Spring Vehicle Maintenance Can Increase Fuel Mileage, Reliability and Safety

ROANOKE, Va.--Consumers can increase fuel mileage, avoid vehicle breakdowns and save money on vehicle repair by regularly maintaining their vehicle.

“Spring is an important time to check under the hood, and not just because it’s when National Car Care Month occurs,” said Bryan Gregory, director of consumer education for Advance Auto Parts. “It signals the start of drivers traveling longer distances for vacations and the onset of warmer weather, both of which place additional stress on vehicle systems. And with gas prices continuing to rise, having a well-tuned vehicle maximizes fuel economy and saves money.

“There are two things you can count on, no matter how old your car is,” Gregory added. “One is that some form of repair or maintenance is needed and, two, the fix is often easy and inexpensive.”

Gregory recommends drivers examine, at the very least, the following vehicle systems to keep their car running well, fuel efficient, and looking good.

• Tires – check inflation pressures and tread depths
• Fluids & filters – check fluid levels. Check when fluids and filters were last changed
• Battery – examine cables for corrosion, consider replacing battery if it’s five years old or older
• Brakes – determine when brakes were last serviced and when brake fluid was changed
• Lights – inspect all lights to ensure they’re working, consider replacing old headlights with new bulbs for improved visibility
• Windshield wipers – change every six months for increased visibility, check windshield washer fluid level
• Exterior – protect vehicle’s paint with regular washing and by waxing at least once a year

“Automotive industry researchers estimate that $60 billion in vehicle maintenance and repairs go undone annually,” Gregory said, “which means there are a lot of potentially unreliable, unsafe vehicles on the road.”

To encourage drivers to become “do-it-yourselfers” and take better care of their vehicles, free advice and instruction that help drivers complete their vehicle maintenance project – whether it’s as simple as a wash and wax or replacing spark plugs – are available in every Advance Auto Parts store through the company’s consumer education program. More than 120 brochures take drivers step-by-step through a variety of projects and “how-to” video clinics are broadcast on the last Saturday of every month in all stores, and 24/7 on www.AdvanceAutoParts.com. Additionally, DIY articles and video podcasts are available on the company’s website.

“We’re simply empowering consumers to understand the vehicle they’re driving and realize that significant cost-savings are possible,” Gregory added. One example he cited is changing an air filter. This five-to-ten-minute project can cost less than $10 yet yields substantial savings in fuel throughout spring and summer travel.

“We want to help consumers understand that car maintenance isn’t much different than taking care of a home,” Gregory said. “You change air filters and vacuum the carpets on a regular basis to keep your home comfortable and looking new. Why not do the same for your car?”

About Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts supports a variety of non-profit organizations at the corporate and local levels and encourages its Team Members to become actively involved in various community-based charitable organizations. Nationally, Advance Auto Parts is a strong supporter of United Way and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Since 1994, Advance Auto Parts has raised more than $11 million for JDRF and is one of that organization’s largest corporate supporters.

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts 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 December 30, 2006, the Company operated 3,082 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.

Additional 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.