AAA Offers Vehicle Repair Tips to Mature Drivers

BURNSVILLE, Minn., Oct. 27, 2005 -- AAA projects that by 2020, there will be more than 40 million licensed senior motorists on the road. As part of its annual Car Care Month, celebrated each October, AAA offers a checklist that mature motorists can use to boost their car care confidence and automotive self-reliance.

Auto repairs can be very expensive for those seniors who are on a strict budget, and no one wants to pay for work that is unnecessary. However, not every repair situation is clear-cut (particularly when it involves preventive maintenance) and there often are different opinions about what work is necessary or desirable.

"When mature drivers encounter these differences and the varied repair cost estimates that go along with them, they sometimes assume that the more involved and costly repair option is an attempt to rip off the consumer," says Gail Weinholzer, AAA Minnesota/Iowa spokesperson. "Drivers should take into consideration that there might be more than one approach to solve an automotive repair. One repair shop may take a proactive service strategy that emphasizes immediate maintenance and repair to help prevent further, and possibly more serious, problems down the road. While, on the other hand, another repair facility may take a more reactive approach, deferring certain types of preventive repairs until the problem becomes more significant."

Motorists who put off visiting an auto repair facility can do their vehicles more harm than good in the long run. At some point in a vehicle's life, it will need maintenance and/or repair. AAA reminds mature drivers to consider the following when researching a reputable repair shop:

   -- Become familiar with the automobile's maintenance schedule, which is
      provided in the owner's manual.

   -- Don't wait for the car to break down to identify a reputable repair
      shop.  Be proactive and research where you want to take your vehicle
      before it needs to be serviced.

   -- Gather recommendations and opinions from friends and family.

   -- Check with local consumer agencies to identify any unresolved disputes
      with the facility.

   -- Find out if the shop employs ASE-certified automotive technicians that
      are experienced in working on the type of car you own.

   -- Communicate your vehicle's symptoms effectively by using simple
      everyday language or demonstrating the problem during a test drive
      with the technician.

One of the easiest ways to identify a good repair shop is to select an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. These shops undergo an extensive investigation before being allowed to enter the AAR program and must consistently maintain strict approval ratings from AAA member clients. For a list of 7,800 AAR facilities in North America or to locate the nearest shop, log onto http://www.aaa.com/ . While AAA members are entitled to special benefits when patronizing these shops, all motorists can benefit from the knowledge AAA has verified their competency and trustworthiness.

AAA offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, which has 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states.