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Last Updated: Mar 26th, 2006 - 11:41:45 |
Car Maintenance
Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Car
You are what you eat, just like you are what you drive. Take a minute to think about how you treat your body. What you eat and how you maintain it can affect the way you feel. Automotive expert, Ron Ananian, known as "The Car Doctor," says you should apply the same mindset to how you treat your car. Many factors can affect your car's lifespan and by understanding its basic functions, you can help to keep it in top shape. Ananian has compiled the following ten tips to help you extend the life of your car,
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Car Maintenance
10 Tips to Keep Your SUV Rolling
It's a rare motorist who doesn't have strong feelings about today's sport utility vehicles. Love 'em or hate 'em, one thing is certain - just like their automobile cousins, SUVs last longer, operate more efficiently and command a higher resale value when they are properly maintained and serviced.
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Car Maintenance
Choosing a Repair Shop
Although the chill of autumn mornings is often enough to prod motorists into getting their vehicles checked out before winter, many consumers do not know where to turn for automotive service and repair. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies the competence of individual automotive repair technicians, offers these tips on choosing a repair facility.
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Car Maintenance
There's No Need to Sweat Air-Conditioning Service
When it's hot outside, it can get really hot inside an automobile. That's why so many drivers consider a properly maintained air-conditioning system to be a vital part of their car. Over the past few years, all automobile manufacturers have switched from R-12 air-conditioning system refrigerant, commonly known as Freon, to R-134a refrigerant for new cars.
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Car Maintenance
Top Technicians Tell All In National Survey
Just like fashion and music, the automobile industry is constantly evolving, creating trends that change from year to year. New gadgets, safety features and vehicle styles make buying a new car and repairing one even more complicated. A recent poll reveals the attitudes of today's top ASE-certified master mechanics and their views on "What's hot" and "What's not" in the automobile industry.
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Car Maintenance
Regular Maintenance Makes 'Car Cents'
Dropping off the car at the shop for service is one of those things most people don't do until it is absolutely necessary. But car experts will tell you that's not the best way to approach caring for your car. Cars need to be maintained, not just repaired when serious problems arise. In fact, just a few dollars spent on vehicle maintenance can save several times that amount in emergency repairs when you least expect them - not to mention inconvenience and potentially hazardous situations.
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Car Maintenance
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Spring-Summer
Spring: Time to Check Your Automobile's Health
Winter-weary motorists eager to enjoy a spring drive should be aware that while winter storms may finally be gone, the effects of the season's snow, ice and salt haven't disappeared from state roadways.
Automotive suspension systems and tires in particular take a beating from potholes, pavement separations and expansions, and loose concrete resulting from winter's elements.
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Car Maintenance
Environmental Car Care
Make every day Earth Day. Good driving habits and periodic vehicle maintenance will help you, your vehicle and the environment, say the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
A vehicle that's properly maintained and operated runs more efficiently and cleaner than a neglected vehicle. What's more, your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale value.
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Car Maintenance
For Longer Engine Life, Treatments Beat the Heat
Adding a quality engine treatment to your car's oil system can help prevent summer's roar from destroying your engine's purr. As new-car sticker shock prompts car owners to keep their vehicles longer, consumer demand is growing for any legitimate edge to extend engine life and keep cars moving down the road.
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Car Maintenance
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Spring-Summer
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Summer
Summertime and the living is easy ... unless your car stalls or overheats. So act now to prevent breakdowns. Summer's heat and heavy stop-and-go traffic can cause weak systems to fail. "Routine maintenance and service will make your vehicle last longer, protect its resale value and will give you peace of mind," note the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) - a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies the competence of automotive technicians.
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Car Maintenance
Here's How to Find A Good Auto Repair Shop
Today's busy schedules leave little time for do-it-yourself auto repairs; besides, today's high-tech vehicles are no place for amateurs - so finding a good automotive repair facility is important if you want to protect your automotive investment. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies the competence of automotive-repair technicians, offers the following tips on finding a good repair shop.
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Car Maintenance
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Fall-Winter
How to Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready
Winter is on its way and in its wake the hazards of driving in snow and ice. With some planning and the right equipment, however, you can avoid becoming an accident statistic. Mark Cox, executive director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo., says it's important during the winter months to keep abreast of weather reports in your area.
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Car Maintenance
Judging Auto Repair Shops
Motorists are increasingly reluctant to perform their own auto repairs, as family life continues its frenetic pace and today's cars, sport utilities and mini-vans grow ever more complex. Instead, people are turning to well-run repair establishments with professional auto technicians to protect their substantial automotive investment.
To help make the search for good automotive repair a bit easier, here are 10 tips from the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence on what to do and what to look for.
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Car Maintenance
Learn How to Communicate For Better Auto Service
Even though today's vehicles have on-board computers that "talk" to the diagnostic equipment found in many modern repair facilities, the first line of defense is still communication between customer and service writer or technician. Here are some tips from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on ways to communicate effectively at repair shops.
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Car Maintenance
Motorists Seeing 'Green'
Car companies are working hard to engineer vehicles that pollute less and get better mileage; petroleum companies are producing cleaner gasolines; and the federal government is encouraging alternate-fueled vehicles. So what are you doing? Motorists who want to go 'green' don't have to change the world. They need only change a few habits to make a difference, say the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
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Car Maintenance
Nearly half of U.S. Vehicle Owners do Some of Their Own Repair and Maintenance
Nearly half of U.S. vehicle owners do some of their own repair and maintenance. Among the most popular of these weekend projects is changing the oil and filter - a messy job, but one that can save enough money to make it worthwhile. Many "do-it-yourselfers" save money at the expense of our environment by contaminating the soil and water with their drain oil. A valuable resource when properly recycled, drain oil helps conserve natural resources.
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Car Maintenance
Car Repairs Need Not be a Game of Chance.
Car repairs need not be a game of chance. According to experts with the nonprofit National Institute
for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), consumers can increase their odds of getting good automotive repair and service by communicating clearly with the repair facility's service personnel, expecting the same in return and staying involved in the process. ASE is not recommending hanging over the shoulder of the repair technician. But there are things the average vehicle owner can do to help ensure a good repair experience.
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Car Maintenance
I know my car won't do that when I take it into the shop
"I know my car won't do that when I take it into the shop," you told yourself. You were right. It acted just fine, so you tried to recall the symptoms and convey them to your technician. That's not always easy, as perception and terminology vary from person to person, especially between technician and car owner. Sometimes the problem makes itself evident to the technician, like a malfunctioning air conditioner or engine.
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Car Maintenance
Prepare Now for Holiday Travel
Failure to get your vehicle ready for winter's conditions can do more than just spoil your holiday travel. In fact, a breakdown in winter could be deadly, warn the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the nonprofit organization that administers national certification tests to automotive technicians.
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Car Maintenance
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Spring-Summer
As summer comes on, the harsh winter is probably only a memory for you
As summer comes on, the harsh winter is probably only a memory for you. But your vehicle may still be suffering from the pounds of salt and other contaminants heaped on it during cold months past. "The benefits of thoroughly cleaning and protecting your vehicle are more apparent in the spring and early summer than at any time of the year," notes Rob Garlo, technical manager for Ziebart TidyCar.
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Car Maintenance
I just read your article on oil change
I just read your article on oil change myths. It was very informative, so at worst, my engine will last as long as it would have using a petrolium oil, and at best, if everything you said is true and I'll die driving the same ford truck I drive now.
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Car Maintenance
A Guide To Car Maintenance
Keeping a car or truck running smoothly doesn't always have to be a job reserved for a professional.
Armed with some know-how, a few of the right tools, and suggestions from the pros, even those who aren't mechanically inclined can perform basic and preventative maintenance. To help make the process easier, a brochure of tips and tricks for everyday auto maintenance was developed by WD-40.
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Car Maintenance
Traveling The Extra Mile With 'All 3 Every 3'
Planning a road trip in the near future? You need to remember the map, camera, pretzels and beverages for the drive. Don't forget to take a quick check under the hood and throughout the car before you leave. A few minutes could save you time and money, not to mention provide you peace of mind-knowing your car can get you and your family to your destination safely. An estimated 180 million travelers will be taking to the road in the coming months, and proper car maintenance has become more important than ever before.
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Car Maintenance
New Research Shows Shift in Cooling System Maintenance
When it comes to car care, many people are starting to take advantage of easy-to-use, reliable products that save time. If you don't already, you may want to. These products will help you avoid having to sacrifice certain maintenance routines, or cause you to carry them out improperly because you're in a hurry, which in the long run can lead to unnecessary repair bills and frustration.
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Car Maintenance
Car Maintenance Made Easy
Women are a driving force behind more than 80 percent of all car purchases. Yet over one-third of women experience "auto" phobia-fearing anything that has to do with servicing cars. However, there's no need to stall when it comes to servicing your car. It's less challenging if you follow basic maintenance tips.
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Car Maintenance
Expert Mechanics Offer Tips
While many Americans spend a great deal of money, time and energy maintaining their homes, from their lawns to their gutters, many are not paying nearly enough attention to another important investment-their cars. According to a recent Valvoline/ASE Poll of the American Mechanic, most mechanics surveyed believe their customers do not treat their vehicles with the same care as they did 20 years ago, revealing a huge need for better interior and exterior vehicle maintenance among American car owners.
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Car Maintenance
Change Of Season Can Be A Reason To Change Your Oil
The change from one season to the next can be tough on your car. So can a change in your lifestyle. That's why doing simple things on schedule, such as taking your car in for an oil change and following the service directions found in your owner's manual, can be a good thing.
The following are some common questions about the right things to do for your car when the seasons change-or when your life changes.
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Car Maintenance
New SUVs Run Cleaner
America is on the road to cleaner air, thanks to new technology that reduces emissions on sport-utility vehicles (SUVs). The new generation of SUVs runs cleaner than ever, as automakers produce vehicles with reduced emissions, reports the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
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Car Maintenance
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Fall-Winter
Winterizing Your Family Car
Taking steps to winterize your car can help keep small problems from snowballing into big ones.
That's because a broken-down vehicle can put winter motorists in a dangerous-or even life-threatening situation. In addition, cold weather causes difficult road conditions, which drivers can better handle if their automobiles are working properly.
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Car Maintenance
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Fall-Winter
Getting A Car Ready To Face Foul Weather
Any time a car is subjected to very moist conditions, the process of corrosion can start. Harsh winters can be tough on a car. If the weather doesn't get to it, the things we do to deal with the ice and snow often can. The two biggest winter-weather culprits? Moisture and salt. Any time a car is subjected to very moist conditions, the process of corrosion begins. Moisture can seep into the microscopic cracks and dings in a car's finish and work against the paint from the inside out.
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Car Maintenance
Fighting The Cold With Simple Automotive Tips
One thing that chills many drivers is the thought of car trouble when the temperature is around freezing. Fortunately, there are some simple things car owners can do to help prepare their vehicles. A few easy, preventative car maintenance tasks could potentially save you time, money and inconvenience in the long run. It is important to make sure that your car is mechanically sound before braving unpredictable weather.
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Car Maintenance
Botox® For Your Car?
America's growing obsession with younger looking faces evidenced by the Botox® craze, is inspiring car owners to prolong the youthful appearance of their automobiles as well. Four billion dollars were spent last year in the United States on enhancements to keep the interior and exterior of vehicles looking like new, according to the Car Care Council. "As consumers spend more time in their vehicles and drive more miles each year, they are placing more importance on comfort, luxury and appearance," said Rich White, spokesperson for the council.
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Car Maintenance
The Road To A Long-Lasting Automobile
Auto technicians say the key to keeping vehicles running well-today and down the road-is routine maintenance. Yet many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto-basics.
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Car Maintenance
Avoiding Scams And Ripoffs In Transmission Repair
You can stay on the road to safety and saving if you heed a few hints about tracking down transmission repairs and replacement. Experts offer this advice: 1. Get Recommendations-Ask friends and family to recommend a shop where they were treated well.
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Car Maintenance
Keeping Up With Proper Vehicle Maintenance
Motorists can protect their family's safety by meeting their vehicle's maintenance needs. While it's easy to be car care aware, too many people are putting off simple preventative maintenance and repairs that could make their vehicles safer and more dependable.
Consumer vehicle neglect has now reached $60 billion in annual unperformed vehicle maintenance in the United States. Studies have shown that unperformed maintenance results in 5 percent of all vehicle accidents, leading to more than 2,600 deaths, nearly 100,000 disabling injuries and more than $2 billion in lost wages, medical expenses and property damage each year.
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Car Maintenance
Ceramics: The Next Stop In Brakes?
A new, innovative brake pad technology is keeping drivers happy and making the jobs of brake installers easier. Noise, vibration and brake dust concerns have historically been the greatest causes of customer angst after a brake job. Today, however, advanced ceramic brake pads are alleviating these issues for a growing number of drivers and eliminating frustrating comebacks to repair shops.
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Car Maintenance
The Value Of Preventive Maintenance
If you want to save money down the road, take care of your auto now. It is estimated that every preventive maintenance dollar spent today can potentially save eight dollars in future repairs. Because cars of today are lasting longer and people are curbing their spending in a tight economy, it's important to make sure your car stays in top form by investing in preventive maintenance.
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Car Maintenance
Extended Warranties Avoid Costly Repairs
Life is expensive and stressful; maintaining a vehicle doesn't have to be. An extended warranty can help defray the costs, and these pointers may help you decide if such a plan is right for you and your car. 1. Check out the repair history for cars of your make, model and year. You can do this online at carfax.com.
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Car Maintenance
Keeping Up With Proper Vehicle Maintenance Is Easier Than You Think
Motorists can protect their family's safety by meeting their vehicle's maintenance needs. While it's easy to be car care aware, too many people are putting off simple preventative maintenance and repairs that could make their vehicles safer and more dependable.
Consumer vehicle neglect has now reached $60 billion in annual unperformed vehicle maintenance in the United States. Studies have shown that unperformed maintenance results in 5 percent of all vehicle accidents, leading to more than 2,600 deaths, nearly 100,000 disabling injuries and more than $2 billion in lost wages, medical expenses and property damage each year.
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Car Maintenance
How to Find a Good Auto Repair Shop
New to your town or city? Looking for a good auto repair shop? The National Institute for Automotive Service Excel-lence (ASE), a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies the competence of individual automotive repair technicians, offers the following tips on choosing a repair facility.
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Car Maintenance
Get the Most Out of Your Car With Regular Care
At any time of year, it is very important to take proper care of your vehicle. The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensure safer operation and benefit the environment:
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Car Maintenance
Tips to Help Women Find Quality Auto Care Services
If you take a look around the customer waiting area of any auto repair shop, you're likely to see just as many women as men. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, women are becoming a driving force in the service and repair of today's vehicles.
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Car Maintenance
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Fall-Winter
Can Your Car Weather Winter's Wrath?
Each year, unprepared motorists find themselves stranded on roadsides thanks to the winter's unrelenting wrath. However, preparing your vehicle before the first flake of snow hits the ground can prevent many of those mishaps and accidents. Here are a few tips to help your vehicle run better during the chilling winter months.
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Car Maintenance
Motorists Benefit From Auto Technician Certification
Perhaps years ago, any shade-tree mechanic would do; after all, cars were simpler, less complex. But with today's high-tech vehicles the margin for error is less; mistakes can be costlier, so it makes good financial sense to protect your automotive investment through maintenance and service performed by qualified professionals.
An increasingly popular way to distinguish between auto technicians is to look for national certification. The independent, non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 with the mission of developing a mechanism by which auto technicians could prove their competence through a series of national exams.
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Car Maintenance
Is Your Car In Jeopardy Of A Major Breakdown?
The last thing a motorist wants to hear is the sound of an engine grinding to a halt. Yet, more than 20 percent of all consumers neglect key parts like belts and hoses, placing their cars in danger for major repairs.
When it comes to keeping your car in fine running shape, prevention is key. The parts that cause your car to die suddenly and strand you are things like belts, hoses, fuel pumps, water pumps and alternators, among other things.
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Car Maintenance
Your Vehicle: The 'Spark' Of Your Eye
If you're like many motorists, your vehicle has been with you long enough that you've given it a name. Cars have become extensions of our families. They even play a major role in fond family memories-that is, if they've been treated right. Let's face it, cars need to be cared for in order to stay healthy. Regular hydration with fluids, like antifreeze/coolant, and routine exercise like tune-ups are essential for maintaining optimal performance. Ignore or skip maintenance routines over a prolonged period, and you may be asking for trouble.
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Car Maintenance
Prepare Your Vehicle For Tough Travel
Vacations offer a great opportunity for rest and relaxation. But if you're not properly prepared, getting there can cause stress and irritation. Before you set out for your next getaway, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. Bumper-to-bumper traffic, stop-and-go driving, dusty roadways and severe temperatures can all negatively impact your car's performance and take away from an otherwise enjoyable trip. One of the easiest preventative maintenance routines is an oil change. Using a premium filter and synthetic oil can give your vehicle an edge when combating extreme elements.
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Car Maintenance
All Auto Shops Are Not Created Equal
As the weather gets colder, vehicle owners should turn their attention to automotive maintenance. But busy lifestyles and today's increasingly complex, computer-enhanced vehicles mean many consumers will be shopping for professional auto services rather than doing the work themselves. The following tips, from the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians-will help you choose wisely among the many automotive repair facilities.
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Car Maintenance
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Fall-Winter
Winter Car Care And Driving Tips Save Money, Energy And Help The Environment
Winter cold and snow create difficult operating conditions for you and your automobile. In addition to performing routine maintenance and using quality products, this is the season for extra preparation and care. What can you do to get through the nastiest of conditions?
"Cars don't like cold," says Tom Olszewski, automotive technical advisor, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties. "It's the time of year when all sorts of vehicle ailments crop up. Keeping your car properly maintained and tuned, and modifying your driving habits can save you money, reduce fuel consumption and help the environment."
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Car Maintenance
SUVs Finally Get Their Own Tires
When it comes to the driving habits of the American public, the way the rubber meets the road is changing.
For example, what we drive has changed. Light trucks, such as SUVs, pick-ups and minivans, are poised to outsell passenger cars for the third consecutive year. In the past decade, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have gone from being modified pickup trucks designed for sportsmen to the primary vehicle for tens of millions of American families.
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Automotive
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