Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer looking for a hard-to-find part or a car dummy
seeking answers to questions you've been afraid to ask, the advent of the Internet
provides a wealth of information literally at your fingertips. But, as with most
new-fangled gadgets, the trick is learning to use it.
"The Internet is commonly referred to as the 'world wide web' or the 'information
superhighway' or just the 'net'," explains Donna Wagner, President of the Car
Care Council. "It is simply a network of linked computers which literally contain
something about everything. . In fact, the Council has a site (www.carcarecouncil.org)
that has a terrific other great sites section that makes it easy. The entire automotive
industry has embraced the net, turning it into a huge library of repair and maintenance
information"
This information is accessed on a personal computer by either typing in the Internet
address of a specific location or searching for all information available by topic.
The jargon for this process is called "surfing the net." And while the terminology
may seem daunting to the novice, the payoff can be extremely rewarding.
Suppose you've finally gotten around to restoring the old car you've kept in the
garage for ten years, but you've hit a roadblock. A vital ignition part is nowhere
to be found. The closest you've come is the guy next door whose cousin can get
anything for the right price - but he only takes cash. Yikes!
To find that ignition part simply enter in a few key words about the car's model
and year on a search engine. Within a couple of minutes you'll be visiting site
after site (the lingo for a web location) of custom auto parts suppliers, car
clubs, junkyards, and folks like yourself looking to buy, sell or trade parts.
More often than not, the part can be found faster, easier and cheaper simply because
of the web's wide variety of options.
But what if your needs are much more general? Suppose you rely on a mechanically
minded relative to steer you right on automotive questions? According to Wagner,
the Internet can be a gateway to everything you want to know about your car and
a ticket to big savings on future repairs.
Many of these sites can be found simply by keying in the word of an automotive
supply company and adding .com to the end of the title. Once on the site, a number
of options will pop up. They may include repair facility locators, parts ordering,
coupons, or a big favorite, the personalized maintenance schedule. Input the automotive
information required (make, model, etc.) and you will receive an e-mail stating
an oil change is due or it is time to replace the shocks.
There are even sites on the net that will tell you the wholesale and retail price
of your car or one you are considering purchasing. Many of these sites will even
do the math on your loan. Of course, the web is an advertising Mecca, so be prepared
for a number of boxes to appear on the screen promoting everything from car loans,
to car insurance to fuzzy dice.
Sounds too easy, you might say. Not really. But navigating the information superhighway
does require some hands on experience. "Many local colleges, community groups
and businesses now offer inexpensive Internet instruction," said Wagner. "The
net has become so pervasive that you probably have an acquaintence or relative
willing to help."
You don't even need to purchase a computer to explore the net. Some businesses
that have access allow employees to look up information. Many libraries also provide
Internet access. There are also businesses that provide use for a price.
Be forewarned that most web sites, aside from government sites and consumer organizations,
exist to generate a profit. The company who owns the site will recommend its own
product or service. So be sure to visit several sites before acting on what you
read.
Brought to you as a public service by the Car Care Council. Visit our website
at: www.carcarecouncil.org.
