Advance Auto Parts Launches New Online Consumer Education Section

ROANOKE, Va. Jan. 17, 2006; Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories and maintenance items, is distinguishing its online consumer education initiative under a newly branded consumer education section of its website - "Advance Know-How." The new section educates vehicle owners through hundreds of pages of new print and video on a wide variety of topics, including how to save gas, safe driving habits and step-by-step instructions on how to fix and maintain vehicles.

The new content, under the link "Advance Know-How" at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com, is divided into four distinct sections: know-how articles, product and project brochures and two sections dedicated to video content.

"At Advance, our goal is to provide our customers with legendary service every day and our consumer education initiative complements that goal by providing a variety of easily accessible vehicle information," said Samuel Hampton, director of marketing for Advance Auto Parts. "Our customers want do-it-yourself information. Our website's previous 'How-To, Why-To' section was the most popular destination for visitors to AdvanceAutoParts.com, accounting for a large portion of the site's traffic. For this reason, we launched this new branded website content incorporating all of the company's consumer education initiatives."

The "Know-How Articles" section contains more than 800 features on a variety of topics, including vehicle modifications, vehicle maintenance for cost savings, driving tips, auto news and information related to classic vehicles.

The "Product and Project Brochures" section explains - in easy-to-follow steps - various repair and maintenance procedures, how vehicle systems function and offers advice and tips on safe driving and accident avoidance.

The new site's "How-To Video Clinics" section contains streaming video from Advance TV, the company's exclusive, in-store television network, as well as 15 how-to video clinics that teach drivers how to prepare their vehicles for winter, increase fuel mileage or focus on other maintenance and repair projects.

"What's exciting about 'Advance Know-How' is that for the first time, we're able to offer a comprehensive print and video automotive education section online that can easily be cross-referenced by repair project or driving advice," Hampton said. "For example, if a user wants to learn about their vehicle's various filters, they can first read the 'Forgotten Filters' project brochure and 'Air Filter' product brochure on the website, then link to and read the 'Performance Filter' know-how article, then view the 'How-To' video clinic on 'Forgotten Filters.' It's comprehensive educational information that's now available in one place and utilizes multiple mediums."

Videos on the site appear in a new "Advance Know-How Media Room" that features an Advance Auto Parts-branded media player and allows users to cross-reference and link to corresponding "Know-How" brochures and articles.

"We strive to educate motorists on how to drive safely and how to keep vehicles in top running condition through preventive maintenance and awareness to potential problems," Hampton said. "AdvanceAutoParts.com, and our knowledgeable Team Members and in-store services, guide drivers through the repair process, instead of just providing them with parts and sending them on their way."

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is based in Roanoke, Va., and is the second-largest retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, batteries and maintenance items in the United States, based on store count and sales. As of October 8, 2005, the Company operated 2,829 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com.