http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/c_autovantage/C3/ en jonathan.carpenter@dvl.com Copyright 2010 2010-01-14T22:14:00-06:00 http://feeds.feedburner.com/Autovantage?format=skinhttp://64.128.92.92/themes/site_themes/affinionassets/visuals/autovantage/LL_Logo_AutoVantage.jpghttp://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/fb_pwrd.gif http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/ys-ZibBbeOI/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_road_rage_survey_reveals_best_worst_cities1/#When:15:58:00Z Norwalk, Conn. - June 16, 2009 - For the first time in four years, a new city claims the title as the worst in the U.S. for road rage. New York has unseated Miami as the least courteous city, according to the fourth annual In the Driver’s Seat Road Rage Survey, commissioned by AutoVantage, a leading national auto club. The Big Apple moved up from its No. 3 ranking last year to claim the distinction. Rounding out the five worst cities for road rage are Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Atlanta and Minneapolis/St. Paul. The survey also named a new city as the most courteous. Portland, Ore., took the top spot, moving up from No. 2 last year. It was followed by Cleveland, Baltimore, Sacramento and Pittsburgh. The In the Driver’s Seat 2009 AutoVantage Road Rage Survey, released today, was conducted to determine the driving habits and attitudes of commuters across the country and to learn more about consumer views on the topic of road rage. “At AutoVantage, we’ve made the drive easier every day by completing more than 1 million service calls for our customers, offering everything from 24-hour roadside assistance to towing to lockout service and more. This survey is another way we assist drivers by revealing the latest driving trends and attitudes to educate and influence safer - and perhaps more courteous - driving habits,” said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. Download the entire release (pdf) AutoVantage 2009-06-16T15:58:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_road_rage_survey_reveals_best_worst_cities1/#When:15:58:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/Lzf0i7DCtHw/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_announces_winner_of_20th_anniversary_sweeps/#When:09:20:00Z Dallas-area resident fills-up with 20 years worth of gas NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 24, 2009 - An Arlington, Texas resident doesn’t have to worry about gas prices for the next 20 years. Thanks to AutoVantage, a leading national auto club, Donald Hilgeman, a 44-year-old American Airlines flight attendant, has won the 20th Anniversary Great Gas Giveaway sweepstakes, filling his tank with free gas for two decades. AutoVantage awarded the Dallas-area resident with the 20 years worth of free gas as part of its 20th Anniversary Great Gas Giveaway sweepstakes. The giveaway was launched in April of 2008 as a celebration of the auto club’s historic milestone. More than 38,000 people entered the online sweepstakes at http://www.autovantage.com, which ran through December. AutoVantage also awarded nine GPS navigation devices and 10 $100 gas cards as part of the sweeps. The free gas grand prize could not have come at a better time for Hilgeman, with the volatile economy, skittish stock market and high gas prices. “It’s absolutely incredible,” said Hilgeman, who has worked for American Airlines for 17 years. “I didn’t believe it at first, but it is definitely a much-needed shot in this challenging economy. Gas has been so horrendously expensive - it is a huge relief. “This has truly changed my life,” Hilgeman added. “It’s smooth sailing for me on the road for the next 20 years.” The sweepstakes was a great way for AutoVantage to thank the thousands of motorists who have turned to its automotive services over the years. “As a leading automotive motor club, we pay close attention to the driving habits, behaviors and attitudes of American drivers, and clearly, one of the biggest issues facing the public today is the rising cost of fuel,” said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. “We wanted to celebrate by giving away 20 great prizes to help people navigate the highways and byways of America - and what better way for us to celebrate this historic milestone than to reward motorists with pain relief at the pump. We’re thrilled Donny is our big winner.” In the last two decades, the auto club has provided timely roadside assistance to more than 1 million stranded motorists, navigated drivers on their trips in a snap with more than 123,000 AccuTrip Routing maps (Las Vegas is the most popular, most requested), delivered more than 118,000 new car summaries and 61,000 used car summaries to help consumers get the best deals on automobiles, and logged nearly 100,000 maintenance referrals to get everyone back on the road and on their way. There was no purchase necessary to enter the sweeps which was open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18-years-old or older. In the 20 years since AutoVantage’s birth here are AutoVantage’s Top 5 problems on the road, garnered from more than 1 million roadside assistance dispatches: 1. Breakdowns requiring tows (60 percent) 2. Lockouts (12 percent) 3. Jumpstarts (10 percent) 4. Tire changes (9 percent) 5. Fuel deliveries (1 percent) Here are the Top 20 destinations for motorists: 1. Las Vegas 2. Orlando, Fla. 3. San Antonio, Texas 4. Memphis, Tenn. 5. San Diego 6. Branson, Mo. 7. Nashville, Tenn. 8. Atlanta 9. Houston 10. Grand Canyon, Ariz. 11. Kissimmee, Fla., near Disney World 12. Myrtle Beach, S.C. 13. Washington, D.C. 14. Chicago 15. San Francisco 16. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 17. Los Angeles 18. Niagara Falls, N.Y. 19. Jacksonville, Fla. 20. Miami Other auto insights from the experts at AutoVantage: Car life spans continue to improve.  In 1977, half of the automobiles had a life expectancy of 10.5 years and 107,000 miles.  By 1990, 50 percent survived from 12.5 years and 127,000 miles, and now average car life expectancies are 13 years and 152,000 miles. It’s estimated that there’s nearly one car for every American of driving age Median automobile age is nine years Number of those reaching driving age is the largest since the Baby Boom. Average new car spend… $22,600 Average used car spend… $9,000 Average auto loan length… five years Estimated cars in use in the U.S.… 135 million Average annual car maintenance costs… $650 About AutoVantage Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 15 percent on car care at some 17,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included. AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. AutoVantage 2009-02-24T09:20:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_announces_winner_of_20th_anniversary_sweeps/#When:09:20:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/tx7v68vfboQ/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/arlington_resident_fills_up_with_20_years_of_free_gas/#When:09:00:00Z Part of AutoVantage 20th Anniversary Sweeps LOCAL RELEASE: DALLAS NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 24, 2009 – An Arlington, Texas resident doesn’t have to worry about gas prices for the next 20 years. Thanks to AutoVantage, a leading national auto club, Donald Hilgeman, a 44-year-old American Airlines flight attendant, has won the 20th Anniversary Great Gas Giveaway sweepstakes, filling his tank with free gas for two decades. The grand prize could not have come at a better time for Hilgeman, with the volatile economy, skittish stock market and high gas prices.  “It’s absolutely incredible,” said Hilgeman, who has worked for American Airlines for 17 years.  “I didn’t believe it at first, but it is definitely a much-needed shot in this challenging economy.  Gas has been so horrendously expensive – it is a huge relief. “This has truly changed my life,” Hilgeman added. “It’s smooth sailing for me on the road for the next 20 years.” The AutoVantage Great Gas Giveaway was launched in April of 2008 as a celebration of the auto club’s historic milestone.  More than 38,000 people entered the online sweepstakes at http://www.autovantage.com, which ran through December. AutoVantage also awarded nine GPS navigation devices and 10 $100 gas cards as part of the sweeps. The sweepstakes was a great way for AutoVantage to thank the thousands of motorists who have turned to its automotive services over the years.  “As a leading automotive motor club, we pay close attention to the driving habits, behaviors and attitudes of American drivers, and clearly, one of the biggest issues facing the public today is the rising cost of fuel,” said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage.  “We wanted to celebrate by giving away 20 great prizes to help people navigate the highways and byways of America – and what better way for us to celebrate this historic milestone than to reward motorists with pain relief at the pump.  We’re thrilled Donny is our big winner.” In the last two decades, the auto club has provided timely roadside assistance to more than 1 million stranded motorists, navigated drivers on their trips in a snap with more than 123,000 AccuTrip Routing maps (Las Vegas is the most popular, most requested), delivered more than 118,000 new car summaries and 61,000 used car summaries to help consumers get the best deals on automobiles, and logged nearly 100,000 maintenance referrals to get everyone back on the road and on their way. There was no purchase necessary to enter the sweeps which was open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18-years-old or older. In the 20 years since AutoVantage’s birth here are AutoVantage’s Top 5 problems on the road, garnered from more than 1 million roadside assistance dispatches: 1. Breakdowns requiring tows (60 percent) 2. Lockouts (12 percent) 3. Jumpstarts (10 percent) 4. Tire changes (9 percent) 5. Fuel deliveries (1 percent) Here are the Top 20 destinations for motorists: 1. Las Vegas 2. Orlando, Fla. 3. San Antonio, Texas 4. Memphis, Tenn. 5. San Diego 6. Branson, Mo. 7. Nashville, Tenn. 8. Atlanta 9. Houston 10. Grand Canyon, Ariz. 11. Kissimmee, Fla., near Disney World 12. Myrtle Beach, S.C. 13. Washington, D.C. 14. Chicago 15. San Francisco 16. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 17. Los Angeles 18. Niagara Falls, N.Y. 19. Jacksonville, Fla. 20. Miami Other auto insights from the experts at AutoVantage: Car life spans continue to improve.  In 1977, half of the automobiles had a life expectancy of 10.5 years and 107,000 miles.  By 1990, 50 percent survived from 12.5 years and 127,000 miles, and now average car life expectancies are 13 years and 152,000 miles. It’s estimated that there’s nearly one car for every American of driving age Median automobile age is nine years Number of those reaching driving age is the largest since the Baby Boom. Average new car spend… $22,600 Average used car spend… $9,000 Average auto loan length… five years Estimated cars in use in the U.S.… 135 million Average annual car maintenance costs… $650 About AutoVantage Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 15 percent on car care at some 17,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included. AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. AutoVantage 2009-02-24T09:00:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/arlington_resident_fills_up_with_20_years_of_free_gas/#When:09:00:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/BtBTTSr2tqY/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_fuels_up_for_20supth_sup_anniversary/#When:21:23:00Z Only 6 more weeks to win 20 years of free gas from leading national auto club NORWALK, Conn., Nov. 12, 2008 - Gas prices were below $1 a gallon.  Ronald Reagan was in his second term as the 40th President.  Stamps were 22 cents. And CDs outsold vinyl records for the first time ever.  That same year - 1988 - a leading national auto club called AutoVantage was born, and has been setting records and keeping America on the road ever since. In the past 20 years, the auto club has provided timely roadside assistance to more than 1 million stranded motorists, navigated drivers on their trips in a snap with more than 123,000 AccuTrip Routing maps (Las Vegas is the most popular, most requested), delivered more than 118,000 new car summaries and 61,000 used car summaries to help consumers get the best deals on automobiles, and logged nearly 100,000 maintenance referrals to get everyone back on the road and on their way. Now, two decades later, many yearn for those nostalgic, bygone days - and savings - especially at the pump.  In celebration of its 20-year milestone, the car experts at AutoVantage are putting the pedal to the medal, and the gas in the tank - literally. Last April, the auto club launched a 20th Anniversary Great Gas Giveaway sweepstakes, and the grand prize is 20 years worth of free gas to one lucky participant.  With only six weeks left in the contest, it is time to shift into high gear! There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweeps - which runs through December 31, 2008 - and is open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18-years-old or older. AutoVantage is also awarding nine GPS navigation devices, and 10 $100 gas cards.  Jump into this great gas giveaway by registering online at www.autovantage.com. The sweepstakes is a great way for AutoVantage to thank the thousands of motorists who have turned to their automotive services over the years.  "As a leading automotive motor club, we pay close attention to the driving habits, behaviors and attitudes of American drivers, and clearly, one of the biggest issues facing the public today is the rising cost of fuel," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage.  "We wanted to celebrate by giving away 20 great prizes to help people navigate the highways and byways of America - and giving away 20 years of free gas to one lucky motorist is the best way to celebrate our historic anniversary." In the 20 years since AutoVantage's birth here are AutoVantage's Top 5 problems on the road, garnered from more than 1 million roadside assistance dispatches: Breakdowns requiring tows (60 percent) Lockouts (12 percent) Jumpstarts (10 percent) Tire changes (9 percent) Fuel deliveries (1 percent) Here are the Top 20 destinations for motorists: Las Vegas Orlando, Fla. San Antonio, Texas Memphis, Tenn. San Diego Branson, Mo. Nashville, Tenn. Atlanta Houston Grand Canyon, Ariz. Kissimmee, Fla., near Disney World Myrtle Beach, S.C. Washington, D.C. Chicago San Francisco Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Los Angeles Niagara Falls, N.Y. Jacksonville, Fla. Miami Other auto insights from the experts at AutoVantage: Car life spans continue to improve.  In 1977, half of the automobiles had a life expectancy of 10.5 years and 107,000 miles.  By 1990, 50 percent survived fro 12.5 years and 127,000 miles, and now average car life expectancies are 13 years and 152,000 miles. It's estimated that there's nearly one car for every American of driving age Median automobile age is nine years Number of those reaching driving age is the largest since the Baby Boom. Average new car spend … $ 23,500 Average used car spend …$9,000 Average auto loan length … five years Estimated cars in use in the U.S. … 135 million Average annual car maintenance costs … $650 About AutoVantage Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 15 percent on car care at some 17,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations.  AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included.  AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., who are 18 and over. Void elsewhere and where prohibited.  For entry details, and full official rules, including odds and prize values, visit http://www.AutoVantage.com.  Sweepstakes ends12/31/08.  Sponsor: Trilegiant Corporation, 100 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850. AutoVantage 2008-11-12T21:23:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_fuels_up_for_20supth_sup_anniversary/#When:21:23:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/y7Say1TEDKA/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_road_rage_survey_reveals_best_worst_cities/#When:19:00:00Z Norwalk, Conn. - May 13, 2008 - The third annual In The Driver's Seat Road Rage Survey, commissioned by AutoVantage, a leading national auto club, found that the least courteous city in the country is Miami, followed by Boston and New York. It's the third consecutive year that Miami takes the crown as road rage capital of America. The other two cities in the bottom five were Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The most courteous city is Pittsburgh, followed closely by Portland, Ore., Seattle, Minneapolis and Cleveland. New trends and road rage triggers for 2008: drivers talking on cell phones, eating, drinking, texting and e-mailing. The In The Driver’s Seat 2008 AutoVantage Road Rage Survey, released today, was conducted to determine the driving habits and attitudes of commuters across the U.S. and to learn more about consumer views on the topic of road rage. “Unfortunately, road rage is too often a way of life,” said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. More and more, in cities across America, people are acting out their frustrations with dangerous results. And with a gridlocked, fast-paced, multi-tasking society, the trend continues to increase. There are some very interesting results in this year’s Road Rage survey, which shines the light on emerging driving trends. The survey’s best and worst cities are: Least Courteous Cities (Worst Road Rage) 2008: Miami Boston New York Baltimore Washington, D.C. Least Courteous Cities (Worst Road Rage) 2007: Miami New York Boston Los Angeles Washington, D.C. Most Courteous Cities (Least Road Rage) 2008: Pittsburgh Portland, Ore. Seattle Minneapolis Cleveland Most Courteous Cities (Least Road Rage) 2007: Portland, Ore. Pittsburgh Seattle St. Louis Dallas/Ft. Worth Other cities surveyed include Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, San Francisco, Phoenix, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa, Denver, Cincinnati, and Sacramento, Calif. Want to know how you rate? Check your road rage temperature by taking our online survey at www.gaugemyrage.com. This new study focuses on important attitudes and habits of drivers on the open road nationwide and offers groundbreaking research and important trends to help educate and influence safer driving habits throughout the United States. Capt. Mark Welch, chief of public affairs for the Florida Highway Patrol, witnesses the dangers of road rage firsthand, and his agency has developed a comprehensive program to keep the highways safe. "When drivers let their emotions get the best of them, they take it out on other drivers, putting everyone on the road in danger." The Florida Highway Patrol is on the lookout for road rage behaviors, and stepped-up measures include troopers in unmarked vehicles that track aggressive drivers, as well as aircraft and motorcycle units that patrol the skies and roadways for road rage. To boost safety awareness, this year’s survey sought to define road rage in America. Two important attributes emerged in defining road rage behavior: Angry or upset drivers, including out-of-control drivers and drivers who lose their tempers. Bad or aggressive driving, including bad/careless/crazy and/or rude driving, cutting into lanes, cutting people off, tailgating, speeding and/or honking When asked the major causes of road rage in the survey, the most frequent theme was people being in a hurry, running late, being impatient and/or speeding. Direct quotes from the survey are: Bad/careless/poor driving, such as cutting others off, speeding, making obscene gestures and not using proper signals People who are angry, stressed, frustrated, had a bad day/temper or are tired People being in a hurry, impatient or running late Inconsiderate, disrespectful, selfish drivers who think they own the road Behaviors by other drivers that cause stress for commuters and can lead to road rage, include: Drivers who talk on their cell phones (88 percent observe this happening every day) Driving too fast (59 percent) Tailgating (56 percent) Drivers eating or drinking while driving (49 percent) Commuters also reported other drivers frequently: Cutting over without notice (44 percent see this every day) Texting, e-mailing or using BlackBerry while driving (38 percent) Doing other things - putting on makeup, shaving or reading behind the wheel (29 percent) Slamming on the brakes (28 percent) Running red lights (26 percent) As a reaction to rude or bad driving by others, people surveyed admitted that they: Honk their horn at the offending driver (43 percent) Curse at the other driver (36 percent) Wave their fist or arms (11 percent) Make an obscene gesture (9 percent) Call the police to report the driver (8 percent) Slam into the car in front of them (1 percent) Drivers also weighed in on how to reduce rude driving and road rage: Limit cell phone usage to "hands free" only (59 percent) Make it illegal to use cell phones while driving (52 percent) Use automatic cameras to catch bad drivers (56 percent) Other key findings of the study: Younger drivers and those who have the longest commutes are most likely to react to an aggressive or rude driver. Younger drivers are more likely to honk their horns, while those with the longest commutes are more likely to make an obscene gesture. There is no real difference between men and women when it comes to road rage. Commuters see such road rage inducing behaviors as talking on the cell phone (88 percent), driving too fast (59 percent), and tailgating (56 percent) every day. Talking on cell phone. Eighty-eight percent see this every day. New York drivers led this category (70 percent), and Pittsburgh motorists see it the least (39 percent). Driving too fast. Across the country, 59 percent see this aggressive behavior daily. Atlanta and Miami drivers have the biggest lead feet (73 percent), while Cincinnati drivers were least likely to see this every day (46 percent). Tailgating. Fifty-six percent of motorists see this every day. New Yorkers (70 percent) see this most often, and Pittsburgh drivers (39 percent) see this least. Eating and/or drinking, a common road rage trigger, is observed by 49 percent of drivers daily. Motorists in Baltimore, New York and Tampa (57 percent) see this daily, while only 36 percent of drivers in Pittsburgh witness this daily. Cutting over without notice. Nationally, 44 percent of drivers see this every day, and motorists in Miami (66 percent) were the most likely to observe this behavior daily. Pittsburgh drivers (28 percent) are least likely to see this daily. Texting and/or e-mailing, and other road rage inducers, scored high with 38 percent of commuters observing this behavior every day. Drivers in Denver, Houston, Miami, and Phoenix see the most text-happy drivers (46 percent), while it's sleepless in Seattle, with only 25 percent of commuters report seeing daily texting and e-mailing. Slamming on the brakes. Some 28 percent of drivers witness this daily, and those in Washington, D.C. (40 percent) are most likely to see this behavior daily. Drivers in Pittsburgh are least likely (19 percent) to witness this daily. Running red lights. More than one-fourth (26 percent) said they see drivers every day who run red lights. Drivers in Miami and Tampa are the most likely to witness this behavior (47 percent) daily, while Pittsburgh motorists (13 percent) were least likely to see this every day. Overall, nearly a third, or 29 percent, said they see drivers multi-tasking like putting on makeup, shaving or reading while driving. Tampa (40 percent) emerged as the city where this is most likely to be seen, while Cincinnati (20 percent) was the least likely place for the behaviors. AutoVantage 20th Anniversary Great Gas Giveaway AutoVantage is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year with a Great Gas Giveaway sweepstakes and a grand prize of 20 years' worth of free gas. To participate in the sweepstakes, visit www.autovantage.com. Survey Methodology Prince Market Research, an independent marketing research company, was commissioned to conduct a nationally representative telephone study with consumers in 25 major metropolitan areas in the U.S. to learn more about consumer views on road rage. All telephone calls were conducted between Feb. 4 and March 23, 2008, during which period, a total of 2,512 interviews, lasting an average of six to eight minutes, were completed. No incentive was offered and the sponsor of the research was not revealed. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent. About AutoVantage Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 20 percent on car care at some 19,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included. AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. About Affinion Group As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,300 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Norwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,300 employees throughout the United States and in 10 countries across Europe. Affinion holds the prestigious ISO 27001 certification for the highest information security practices, is PCI compliant and Cybertrust certified.  Affinion, AutoVantage 2008-05-13T19:00:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_road_rage_survey_reveals_best_worst_cities/#When:19:00:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/4fjucN8jjos/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/keep_your_child_safe_on_the_road_with_tips_from_leading_auto_club/#When:15:07:00Z Liz Allison Teams With AutoVantage: NORWALK, Conn., April 17 - You can't always protect children from the world around them. But there is one thing you can help control and it could save their life - safety in the car. In 2006, every day an average of five children age 14 and younger were killed and 568 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Furthermore, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for two- to 14-year-olds. Some of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented. "As a mother of three, I know it can be difficult to juggle all the responsibilities that come with having children, but properly securing your child in the car is critical to their safety," said Liz Allison, AutoVantage spokesperson. "Keeping a child safe in the car is our responsibility as drivers," continued Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. "And an ounce of precaution could save a life. Here are some car safety tips from the experts at AutoVantage to help decrease the likelihood of injuries in a car: Set an example of good safety habits - Always buckle up when you're driving. Even if there are no kids in the car, it could save your life. Children less than 12 should always be in the backseat - Regardless of height or weight, youngsters should be in the back and properly secured in a car seat, booster seat or other size-appropriate restraining device. If there is not another option and you must place a young child in the front right seat, be sure that the child seat is properly secured and move the seat back as far as possible.  If possible, turn the air-bag off. Under no circumstances should a rear-facing child seat be in the front seat if the air-bag cannot be turned off. The air bag could injure or kill a small child. Secure your child with the right equipment - Depending on weight, height and age, there are a variety of seats and belt-positioning devices to choose from. If you're trying to decide what is right for your child, NHTSA and its affiliates have a wealth of helpful tips on their websites, such as http://www.safercar.gov/BASCKids2005/index.htm. Check your work - Getting your child seat double-checked for safety is as easy as visiting your local police station or health department for a free inspection. Go to http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/ to find the closest participating location. In this case, never buy used - You should only use new car seats. It is impossible to determine the full history of a child safety seat, and while you may know the previous owner, safety instructions may have worn off, the seat may have been stored improperly outside the vehicle or recalls may have taken place and you won't know about them.  Likewise, if you are in an accident, however minor it may seem, it is best to replace your child seat. Crash force can weaken or damage child safety restraints (CSRs) and safety belts. Many manufacturers recommend that all CSRs and safety belts be replaced after crashes. Check with your manufacturer to learn best practices after an accident. Be careful when switching from rear to forward-facing safety seats - All infants should be buckled into rear-facing car seats, safely secured in the back seat. The earliest children should graduate from a rear-facing seat is when they are both age one and at least 20 pounds. Once both of those criteria are met, they can graduate to a forward-facing CSR. Forward-facing seats should be used until they reach the upper weight limits of the particular seat (usually around age four and 40 pounds.) Be cautious about when your child graduates to a seat belt alone - Child safety seats are appropriate until your vehicle's safety belt fits correctly. This will vary for your child depending on size and weight. The time is right when your child sits with his/her back against the vehicle seat and his/her knees bend comfortably over the edge. The lap belt should fit snugly across the lower hips and upper thighs (not the soft abdomen) and the shoulder belt should likewise fit snugly across the chest and collarbone. This usually happens at age eight or when a child is 4'9" tall. Until your children meet all of these criteria, they should remain in a CSR or booster seat. Know if your vehicle's airbags are a danger to your child - As always, children under 12 should be in the backseat. This prevents impact from the frontal airbags. But if your car has side-impact air-bags (excluding current roof-mounted head SABs), they also could be dangerous for your child. By NHTSA recommendation, many manufacturers ship new vehicles with the rear bags deactivated and allow consumers with children to make the decision to activate them. Get the facts from the manufacturer about your vehicle's air bag system and if it is safe to use with your CSR. Liz Allison, a spokesperson for AutoVantage, is a NASCAR TV personality, radio host and best-selling author. She has served as a racing analyst for TNT, CNNSI, TNN, CNN, ESPN and ESPN2. Allison has appeared on NBC's "Today Show," CNN, Fox and Friends, ESPN, MSNBC, Fox News Weekend Live and the Speed Channel. She is host of the No. 1 NASCAR radio show in Nashville, called "The Drivers Zone," on WGFX-FM. Allison is also host and track announcer for the Nashville Superspeedway. She is the best-selling author of "The Girl's Guide to NASCAR" - and has written two sequels for Time Warner Books, the first of which was released Sept. 6 Allison has written three NASCAR Harlequin Romance novels, the first slated for November 2007 publication. She has penned articles for USA Today, NASCAR Scene, NASCAR Illustrated, NASCAR.com, MSN.com and FoxSports.com. About AutoVantage Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 20 percent on car care at some 19,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included. AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. About Affinion Group As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,300 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Norwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,300 employees throughout the United States and in 10 countries across Europe. Affinion, AutoVantage 2008-04-17T15:07:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/keep_your_child_safe_on_the_road_with_tips_from_leading_auto_club/#When:15:07:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/qi5IcSfqhV0/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/shopping_smart_for_used_cars_on_the_lot_and_online_with_tips_from_leading_a/#When:15:10:00Z NORWALK, Conn., April 11 - Replacing or buying a new car is not a simple task. And with today's high prices (both fuel and vehicles) many people are looking outside the new car lot for a reliable used vehicle. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, 16.5 million new cars were sold at dealerships in 2006. During that same period, 19 million used vehicles were sold. "People are starting to realize the money-saving benefit of buying a car that already has a few miles on its odometer," said Liz Allison, AutoVantage spokesperson. "But finding the right vehicle can also be a headache for the buyer." There are many questions unique to buying used cars that are not always easy to answer: What is the vehicle's history? Has it had any major mechanical issues in the past? Is it safe to buy from online used car sources? Should I buy a car sight unseen? How old is too old? "The salesperson at the used car lot may seem very helpful in matching you with the `perfect car,' but at the end of the day what's most important to him is making a sale," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. "Fortunately, with a few helpful tips, being able to distinguish a stud from a dud is easier than you think." So when it's time to buy your next vehicle, and if you decide used is right for you, here are some tips to help you find a car that's right for you: Know the pros and cons of your desired vehicle - Check out the vehicle model's repair record, maintenance costs, and safety and mileage ratings in consumer magazines or online.  Safety-related recalls are required by law to be publicized and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's website is a good place to find out if your car has any (www.nhtsa.dot.gov). The TSA also posts consumer complaints and defect investigations - good information. Check out the vehicle's track record - A vehicle history report from Experian Automotive (www.autocheck.com) is a cheap way to ensure that your car is not the victim of odometer fraud, past fire, flood or accident damage. All you need to access this information is the vehicle identification number (VIN), $15 and about five minutes of wait time. If you&#39re not going the pre-certified route, this could save you lots of money and aggravation down the road. Don't take their word, get it in writing - Dealers are required by the Federal Trade Commission to post a Buyer's Guide in every used vehicle offered for sale. This guide serves as your best friend in the world of used car buying and provides a lot of important information, including if the car has a warranty and what percentage of repair costs (if any) the dealer is obligated to pay. The guide always overrules your sales contract, so be sure any spoken agreements or negotiations are written into both. Use online as a supplement - Shopping online can eliminate some of the initial headache of determining what model vehicle you want, what options are available and a general idea of a car's going price. At online dealer sites specializing in used cars, such as Carmax.com, you can easily browse an inventory and find your "dream car" from the comfort of your home computer. But never purchase a car or pay a transfer fee to purchase a vehicle sight unseen. Negotiate with confidence - The blue book has been the authority on car value for more than 80 years. Consult the Kelley Blue Book before going to the negotiating table, and be prepared to bargain for the best deal on your car. Get the approval of your crew chief - Be sure to give the car a thorough inspection, inside and out. And then hand it over to the pros for the final stamp of approval. Visit a qualified mechanic for an automotive diagnostic and a thorough inspection of the undercarriage. Welding marks, dents and kinked structural parts on the car's underbelly may tell a different story than the owner. Dealers should have no problem lending you the car to have it inspected. If a private owner is reluctant, offer to follow him to the shop to have it inspected.  And if you don't have a certified mechanic, the Car Care Council, an organization that certifies U.S. diagnostic shops, has an easy-to-use website searchable by zip code (www.carcarecouncil.org). A thorough diagnostic will cost you about $120 and is well worth its weight in steel and rubber. Put the vehicle to the test - Think of the test drive like your warm-up lap.  Don't just take the car for a leisurely Sunday drive around the block - take a serious test run. Put some speed on the odometer and give the brakes a workout. Make sure the steering wheel doesn't wander from left to right or shake (this could just be a need for front-end alignment or wheel balancing, but could also be the beginning of a much more serious issue with the driveline, suspension or frame which could be pricey repairs.) Drive up and down hills, down highways and through stoplights. Remember, you're going to be spending lots of time in the driver's seat of your new car. If you can view the area where the car is parked overnight, check for oil or other fluid marks on the ground. Be savvy about your financing options - There are two ways to buy a car: you can pay the full cost outright or finance over time. Being able to pay in full is ideal because you avoid interest and other loan costs, but for many of us, that's just not an option. Dealers and lenders want your business, so they&#39ll give you lots of loan options. Beware of advertisements offering tempting deals to folks with bad credit or first-time buyers, because they are usually loaded with high interest rates. Get the facts on any loan before you sign the dotted line. Find out the exact price you're paying for the vehicle, the amount you're financing, the finance charge, the APR and how many payments you're up against. Liz Allison, a spokesperson for AutoVantage, is a NASCAR TV personality, radio host and best-selling author. She has served as a racing analyst for TNT, CNNSI, TNN, CNN, ESPN and ESPN2. Allison has appeared on NBC's "Today Show," CNN, Fox and Friends, ESPN, MSNBC, Fox News Weekend Live and the Speed Channel. She is host of the No. 1 NASCAR radio show in Nashville, called "The Drivers Zone," on WGFX-FM. Allison is also host and track announcer for the Nashville Superspeedway. She is the best-selling author of "The Girl&#39s Guide to NASCAR" - and has written two sequels for Time Warner Books, the first of which was released Sept. 6 Allison has written three NASCAR Harlequin Romance novels, the first slated for November 2007 publication. She has penned articles for USA Today, NASCAR Scene, NASCAR Illustrated, NASCAR.com, MSN.com and FoxSports.com. About AutoVantage Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 20 percent on car care at some 19,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included. AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. About Affinion Group As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,300 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Norwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,300 employees throughout the United States and in 10 countries across Europe. Affinion, AutoVantage 2008-04-11T15:10:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/shopping_smart_for_used_cars_on_the_lot_and_online_with_tips_from_leading_a/#When:15:10:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/qifu2n_geSc/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_fuels_up_for_20th_anniversary/#When:15:56:00Z Leading national auto club celebrates milestone with great gas giveaway sweeps NORWALK, Conn., April 9, 2008 - Gas prices were below $1 a gallon. Ronald Reagan was in his second term as the 40th President. Stamps were 22 cents. And CDs outsold vinyl records for the first time ever. That same year - 1988 - a leading national auto club called AutoVantage was born, and has been setting records and keeping America on the road ever since. In the past 20 years, the auto club has provided timely roadside assistance to more than 1 million stranded motorists, navigated drivers on their trips in a snap with more than 123,000 AccuTrip Routing maps (Las Vegas is the most popular, most requested), delivered more than 118,000 new car summaries and 61,000 used car summaries to help consumers get the best deals on automobiles, and logged nearly 100,000 maintenance referrals to get everyone back on the road and on their way. Now, two decades later, many yearn for those nostalgic, bygone days - and savings - especially at the pump. In celebration of its 20-year milestone, the car experts at AutoVantage are putting the pedal to the medal, and the gas in the tank - literally. The auto club has launched a 20th Anniversary Great Gas Giveaway sweepstakes, and the grand prize is 20 years worth of free gas to one lucky participant. There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweeps - which runs through December 31, 2008 - and is open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18-years-old or older. AutoVantage is also awarding nine GPS navigation devices, and 10 $100 gas cards. Jump into this great gas giveaway by registering online at www.autovantage.com. "There are many things facing us on the road today, and the rising cost of energy and spiraling prices at the pump are socking all of us in the pocketbook," said Liz Allison, NASCAR TV personality, radio host, best-selling author and AutoVantage spokesperson. "What better way for us to celebrate this historic milestone than to reward motorists with pain relief at the pump." The sweepstakes is a great way for AutoVantage to thank the thousands of motorists who have turned to their automotive services over the years. "As a leading automotive motor club, we pay close attention to the driving habits, behaviors and attitudes of American drivers, and clearly, one of the biggest issues facing the public today is the rising cost of fuel," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. "We wanted to celebrate by giving away 20 great prizes to help people navigate the highways and byways of America - and giving away 20 years of free gas to one lucky motorist is the best way to celebrate our historic anniversary." In the 20 years since AutoVantage's birth here are AutoVantage's Top 5 problems on the road, garnered from more than 1 million roadside assistance dispatches: Breakdowns requiring tows (60 percent) Lockouts (12 percent) Jumpstarts (10 percent) Tire changes (9 percent) Fuel deliveries (1 percent) Here are the Top 20 destinations for motorists: Las Vegas Orlando, Fla. San Antonio, Texas Memphis, Tenn. San Diego Branson, Mo. Nashville, Tenn. Atlanta Houston Grand Canyon, Ariz. Kissimmee, Fla., near Disney World Myrtle Beach, S.C. Washington, D.C. Chicago San Francisco Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Los Angeles Niagara Falls, N.Y. Jacksonville, Fla. Miami Other auto insights from the experts at AutoVantage: Car life spans continue to improve. In 1977, half of the automobiles had a life expectancy of 10.5 years and 107,000 miles. By 1990, 50 percent survived fro 12.5 years and 127,000 miles, and now average car life expectancies are 13 years and 152,00 miles. It's estimated that there's nearly one car for every American of driving age Median automobile age is nine years Number of those reaching driving age is the largest since the Baby Boom. Average new car spend … $22,600 Average used car spend …$9,000 Average auto loan length … five years Estimated cars in use in the U.S. … 135 million Average annual car maintenance costs … $650 About AutoVantage Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 20 percent on car care at some 19,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included. AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. About Affinion Group As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,300 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Norwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,300 employees throughout the United States and in 10 countries across Europe. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., who are 18 and over. Void elsewhere and where prohibited. For entry details, and full official rules, including odds and prize values, visit www.AutoVantage.com. Sweepstakes ends12/31/08. Sponsor: Trilegiant Corporation, 100 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850. Affinion, AutoVantage 2008-04-09T15:56:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/autovantage_fuels_up_for_20th_anniversary/#When:15:56:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/idw2geLorps/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/weather_winter_with_car_maintenance_tips_from_leading_auto_club/#When:15:26:00Z Liz Alison Teams With AutoVantage: NORWALK, Conn., Jan. 15, 2008 - Driving safely is tough enough as is. Adding in the dangers of slippery roads, fog, snow and ice require us to be even more diligent and to take a few more precautions before we leave the house. "Tens of millions of travelers take to the roads during the winter months each year," said Liz Allison, AutoVantage spokesperson. "Unfortunately, our weather and roads aren't always in their best conditions at this time." "The hustle and bustle of the New Year should not follow you into the driver's seat," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. "Especially during winter, try to minimize distractions on the road so you can be focused on the dangers on the road that come with the cold." Be prepared for the worst of the winter season by winterizing your car and refining your driving habits. Here are some tips from the experts at AutoVantage to help prepare you: Get your car serviced. Being outside in freezing weather can be just as hard on your car as it is on you. Have your car serviced, paying close attention to your cooling system, battery, windshield wipers and wiper fluid. Be sure your antifreeze is the proper mix for the weather you face. Two common mixes are 70/30 and 50/50 (percent antifreeze to water). Mixing water with your antifreeze, while it may seem counter-productive, is important because antifreeze alone has a lower freezing point than antifreeze mixed with water. Most service stations will check your levels for you, but if you do it yourself, there are gauges at most auto parts stores that will test your car's current mix. Your battery may also lose power as the temperature drops. Don't get stranded in the cold this winter: Have your battery checked and replaced if it is performing below standard. If you purchase a new battery, consider buying one rated 600 CCA ("cold cranking amps" ) or above. And to keep your windshield free from slush and snow while you drive, be sure your windshield wipers are in good shape and you have plenty of washer fluid to clear your view. You can even purchase hardier windshield wipers that can clear your windshield of heavier ice than normal wipers. AutoVantage members can save money using their card if they have their car serviced or winterized. Test your lights, heater and defroster. Especially in winter weather, it's important other drivers can see you from a distance so they can make proper reactions, and vice versa. Check all your outside lights, including fog lights, brake lights and turn signals, to make sure they are in proper working order. Ensure your heater and front and rear defrosters are also working. Not only will this make for a more comfortable ride for you, but it also keeps your windows from becoming foggy or frosted. Carry the essentials. Front and all-wheel drive vehicles are ideal in snow and icy weather. If you drive a rear-wheel drive vehicle or truck and live in an area inclined to winter weather, you may consider putting additional weight (sand bags) over your rear axle in your trunk or truck bed. Furthermore, be prepared and carry a winter essentials kit in your car with you at all times. This kit may include: a flashlight with extra batteries, compass, blanket, reflective triangles, tire chains, a bag of sand for traction, additional exterior windshield cleaner, an ice scraper and some non-perishable foods and water in case you are stranded. This is in addition to the yearlong essentials such as a properly-inflated spare tire, car jack and jumper cables. Winterize your tires. Your vehicle's traction is greatly diminished when driving in the snow. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, consider purchasing a set of snow tires or tire chains for the winter months. Snow tires should be removed in warmer months and replaced with normal road tires. If you are unfamiliar with mounting snow chains on your tires, be sure to practice at home before you attempt to do it stranded in the snow. Scrape your car free of frost, snow and ice. Inclement weather leads to impaired vision for drivers. You should always scrape your windshield and lights (front and rear) to clear all frost and snow before driving. Use your scraper to sweep any excess snow from your hood, roof and trunk, which is required by law in many states. This prevents potential impairment of vision when the snow shifts while you are driving. Slow everything down. Allow extra time to get where you're going and slow down. In the ice and snow, you should take turns more slowly, brake more gradually and allow plenty of extra space between you and the driver in front of you. Remember that posted speeds are for ideal driving conditions. And even if you are a seasoned veteran in snow and ice, there is no guarantee about the drivers around you. Slow down and get to your destination safely. Drive wisely in ice and snow. Always drive with your low beams in fog, sleet or snow, and never use the cruise control. If you lose traction, know the proper steps to regain control of your vehicle: Gradually slow down. Don't slam on the breaks. If your rear wheels skid, steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right. Once you begin to slow, if you have anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure. If your front wheels skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but do not try to steer immediately. Traction will return as your car slows. You can then steer your car in the direction you want to go. Return the car to drive and accelerate gently. Know the road rules in case of power outages. Loss of power is common in severe winter weather. If traffic lights are not working, treat each intersection as an all-way stop. Come to a full stop and check for other cars or pedestrians. If there is other traffic, use common courtesy and the driver who arrived first should go first. If there is doubt, always yield to the driver to the right. To enroll in Affinion's AutoVantage services, log on to www.autovantage.com or call 1-800-876-7787. Liz Allison, a spokesperson for AutoVantage, is a NASCAR TV personality, radio host and best-selling author. She has served as a racing analyst for TNT, CNNSI, TNN, CNN, ESPN and ESPN2. Allison has appeared on NBC's "Today Show," CNN, Fox and Friends, ESPN, MSNBC, Fox News Weekend Live and the Speed Channel. She is host of the No. 1 NASCAR radio show in Nashville, called "The Drivers Zone," on WGFX-FM. Allison is also host and track announcer for the Nashville Superspeedway. She is the best-selling author of "The Girl's Guide to NASCAR" - and has written two sequels for Time Warner Books, the first of which was released Sept. 6 Allison has written three NASCAR Harlequin Romance novels, the first slated for November 2007 publication. She has penned articles for USA Today, NASCAR Scene, NASCAR Illustrated, NASCAR.com, MSN.com and FoxSports.com. About AutoVantage Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 20 percent on car care at some 19,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included. AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. About Affinion Group As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,200 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Norwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,000 employees throughout the United States and in 14 countries across Europe. Affinion, AutoVantage 2008-01-15T15:26:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/weather_winter_with_car_maintenance_tips_from_leading_auto_club/#When:15:26:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Autovantage/~3/5BKei78-tcc/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/live_in_a_car_theft_hotspot_protect_your_car_with_leading_auto_club_tips/#When:14:26:00Z Liz Allison Teams With AutoVantage: NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 21, 2007 - While driving on the highway may sometimes seem a dangerous task, the least safe place for your car may actually be in a parking lot. "Car theft can strike any car, any person and any town," said Liz Allison, AutoVantage spokesperson. "Protect your car at all times by having a proactive defense plan." According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau's (www.nicb.org) annual surveys of stolen vehicles, 1,192,809 motor vehicles were reported stolen in 2006 in the U.S. And while this number represents a three percent decrease in stolen vehicles from 2005, the total is still staggering. "Next to purchasing a home, buying a car, truck or SUV is one of the largest investments most people in the U.S. make each year," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. "Protecting your investment is not only vital, but easier than you might think." For 2006, the 10 metropolitan areas with the highest vehicle theft rates were: Las Vegas/Paradise, Nev. Stockton, Calif. Visalia/Porterville, Calif. Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, Ariz. Modesto, Calif. Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue, Wash. Sacramento/Arden-Arcade/Roseville, Calif. Fresno, Calif. Yakima, Wash. Tucson, Ariz. The NICB also names the "hottest cars" in the U.S. In its most recent study, the most frequently stolen cars were: 1995 Honda Civic 1991 Honda Accord 1989 Toyota Camry 1997 Ford F-150 Series Pickup 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup 1994 Nissan Sentra 1994 Dodge Caravan 1994 Saturn SL 1990 Acura Integra Regardless of your make and model or where you live, there are some basic tips that can help reduce the chance of your vehicle being the next target for a car thief. Many sources, including NICB and several major metropolitan police forces, suggest a multi-layered approach to securing your car. Here are a few suggestions: Lock your doors and remove the key. Though it may seem common sense, according to the FBI, 80 percent of all cars stolen last year were unlocked at the time and 40 percent actually had the keys in the ignition. Always lock your car and take your key with you when exiting your vehicle. Additionally, never leave a spare key in your car. And to prevent easy access, you should also always close your windows all the way - even in the heat of summer. Park in well-lit areas and hide any valuables from plain sight to prevent being the easy target. Install an alarm and use additional locks. Audible alarms, especially with decal warnings displayed on your windows, can be a useful deterrent for thieves. Many new vehicles come with a standard alarm package, or you can have one installed for between $100 and $1,000. Additional locks, such as steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and wheel locks, also make your car a less appealing target. Immobilize your vehicle. Fortunately, as thieves become more sophisticated, so do cars. Technology advancements such as the smart key and wireless, ignition authentication have made it nearly impossible for thieves to start a car without the key (see first tip). In the case of smart keys (which now come standard in some models), without the exact car key that is specially coded with a computer chip or radio frequency, the engine cannot be started. Hidden kill switches can also be installed inexpensively and fairly easily. They prohibit the flow of electricity to the engine until activated. Track your vehicle…wherever it goes. Once your car is stolen, the chances that it will be recovered are in most cases low. Last year, only 59 percent of stolen vehicles were recovered. You can give yourself better odds by installing a GPS or other tracking system. If your car is stolen, be prepared to report it as quickly as possible. Keep a record of your vehicle's VIN number, your license plate number and insurance information with you at all times. And consider having your car's VIN number etched on the windows so it can be more readily identified by the authorities. When protecting your vehicle, you can never be too cautious. Consider making an upgrade to your car's security system - wherever you live and whatever you drive - and you may be able to avoid being the next victim of car theft. Liz Allison, a spokesperson for AutoVantage, is a NASCAR TV personality, radio host and best-selling author. She has served as a racing analyst for TNT, CNNSI, TNN, CNN, ESPN and ESPN2. Allison has appeared on NBC's "Today Show," CNN, Fox and Friends, ESPN, MSNBC, Fox News Weekend Live and the Speed Channel. She is host of the No. 1 NASCAR radio show in Nashville, called "The Drivers Zone," on WGFX-FM. Allison is also host and track announcer for the Nashville Superspeedway. She is the best-selling author of "The Girl's Guide to NASCAR" - and has written two sequels for Time Warner Books, the first of which was released Sept. 6 Allison has written three NASCAR Harlequin Romance novels, the first slated for November 2007 publication. She has penned articles for USA Today, NASCAR Scene, NASCAR Illustrated, NASCAR.com, MSN.com and FoxSports.com. About AutoVantage Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 20 percent on car care at some 19,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included. AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. About Affinion Group As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,200 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Norwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,000 employees throughout the United States and in 14 countries across Europe. Affinion, AutoVantage 2007-12-21T14:26:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/live_in_a_car_theft_hotspot_protect_your_car_with_leading_auto_club_tips/#When:14:26:00Z