"Drive A Little Smarter" This Winter Season with Meineke

CHARLOTTE, NC--Oct. 22, 2013: Snow, sleet, ice or just a seasonal climate change – it's that time of year again and Meineke Car Care Centers, part of the Driven Brands family of automotive companies, is helping its customers Drive a Little Smarter with some simple tips for fall and winter car care.

Last month, Meineke embarked upon a complete brand repositioning. Brand research indicated that most customers did not know how short-term automotive maintenance could prevent long-term issues. As a result, the brand's "Drive A Little Smarter" initiative was launched to help educate and empower its customers and equip car owners with the knowledge to help them make proactive maintenance decisions. To do this, one of the brand's first efforts is to get drivers ready for the all-important winter driving season.

"With fall and winter just around the corner, it's a great time to take a few simple steps to get your car ready," says Jason Moskal, Meineke's senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "Meineke put together a simple checklist for drivers who want to feel confident that their car will take them to football games, holiday events and family gatherings, or just back and forth to the grocery store no matter what the weather."

Meineke's "Drive A Little Smarter" Fall and Winter Car Care Tips can be found on the company's Web site at Meineke and includes information on:

How to put together a simple car travel emergency kit including a list of essentials designed to keep drivers from getting stuck on the road; When and what to check for and replace under the hood before the weather changes like belts, hoses and air filters; The best way to maintain visibility by replacing windshield wiper blades and fluids; How to keep your car running in peak shape by keeping it lubricated, changing the oil and adding anti-freeze to keep your engine stable and prevent overheating; How to tell if your battery is up to par or if it needs charging or replacing; The importance of proper tire pressure; and How to make sure your brakes are functioning appropriately.

Meineke also offers a downloadable check list you can take in to any Meineke service center nationwide where local car care technicians are available to explain what's needed, when service should be done and help prepare drivers and their vehicle for the fall and winter months. There is also an online scheduling function and a link to Meineke's new scheduling app (available on iTunes and for Android) if drivers prefer to schedule appointments online.

"It's never too early to get your car ready for winter," adds Moskal. "Starting now and keeping your maintenance up to date will keep you on the road and help prevent more extensive repairs later in the season."