AAA Texas Offers Car Maintenance Checklist During AAA Car Care Month.

IRVING, Texas -- The idea of car repairs makes some drivers uneasy. To boost their car care confidence, AAA Texas has compiled a car maintenance checklist to promote automotive self-reliance.

"If car owners are put off visiting an auto repair shop because they feel out of their element, they open themselves up to breakdowns and other problems," said Pat O'Reilly, manager of the AAA Texas Approved Auto Repair Program. "The more anyone knows about their vehicle and how it operates, the better."

AAA Texas offers the following checklist to make car repairs a less frustrating experience.

1. Become familiar with your automobile's maintenance schedule. This information is provided in the owner's manual of your vehicle.

2. Don't wait for your car to break down to identify a repair shop and find a mechanic. Be proactive and research where you want to take your vehicle when it needs to be serviced in the future. AAA Texas has a list of Approved Auto Repair Shops that can be found at www.aaa-texas.com/repair.

3. Gather recommendations and opinions from friends and family. This will help streamline the decision-making process.

4. Check with the local consumer agencies to identify if the repair shop in question has any unresolved disputes.

5. Find out if the shop employs ASE certified automotive technicians that are experienced working on the type of car or truck you own. ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service.

6. The simplest way to choose a good repair shop is to select an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. These shops undergo an extensive investigation and inspection before being admitted to the program.

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

The maintenance checklist was developed for AAA Car Care Month this October when the organization promotes an annual check up for vehicles just prior to the cooler and rainy months ahead. AAA Texas is offering its members a $19.99 service package that includes an oil and filter change, tire rotation, brake inspection, and 38 point vehicle safety and maintenance inspection at its participating Approved Auto Repair facilities. The offer is available through Nov. 30 and can be obtained by redeeming a coupon published in the current issue of Texas Journey magazine.

For motorists who are searching for a quality repair shop, AAA Texas has nearly 300 Approved Auto Repair facilities listed online, and in a directory it publishes quarterly. Members are entitled to special benefits when patronizing these shops; however, all motorists can benefit from the knowledge that AAA Texas has verified their competency.

"The service check is a great way for motorists to learn about any potential problems with their cars and trucks," said O'Reilly. "It also helps establish a baseline for future car maintenance."

For more information about the $19.95 service package, call 866-579-3397, or click on aaa-texas.com/repair or visit any AAA Texas office.

AAA Texas, an affiliate of AAA National, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas members benefit from the organization's roadside assistance service, insurance and financial products, travel agency, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas' Web site at www.aaa-texas.com.