AutoTrader.com Launches Nationwide Car Care Month Initiative.

Business Editors/Automotive Writers/Technology Writers/Internet

Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2000

Preventative maintenance on used vehicles increases safety,

saves money

AutoTrader.com, the leading Internet destination and marketplace in the United States for buyers and sellers of used vehicles, is taking car care to new heights by supporting National Car Care Month, which begins next week.

AutoTrader.com (www.autotrader.com) continues to be a leading source for information on how to keep used vehicles in top condition, offering timely tips on automotive maintenance that, performed before problems arise, save consumers money and put safer, more efficient automobiles on America's roadways.

Caring for used vehicles--purchased 3:1 over new each year--is especially important to increase their longevity. Pre-owned automobiles cost 20 to 40 percent less and generally cost less to insure. And because vehicles are built better nowadays, they last longer--for this reason, a reduction of new cars on the road is not only good for the pocketbook, but also for the environment. According to a recent Loyola University study, 11 million cars have been retired from national roads each year.

"Buying an automobile is typically the second most expensive item consumers buy in their lifetime, and taking care of that investment makes good sense," said Chip Perry, president and CEO, AutoTrader.com. "Much of what can be done takes little time and will save consumers money in the long run, providing many long-term benefits. AutoTrader.com provides resources to help consumers make a wise decision when buying their used car; we are committed to offering practical ways to maintain that automobile throughout its lifetime."

National Car Care Month began in Ohio and was promoted statewide by the Ohio Department of Energy. In 1981, the Car Care Council was asked to coordinate the campaign and the program was initiated nationwide. Its purpose is to improve highway safety, air quality, and fuel conservation. More information on National Car Care Month can be found at www.carcarecouncil.org.

Each October, government, businesses and civic groups nationwide sponsor free safety and emissions checks to motorists who also will receive information about vehicle maintenance and repair. In 1999, these "check lanes" found that 83% of all vehicles needed repair or maintenance, according to the Car Care Council. Many of the vehicles going through the check lanes had low or contaminated fluids in at least one system. Neglect of this kind can lead to early failure of an engine, transmission or, worse, the braking system. Included in the failures:

    --  26% had low or dirty engine oil

    --  18% had low tire pressure

    --  23% had inadequate cooling protection

    --  24% needed new belts

    --  13% had dirty air filters

Preventative maintenance also reduces the chances of death while on the road. The Council reports that motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer of people aged 1 to 44. Each year more than 2,600 deaths occur due to car neglect, including nearly 100,000 disabling injuries. Eleven people are injured every hour and one person dies every three hours due to accidents which could have been prevented if vehicles were better taken care of.

Over $2 billion is lost each year to car neglect, with $650 million lost each year in wages alone. Medical expenses as a result of neglect-related accidents total $200 million, while insurance administration costs add nearly $500 million. More than 5% of all motor vehicle accidents are caused by car neglect.

Following are AutoTrader.com's easy tips on how consumers can take better care of their vehicle to reduce the loss of money and lives due to neglect:

    --  Find a good mechanic. Think of your mechanic as you do your
        family doctor--get to know them and develop trust so you can
        call on them for any car need.

    --  Inspect car's fluids. All fluids, with the exception of the
        coolant, should be checked every 3,000 to 5,000 miles; coolant
        should be changed every two years or 30,000 miles.

    --  Check tire pressure. Under inflated tires decrease gas mileage
        and shorten tire life.

    --  Check drive belts, hoses and clamps. Every 5,000 miles, check,
        tighten and replace when needed.

    --  Inspect battery level and cables. Loose cables or corrosion of
        the battery could cause breakdowns.

    --  Inspect the air filter. Maintaining a clean air filter is
        crucial as more cars fill the nation's highways. A dirty air
        filter could cause engine damage and gives the car less power.

    --  Sturdy seat belts. Seat belts that do not work properly should
        be replaced. Seat belts aren't cheap, but they could save your
        life.

    --  Bad driving habits. Bad driving habits such as "revving" the
        engine excessively not only wastes gas, but also puts
        unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Revving can also
        overheat the car's catalytic converter, causing damage and
        making it less effective.

    --  Maximize your car use. Make fewer trips in your car by
        consolidating errands and trips. Try to drive during off-peak
        hours to spend less time on the road and avoid excessive
        stop-and-go driving.

    --  Educate yourself. To better understand maintenance and
        procedures, enroll in a car care class at your local auto club
        or junior college.

About AutoTrader.com

AutoTrader.com is the leading Internet destination and marketplace in the United States for buyers and sellers of used cars, light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles and for consumers seeking information regarding automotive products and services, such as insurance, financing and warranties. AutoTrader.com utilizes the power of the Internet and its ability, through its exclusive strategic alliances, to aggregate in a single location an extensive network of industry participants and a comprehensive database of automotive information to create an open marketplace that is local, regional and national in nature. AutoTrader.com contains approximately 1.5 million used vehicle listings, and, in June 2000, AutoTrader.com's marketplace attracted 5 million unique monthly visitors who conducted 14 million vehicle searches.

AutoTrader.com, formerly AutoConnect.com, was formed in 1997 as a majority-owned subsidiary of Manheim Auctions, Inc. which has been in business since 1945 and is the world's largest operator of wholesale auto auctions. Manheim Auctions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc., a leading media conglomerate, is AutoTrader.com's principal stockholder and one of AutoTrader.com's strategic partners. Other investors in AutoTrader.com include entities with which AutoTrader.com has also formed strategic relationships, such as Landmark Communications, ADP, Inc., eBay, Inc. and the venture capital firm, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.