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Many Consumers Overspend On Vehicle Maintenance

16 October 1998

Many Consumers Overspend On Vehicle Maintenance, According To AAA Survey

    ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 16 -- Many consumers are wasting money on
unnecessary auto maintenance, according to a survey conducted by AAA.  The
survey was a part of AAA's campaign to educate consumers during October --
National Car Care Month.
    "Motorists are having certain auto maintenance items, such as oil changes,
done too often, but are not having other maintenance, such as tire rotating
and balancing, done enough," said Dave Van Sickle, director of AAA Automotive
and Consumer Information.  "The end result is that many consumers are throwing
away money on unnecessary oil changes and buying new tires more often because
of uneven wear."
    Of those surveyed, 79 percent are having the oil changed in their vehicles
every 3,000 miles or less, twice the rate that most manufacturers suggest.
However, 67 percent hadn't rotated their tires in the last year.  Tire
rotation is suggested every 6,500-7,000 miles.
    "By following their manufacturer's maintenance schedule, consumers could
save up to $500 a year by avoiding unnecessary expenses, not to mention
savings in time and natural resources," said Van Sickle.
    AAA also suggests frequent visual inspections of tires, belts, hoses and
other visible working parts.
    "Keeping up with the condition of your vehicle will ensure that repairs
will be made when needed, not before or not after," said Van Sickle.
    AAA's survey showed that 38 percent of consumers continue to purchase mid-
and premium-grade gasoline when it isn't necessary.
    "Unless your owner's manual calls for a higher-octane level or your car is
suffering from occasional engine knock, buying premium is a waste of money.
In fact, if your car was designed for regular-unleaded fuel, premium fuel will
not make it run smoother, cleaner or have more power," said Van Sickle.
    AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 95 clubs with 1,100 offices
providing more than 41 million members in the United States and Canada with
travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.  AAA's automotive
services network includes 4,400 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and 13,418
towing contractors representing 39,071 service vehicles.