Press Release

NAPA Announces Holiday Travel Tips

12/02/96

National Automotive Parts Association Says Basic Inspections Get You &
Your Family To Grandma's House Safely

ATLANTA, Nov. 27 -- More than thirty million Americans
are expected to travel this holiday season, a full two-thirds of them
clogging U.S. highways and interstates. More travel means more highway
breakdowns. The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) says that
over 90% of all roadside emergencies can be prevented by pre-trip
inspections.

"Before going on a vacation, everyone should do some basic
inspection," said NAPA President Robert McKenna. "And given the
inclement weather we are seeing across the country this season,
attention should be paid to both underhood and undercar systems."

While there are some fluid levels the average consumer can check
individually (oil, power steering fluid, washer fluid), NAPA
recommends consulting a service technician to make sure other fluids
are up to standard.  The following ten-point pre-trip check list will
help prevent your family from becoming a holiday highway statistic.

-- Antifreeze: Check fluid level, and test it for the proper freeze
point.

-- Battery: Check battery strength and electrolysis level.  This is
particularly important for those traveling in very cold climates or at
high attitudes.

-- Oil: If you are close to your 3,000-mile oil change, go ahead and
have that done before your holiday road trip. Otherwise, just check
the fluid level to prevent engine damage.

-- Power steering: Check the level. The last thing you need on wet or
icy roads is for your power steering to go out.

-- Washer fluid: Mix road dirt with the wet spray from other
motorists, and soon your visibility is dramatically reduced. Washer
fluid also helps in snowy conditions. Check that the fluid is up to
the fill mark.

-- Transmission fluid: Check the fluid level to ensure against costly
damage.

-- Belts & Hoses: Do a sight and touch test. Pinch the rubber to test
for firmness, and look for any cracks. If the material feels spongy or
if you see any visible cracks, then the part needs replacement.

NOTE: Hoses go bad from the inside out, so ask your technician to do a
quick check for you.

-- Suspension: Have your auto care technician check for any looseness
in the joints and struts.

-- Brakes: Your technician should remove your wheels and check the
brakes for even wear and that there is enough friction material to
ensure good, safe stopping.

-- Tires: You can probably check the tire inflation and tread wear on
your own, but while you are having everything else inspected, you
might want to have your tires rotated. Many people don't realize the
importance of tire rotation to a car's driveability. A good benchmark
is to have the rotation done every other oil change, or every 6,000
miles.

While a good pre-trip inspection will prevent the typical problems
travelers encounter on the road, breakdowns and emergencies can still
happen. Many consumers fear that they will encounter an unscrupulous
repair shop many miles from home. NAPA said to look for the ASE
seal. "You're more likely to get a good repair job from an
ASE-certified technician," stated McKenna.

The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the
certification body of the automotive aftermarket industry. Reputable
repair facilities advertise in the yellow pages that their technicians
are ASE- certified, and they prominently display the ASE symbol at
their shops. NAPA also recommends asking if the auto care center
offers a written warranty or guarantees its parts and labor. Such
guarantees will give you peace of mind and save you money.

Another tip: "Ask questions," McKenna offers. "The auto care
technician is there to serve you. Part of that service is helping you
understand why you need the recommended repairs. Keep asking questions
until you are satisfied that you understand." Consumers can also ask
to keep their old parts to have them inspected upon their return home
if they are still unsure. An honest repair shop will put the old parts
in a clean plastic bag for transport. It should be noted, however,
that keeping certain parts like batteries and starters will result in
a "core" charge, a fee assessed for the transport of hazardous
materials. The fee is nominal.

Finally, NAPA recommends that you know your emergency numbers. Contact
AAA for immediate roadside assistance at 800-222-4357. If you are not
a AAA member, the club offers immediate membership for stranded
drivers, and they will dispatch a tow truck to assist you. To locate
the nearest NAPA AutoCare Center, call 800-LET-NAPA. The technicians
will get you and your family back on the road safely and with the
least amount of expense.