AAA Texas Offers Free Car Check to Public; Preparing Motorists For Winter Driving.

Business Editors/Automotive Writers

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 2003

In an effort to help motorists prepare for the onset of colder weather, AAA Texas is offering free car inspections to the public.

One of the most important steps motorists can take at this time of year is preventive maintenance on their vehicles.

AAA Texas is offering two ways to help motorists with preventative maintenance: With the help of Barbara Jordan High School, NAPA and Valvoline, motorists can get a free 38-point vehicle inspection during a Car Care Check in Houston.

Thursday, October 9th, 7 AM to 5 PM

Where: Barbara Jordan High School

5800 Eastex Freeway

Houston, TX 77026

Sponsors: AAA Texas, NAPA, Valvoline

Some of the items to be checked at this time of year include all fluid levels and conditions including antifreeze, tires, brakes, lights, belts, and hoses.

Second, AAA Texas members and non-members who are unable to attend the Car Care Check due to the time or location can still get a free 38-point inspection during AAA Car Care Month in October. Motorists can call and set up an appointment directly with a participating AAA Texas Approved Auto Repair facility.

AAA Texas members who need repairs can show their membership cards and receive a minimum 10 percent off standard parts and labor, up to $50 off your total bill at participating Show Your Card & Save(R) locations.

To locate an Approved Auto Repair facility that's participating during Car Care Month, you can simply log-on to www.aaa-texas.com. These shops meet AAA's strict quality standards and display the AAA Texas logo.

Also important in preparing for winter driving is the need to adjust driving patterns to fit the season.

AAA Texas offers these steps to help motorists increase their safety:

-- Improve visibility by turning on headlights in the late

afternoon before the sun begins to set. Always use low-beam

headlights in fog, rain, or snow.

-- Be sure to signal your intention to turn well in advance.

-- Clear all snow and ice from windows, the roof, the hood, the

trunk, mirrors, lights and signals.

-- Observe all speed limits and reduce speed whenever road

conditions or visibility are compromised by foul weather.

-- Avoid sudden starts, stops and hard turns, especially when

roads are slippery or wet.

-- Don't brake hard and use the proper braking technique for the

vehicle you drive. Cars with anti-lock brakes require a

steady, gradual application of pressure to the brake pedal.

Cars without anti-lock brakes may need firm pressure on the

brake pedal just short of wheel lockup, and then easing off

the brake slightly before reapplying pressure.

-- Anticipate potential danger on the road such as icy bridges,

snow-covered lane markings, or stalled cars. Decrease speed,

increase distance between the vehicle in front of you, or

change lanes to avoid trouble.

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.