FOR YOUR INFORMATION......................May 2, 1988



     With summer getting closer, families are planning their
annual vacation, and many will be using the family car.  That
means thinking about maintenance to avoid problems, but
responding to enticing advertisements for a transmission checkup
sometimes ends up with a total overhaul -- whether it's needed or
not.
     The Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the
Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association, and the Automatic
Transmission Rebuilders Association, has a free pamphlet called
"Automatic Transmission Repair" available to inform consumers
about the problem, what to look for to avoid it, and guidelines
for proper care of a transmission.
     Law-abiding transmission repair companies want motorists to
be aware of a favorite trick used by unscrupulous operators:  You
take your car for a checkup and the transmission mechanics take
it apart on the premise that it needed to be looked at for
possible problems.  Since the transmission is taken apart, the
consumer is unable to drive around for comparison shopping, and
is stuck with a needless bill.
     The brochure gives and explains the following suggestions:

                 If it ain't broke, don't fix it
      (resist ads for a "low-priced transmission tune-up")

     If you see signs of transmission trouble, get your car
        checked at a reputable shop or dealer immediately

               Choose a repair facility carefully
   Before leaving your car for repairs, get a written estimate
         that shows a maximum price you could be charged

                 Get written warranty protection

         Beware of tactics used to sell unnecessary work

                  Be suspicious of a shop that
               advertises ridiculously low prices

           Take good care of an automatic transmission

                   Use good driving techniques

     For a copy of the brochure, consumers should send fifty
cents to the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

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MEDIA CONTACT:     Duff Thomas, Office of Public Affairs,
                   202-326-2178


(Transmish)