(NAPSA}Formillions of con- sumers looking for ways to extend the lives of their current. vehicles, one question may arise: Can I save moneyin the long run by choosing a low-cost, off-brand replacement, part? The answer, according to automotive experts, is: no. The few bucks you might save today could cost you much morein terms of degraded vehicle reliability and performance—andpotentially even yourdriving safety—downthe road. Whatcharacteristics should you lockfor in replacement. auto parts? Consumer research points to four key characteristics that separate premium components from those that may be sold at bargain-basement prices: Premium parts are engineered specifically for the vehicle by a leading original-equipment supplier; they help enhancevehicle performance; they help increase overall reliability; and they help improvevehiclesafety. Sacrificing these benefits can make even the most economically priced replacement parts a poor bargain, according to leading automotive manufacturers. “Getting the cheapest brake job, ball joint replacement or tune-up often isn’t a good deal for the con- Quality replacement auto parts can extend your car’s life—and help protect your own. A growing number of automo- tive parts providers have recognized that consumers need and want more information about the products installed on their vehi- cles. To help vehicle owners make informed decisions about auto maintenance and repair, FederalMogul, manufacturer of such popular replacement parts as ANCO wipers, Champion spark plugs, MOOG chassis parts, Wagner ThermoQuiet brakes and Wagner lighting products, launched a consumer information portal at sumer—not when they have to put up with performance problems and www.FMSmartChoice.com. The marketing director for global auto- This new Web resource also includes convenient links to a vari- a shorter product. servicelife,” said Michael Proud, North American motive parts supplier Federal- site also includes a variety of money-saving offers on premium branded products. Mogul Corporation. “Even saving a ety of industry-sponsored tools, few dollars on a lesser-quality wiper including the popular “Be Car Care blade can lead to an installation Aware” campaign headquarters, nightmare and shorter replacement which includes detailed informacycle, not to mention potentially tion on dozens of vehicle systems dangerousvisibility problems.” and maintenance requirements.
