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Traveling Motorists Can Find Quality Emergency Auto Repairs Says AAA

24 November 1997

Traveling Motorists Can Find Quality Emergency Auto Repairs Says AAA

    ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 24 -- While most motorists traveling by
automobile for the holidays will have a trouble-free trip, some will find
their journey interrupted by an automotive breakdown.  For those motorists,
AAA offers advice to ease auto-repair worries while away from home.
    "Knowing how to spot the best repair shops and how to effectively
communicate with a service technician can alleviate much of the stress if your
vehicle breaks down while traveling," said Marshall Doney, vice president of
AAA Automotive Services.
    One of the best indications of a trustworthy repair facility is a "AAA
Approved Auto Repair" sign.  AAA-approved shops have met tough standards for
personnel certification, customer service, equipment and scope of service.
There are more than 4,300 AAA-approved shops in 31 states.
    If there is not a AAA-approved shop near by, make sure the technician
repairing your vehicle is certified by the National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence (ASE).
    Motorists also should look for shops that offer nationwide warranty
protection.  That way, if the repair fails later on your trip or after you
return home, you can get your vehicle fixed without incurring additional
costs.  Many national service organizations, such as AAA Approved Auto Repair
facilities and NAPA AutoCare centers, offer this protection.
    Wherever you have your vehicle repaired, make sure you understand the work
that will be done on your car.  Ask questions and make the technician take the
time to carefully explain the work that will be done.  Ask to keep any
replaced parts.
    Other clues to look for include a clean, orderly shop and a professional-
appearing staff that greets the customer with respect.
    If your vehicle is new, make sure the repair shop can honor the vehicle's
warranty.  It may be necessary to take your vehicle to a dealership for
service.
    Once the technician says the vehicle has been repaired, take a thorough
test drive to make certain the problem has been corrected before heading back
down the highway.
    The best advice is to reduce the need for emergency repairs by following
the vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and by having your
vehicle regularly inspected by a qualified technician.
    AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 97 motor clubs with more than
1,000 offices providing 40 million members in the U.S. and Canada with travel,
insurance, financial and auto-related services.  AAA provides emergency road
service through a network of more than 37,000 service vehicles.
    AAA news releases can be downloaded from the following sites:  AOL --
Keyword:  AAA; Click on "News and Events," "News Releases."  Internet:
http://www.aaa.com/news/news.html

SOURCE  American Automobile Association