Auto Parts Retailer Follows Home-Improvement Industry Lead, Launches Car Care Clinics

Video-Based Clinics Show Drivers How to Repair Vehicles, Save Money

ROANOKE, Va., Sept. 21 -- Advance Auto Parts is holding free, monthly car-care clinics at its stores nationwide to teach drivers how to maintain their vehicles and perform minor repairs.

The video clinics, similar to consumer education seminars offered by major home-improvement retailers, occur on the last Saturday of each month and are broadcast nationwide to more than 2,500 stores on the company's in-store television network.

"Each 20-minute clinic gives drivers the confidence and skills to perform maintenance and repair jobs, and save a lot of money in the process," said Bryan Gregory, Advance Auto Parts' consumer education manager. "The video clinics are part of our new consumer education program to show drivers that becoming a 'do-it-yourselfer' is easy and improves vehicle safety and reliability."

"Forgotten Filters" is the next video clinic at 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 25th at all Advance Auto Parts stores. Viewers will learn about the vehicle filters that need attention in order to ensure maximum performance, why premium filters are better, and how to change the engine oil and filter.

"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?"

The video clinics are archived on the company's website at http://www.advanceautoparts.com/. Topics available for viewing now include:

  * batteries and electrical -- learn charging system, electrical system and
    battery installation tips.
  * air conditioning -- learn how to service the air conditioning system.
  * today's tune up -- learn how to tune up today's vehicles and lessen high
    gas prices' impact.

Upcoming car-care clinics will follow the "why and how-to theme" of the company's series of 128 "do-it-yourself" brochures available free in Advance Auto Parts stores.

Advance Auto Parts is based in Roanoke, Va., and is the second largest auto parts chain in the nation. With more than 2,500 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the company serves both the "do-it- yourselfer" and professional installer markets. Additional company information, including a store locator, is available at http://www.advanceautoparts.com/.