Advance Auto Parts Suggests Ways Consumers Can Save Money & Gas

Company Celebrates National Car Care Month by Providing Customers with Parts, Products and Car Care Know-How to Maximize Fuel Economy

ROANOKE, Va., March 29 -- Consumers can increase fuel mileage, avoid vehicle breakdowns and save between $500 and $1,000 annually on vehicle maintenance and repair by doing the work themselves.

"April is an important time to check under the hood, and not just because it's National Car Care Month," said Bryan Gregory, director of consumer education for Advance Auto Parts. "It's the start of the season when drivers travel longer distances for vacations and signals the onset of warmer weather, both of which place additional stress on vehicle systems. And with gas prices reaching new record highs, it's important to have a well-tuned vehicle to maximize fuel economy and save 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 least seven vehicle systems to keep their car running well and looking good.

   * Tires & wheels
   * Fluids & filters
   * Fuel & air intake
   * Battery
   * Brakes
   * Safety systems and features
   * Exterior

"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 provide consumers with information and instruction on how to care for their cars and increase fuel economy, Advance Auto Parts launched "We're Ready with Answers," a consumer education program that demonstrates to vehicle owners how easy it is to become a "do-it-yourselfer" (DIYer) mechanic.

One of the program's features is a series of 128 DIY brochures that explain what consumers should know about vehicle maintenance, repair and safety. The brochures are free at the project brochure display in every Advance Auto Parts store across the country, and feature individual maintenance or safety projects, step-by-step instructions, an assessed level of difficulty and cost-savings information.

"We're simply empowering consumers to understand the vehicle they're driving, and to know that significant cost-savings are possible," Gregory added. One example he cited is changing your air filter. This 5-10 minute project will cost under $10 and yield substantial savings in fuel throughout summer travel.

Advance Auto Parts also holds free, monthly car-care video clinics at its stores nationwide to teach drivers how to maintain their vehicles and perform minor repairs. The video clinics are archived on the company's website at http://www.advanceautoparts.com/.

"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?"

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is based in Roanoke, Va., and is a leading retailer of automotive parts and accessories. In 2005, the Company was named the "Best Managed Retailing Company in America" by Forbes magazine. With more than 2,650 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.