ROANOKE, Va., Nov 21, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

The holiday season is accompanied by a sharp increase in the number of people driving longer distances to visit with friends and family. Drivers who spend a few minutes conducting visual inspections of their vehicles before they travel can avoid costly and potentially dangerous breakdowns that impact holiday plans, and leave them stranded roadside in cold weather.

"The best time to prepare your vehicle for holiday travel and winter is now, before a trip begins and before severe winter weather arrives," says Bryan Gregory, director of consumer education for Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP). "There are a number of simple, preventative maintenance items that any consumer can perform in their driveway."

Preventive Maintenance Tips

1. Inspect your antifreeze while your engine is cold by using an antifreeze tester to check the mixture for its freeze point. Simply remove the radiator cap and draw a small amount of antifreeze into the tester and see how far your antifreeze will go before freezing, causing engine damage. A 50/50 ratio means 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze, which is sufficient in most climates, except in extreme cold.
2. Have your charging system checked for free at any Advance Auto Parts store. Cold weather makes your battery work much harder, so have it checked out before you're stuck out in the cold.
3. Change your oil and oil filter. Clean, high quality engine oil goes a long way in protecting the motor in cold start situations. Be sure to change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles or three months to avoid shortened engine life or damage. Use the oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
4. Visually inspect all lights; marker bulbs, tail lights, third level brake lights, especially headlights and driving lights. Less daylight requires bulbs to work longer hours and therefore may cause them to dim or burn out more quickly. Also, check to make sure that the headlight lens casing around the lights is clean as well.
5. Tire tread condition; check it yourself, or have it checked. Winter driving requires good traction in snow and ice. Quality tire tread sheds the snow, ice and road grime more quickly, providing better traction for improved safety. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially in colder temperatures. Follow the recommended PSI found on the driver's side door post for maximum traction.
6. Have your brakes inspected. Braking can be difficult in icy weather, and it is important that your brakes are working properly. Have your brake pads checked and replaced if the lining is less than 1/8 inch thick, and have your rotors inspected as well. Always brake slowly when driving in treacherous conditions.
7. Visibility is key to your safety; make sure that your wiper blades are in top condition to fully clear your windshield. Road salt and slush can also jeopardize visibility. Use washer fluid containing de-icer and Rain-X Treatment on windows to avoid having to scrape ice early in the morning. Advance installs wipers for free.
8. Inspect your engine's belts and hoses. Cracked, frayed or worn out rubber won't stand up to temperature extremes.
9. Replace the cabin air filter if the vehicle is equipped. Outside contaminants from fall and summer driving are trapped in the cabin air filter and running the heater on high in the extreme cold circulates the micro-particles throughout the vehicle interior.
10. Protect your vehicle's paint. Rain, snow and salt are extremely tough on paint. A tough coating of quality car wax will add another barrier between road grime and your vehicle's paint.
11. Last but not least, prepare a roadside emergency kit including a flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, food bars, water bottles, cell phone, jumper cables, flares, Fix-a-Flat, HELP Sign, and a first aid kit.

"Anyone, whether they are an experienced DIY'er, or a novice at car care, can take these steps before the winter weather sets in. A little bit of pre-planning and attention to detail goes a long way in car care," said Gregory.

For more information on winter driving safety, visit www.AdvanceAutoParts.com , click on Know-How, then Video Clinics, and view our free "Winter Prep" clinic, or ask one of our friendly Team Members how you can travel more safely during this busy holiday season. Take our experts with you on your iPod or smartphone by downloading Know-How videos, free at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

About Advance Auto Parts

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. As of October 8, 2011, the Company operated 3,645 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 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.

SOURCE: Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts
Shelly Whitaker, APR
Direct 540-561-8452
Fax 540-561-6445
Shelly.whitaker@advanceautoparts.com