
    NAPA stores are among thousands of merchants nationwide participating in AAA's Show Your Card & Save(TM) program - but are the only nationwide automotive parts retailers recognized by AAA and authorized to display the AAA Show Your Card & Save(TM) logo.
    The most frequently performed do-it-yourself vehicle maintenance tasks are oil changes; refilling brake fluid, coolant and power steering reservoirs; changing rubber components, including wiper blades, belts and hoses; tire rotation and inflation; and replacing lighting components.
    Weekend automotive technicians can perform more complicated vehicle maintenance, but it is important to have the knowledge and tools available for the job.
    AAA's network of Approved Auto Repair facilities is available to help motorists with simple as well as more complicated maintenance such as air-conditioning, brakes, suspension and alignment work. Maintenance and repair facilities approved by AAA must pass rigorous inspections and have a demonstrated history of treating customers honestly and fairly.
    All AAA-approved shops offer free vehicle safety inspections when other work is performed on AAA members' vehicles and will abide by AAA's decision in the unlikely event a problem is encountered by a member while having maintenance or repairs performed.