Give Thanks This Holiday Weekend - Even If You Have a Fender Bender!

    MANASSAS, VA, November 25, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Thanksgiving weekend marks one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, and that inevitably means a few problems along the way. Although it's a time of getting together to enjoy time with family and friends, it's also one of the most dangerous weekends for auto accidents, thanks to such factors as alcohol, icy roads and extra traffic.

But even if you happen to be one of the unlucky drivers who finds themselves in a fender bender on Thanksgiving weekend, there is still something to be thankful for: Knowing where to turn for replacement parts can dramatically cut the costs of your automotive repair bill.

"In these tough economic times, it's particularly important for people to understand that there are less expense alternatives to car repair," says Bill Tolpa, President of the Automotive Recycler's Association (ARA). "Car repair can be very expensive, but there are ways that consumers can reduce their costs while still getting the same quality parts."

The ARA, a non-profit trade association dedicated to more efficient removal and reuse of auto parts, is working to build awareness of used auto parts as a low-cost alternative for consumers. Automobiles that are acquired by automotive recyclers have a number of parts that still work perfectly well - and can be purchased for a much lower cost than a brand-new replacement part.

"Most people don't realize that their old or wrecked cars can have a second life after they've been sold or discarded," Tolpa says. "Most ARA members will deal directly with the consumer, and can find the same part that they are looking for at a fraction of the cost they'd pay if they were buying it new from the manufacturer."

Because the parts come directly from the automobile, they are all OEM (original equipment manufacturer), which means they are the genuine part you would receive from your automotive dealer - NOT an aftermarket reproduction.

"There are so many ways that consumers benefit from using an automotive recycler," Tolpa says. "They can get the same quality as the original part, but they're saving money and they're saving the environment.

"That's something everyone can be thankful for!"

Since 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of "green" automotive parts, and the recycling of inoperable motor vehicles.

ARA represents over 4,500 automotive recycling facilities through memberships in the United States and fourteen other countries around the world. With programs such as the Certified Automotive Recycler Program (CAR) and other partnerships, ARA members continue to provide consumers with quality, low cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts, while preserving our environment for a "greener" tomorrow.

To learn more about the Association, visit ARA's Home Page at www.a-r-a.org or call (571) 208-0428.

For More Information Contact: Jennifer Johnson
(571) 208-0428 (Phone)
(571) 208-0430 (Fax)

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