Advance Auto Parts Brings Car Care Know-How and Travel Information to Mobile Phones

ROANOKE, Va.--Aug. 7, 2006--A new nationwide feature on mobile phones means drivers no longer have to stop and ask for directions or try to remember when their vehicle is due for an oil change.

Travel and vehicle-repair information, including maintenance reminders, now are available on web-enabled mobile phones on the Sprint, Nextel, and Cingular networks following the launch of Auto Know-How by Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories and maintenance items. Additional wireless carriers are scheduled to offer the service nationally later this year.

The new program features six automotive/travel information categories ranging from essential vehicle maintenance, to trip planning. Users can even program their mobile device to cue them for vehicle maintenance such as an oil change every 90 days if they'd like. Auto Know-How by Advance Auto Parts requires a web-enabled device, and users sign up for the service via the menu option that shows programs available for download.

"Consumers are looking for every advantage when it comes to vehicle maintenance these days, and they desire to take good care of their vehicles," said Bryan Gregory, Advance Auto Parts' director of consumer education. "This is a tool that will help them do both. The six categories include vehicle 'Know How' articles, a business locator, trip directions, weather reports, an Advance Auto Parts Store locator, and vehicle maintenance reminders. By entering the date on which vehicle service was last performed, drivers can set intervals to remind them to perform basic maintenance items, such as an oil change every 90 days. When that service interval is reached, users receive a text message reminding them what service is due."

The mobile application's 'Know-How' section features numerous articles that give detailed instructions on everything from how to change a flat tire, to jumpstarting a dead battery, to preparing a vehicle for winter. The business locator shows the location of the nearest gas station, tow-truck service, restaurant, or hotel based on the zip code the user enters. Destination directions, as well as a local weather forecast, also function from the zip code information provided.

The mobile phone application is the first of its kind in the automotive category, and is available for a monthly fee of $2.99, appearing as a charge on users' phone bills. Once downloaded, the library of automotive repair information is stored on users' cell phones, not on the Internet, a benefit because information is retrieved faster and viewing it doesn't count against monthly minutes.

Advance Auto Parts teamed up with San Francisco-based mFoundry, a leading mobile publisher and platform provider, and Sprint to develop and provide the new service.

"This application puts a powerful tool in people's hands when they need it most - whether they are driving or outside working on their cars," said Drew Sievers, CEO & co-founder of mFoundry. "By going mobile, Advance Auto Parts can build an even stronger connection with its customers and fit into their active lifestyles. Our mWorks platform makes it easy for companies to deliver useful content and services to mobile devices."

Advance also recently announced another mobile service that makes the company's free, instructional car-care video clinics available from AdvanceAutoParts.com and Apple's iTunes.com for downloading to Apple video iPods. The 20-plus video clinics show do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) how to perform a variety of maintenance procedures, from replacing brake pads, to changing oil or installing shocks and struts.

About Advance Auto Parts

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is the second-largest retailer of automotive parts, accessories, batteries and maintenance items in the United States based on sales and store count. As of April 22, 2006, the company had 2,927 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.