The Grand Prize winner will receive $10,000 in gas money, four Midas Touch(TM) Maintenance Packages including oil change, tire rotation and multi-point Courtesy Check, including a visual brake check, and four Bridgestone(R) tires.
Two additional winners will receive the Midas Touch "Care Package for a Long Commute" including one Midas Touch Maintenance Package, a gift certificate for free coffee, a Midas travel coffee mug, plush car seat cover and neck pillow.
"Midas has been focusing on the safety and reliability of our customers' vehicles for 50 years, and our Midas franchisees consider themselves to be their customer's trusted advisors," said Rick Dow, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Midas. "With motorists still feeling the pinch of high gas prices, there's no better time to provide one lucky commuter with some money-saving advice and a little relief because we know that Midas maintenance means better gas mileage."
The contest will be based on mileage, not driving time. Winners will be announced at www.midas.com by Feb. 28, 2006.
Routine Maintenance Can Make A Difference
While winning "America's Longest Commute" contest is one way to beat rising gas prices, there are many easy and basic steps all motorists can take to help ease the pain. Routine maintenance such as changing oil, oil filters and air filters at regular intervals, making sure tires are properly inflated and aligned, and ensuring the gas cap is completely tightened are key to improving efficiency.
According to Mary Beth Costello, director of training for Midas, just replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 20 cents a gallon. "Add that to the improvements you can achieve with properly inflated tires and improvements from the right oil and you're making a difference in your spending," she said.
In addition, keeping your speed below 60 m.p.h. will help. According to the non-profit Car Care Council, each m.p.h. driven over 60 will result in an additional waste of 10 cents per gallon. To maintain a constant speed on the highway, use cruise control.
Motorists can pick up a free brochure containing fuel-saving tips at Midas shops nationwide. Additional fuel efficiency tips and maintenance information are also available at www.midas.com.
Midas is one of the world's largest providers of automotive service, offering brake, exhaust, maintenance, tires, steering and suspension services at 2,600 franchised, licensed and company-owned Midas shops in 19 countries, including 1,800 in the United States and Canada.
Abbreviated Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Open to legal U.S. residents (except P.R.), 18 or older who have a valid driver's license and no criminal record containing felony convictions or game law violations. Grand Prize payment may be made in monthly increments or in one-lump sum, at the sole discretion of Midas. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of four Midas Touch(TM) Maintenance Packages and four Bridgestone tires: $470. ARV of Second and Third Prizes: $145 each. Odds of winning any prize depend on the number of eligible entries received and the length of entrants' current daily commutes. Sponsor: Midas International Corporation, 1300 Arlington Heights Road, Itasca, Illinois 60143.