Parts Retailer Encourages Young Driver Education to Promote Safety and Reduce Repair Costs

ATLANTA--Oct. 6, 2005--Whether young drivers are getting the keys to a new or used car, NAPA AUTO PARTS encourages parents to teach them the basics of preventive maintenance to increase safety and vehicle performance. Having knowledge of car basics such as how much air to keep in the tires can help prevent accidents, breakdowns and extend the life of the vehicle.

"Young adults must realize that basic automotive maintenance not only reduces costly car repairs, but often saves lives," said Jeff Walker, 2005 NAPA Technician of the Year and owner of Walker's Automotive Services in Pleasantville, N.J. "A driver who understands, for example, that a worn out tire could result in a blowout will likely change the tire before the blowout occurs."

The September 5, 2005 release of property damage statistics for young adult drivers, by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, would seem to support more attention be given to young adult drivers. The report notes that property damage accidents increased 4.7% from 2003 to 2004, and that fatalities remained unchanged, but still too many at 7,386.

Below are topics that should be addressed as part of a young driver's education and maintenance checklist:

Tires, including the spare, should be properly inflated at all times. They should be inspected periodically to assure there are no smooth or "balding" spots or exposed metal belts. All tires will last longer when they are properly inflated and when drivers avoid "peeling out" or "burning rubber." Having tires rotated and the vehicle alignment checked by a NAPA AutoCare technician every 3,000 to 4,000 miles will help assure greater serviceability. Every young driver should also know how to change a tire.

Windshield wipers should fit properly and should not shimmy across the windshield. Wipers that are working well will increase safety during rain storms and when water is splashed from the roadway. A clean windshield is especially important at dawn and dusk since sunlight may cause temporary blindness when reflected through dirty glass.

Battery terminals should be free of corrosion and the battery properly charged. Young drivers should learn the correct way to use the jumper cables in case they have a dead battery while on the road.

Brakes should be inspected every 20,000 miles and any excessive grinding, squealing or chatter should be investigated immediately. Make sure the break pedal is firm when pressed. A screeching sound may indicate the brakes are worn and need servicing.

Fluids should be checked regularly. This includes the oil, coolant (antifreeze), brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, transmission, and battery fluids. Young drivers should know the proper mix of antifreeze and water and should be able to check under the hood to confirm that fluid levels are adequate. Yellow, green, light blue or bright orange stains on the garage floor or other areas may indicate the engine has overheated, the antifreeze is leaking from the radiator, or the vehicle has a worn-out hose or water pump. Dark brown or black oil stains may indicate an oil leak, with red spots signaling a transmission fluid or power-steering fluid leak.

Belts and hoses that are more than four years old should be replaced. All belts should be checked periodically for tightness and wear. A shrieking belt may not be properly fitted and may require adjusting or replacement. Hoses should be free of cracks and bulges to avoid fluid leaks and other problems.

Lights and horns help ensure safety. Check the brake, parking, tail, reverse, hazard, and turn lights and headlights to assure they are bright; change any weak bulbs. Check the horn periodically to assure that it will work when needed.

Auto tools and supplies should be inventoried periodically to make sure they are available and functioning. This includes the jack, jumper cables, flares, flashlight and tire gauge.

Parents will want to provide young drivers with a cell phone and emergency phone numbers--including the number for roadside assistance--in case of an emergency. Drivers should also have the number for the closest repair shop. Parents may want to provide their children with a credit card, such as a NAPA credit card, and extra cash--especially if they are driving longer distances.

Customers who pay for qualifying repairs with a NAPA Visa or NAPA AutoCare EasyPay Credit Card will benefit from a 24-month or 24,000 mile warranty, which is double the standard NAPA warranty and good at any of the more than 12,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers nationwide. The credit card also provides emergency roadside assistance at no extra cost.

"Preventive care will extend the life of a young person's car," said Walker. "Regular maintenance is like health insurance for your vehicle, it provides peace of mind."

About NAPA AUTO PARTS

NAPA AUTO PARTS distributes parts, accessories, tools and equipment to 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and more than 12,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers nationwide.

For more information about NAPA and vehicle care, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.