FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 26. 2008

SAN MATEO, Calif. – As Detroit’s “Big Three” auto manufacturers work to convince Congress to approve a $25 billion dollar bailout, concerned consumers are choosing to repair the cars they might otherwise replace.

In commenting on the steepest automobile sales decline in fifteen years, Reuters reports, “Americans had either walked away from vehicle purchases or been stymied by a lack of financing or requirements for larger down-payments.” The 26.6% drop in auto sales for the month of September has affected millions across the country.

In the last 3 months, online repair resource, FixYa has seen a significant increase in car repair-related activity.

Says FixYa expert Louie Role, “Offhand, it would appear that a sizable number of requests for repair assistance are electrical in nature. Ignition and/or starting system top the list, followed by car audio/electronics, lights and other accessories.”

Of the 7371 car and truck models available in FixYa’s 1 million article database, the most commonly queried brands include Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Nissan and BMW.

“It’s just a difficult time to buy,” says FixYa CEO Yaniv Bensadon. “As the market turmoil becomes a sobering reality, struggling families are opting to fix their own cars and stretch their hard-earned income.”

Known as Emissionwiz to FixYa’s online community of 10 million, car expert Dennis Weidenbach offers several preventative measures to help increase vehicle life and delay new purchases:

1. Use the recommended weight of oil and change it as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Keep a regular check on tire pressure as it really affects fuel mileage and most blow-outs are caused by under-inflation issues.

3. Tune-up the engine at the recommended mileage. If you do it sooner, it is a waste of money.

4. And last but not least, keep an eye on coolant, oil (including transmission fluid) and brake fluid levels. Very expensive repairs can be avoided by keeping oil and coolant levels full.

FixYa also offers a paid option where community members who require immediate assistance pay a small fee to interact with experts via instant message or telephone. A percentage of the fee is given to the premium assistance auto expert who best solves a member’s problem. For this reason, many mechanics and auto repair specialists are becoming experts in an effort to earn additional income from home.

The public can register for FixYa at http://fixya.com/

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ABOUT FIXYA: FixYa is a community of 10 million members and visitors, who share, learn and connect over tech and consumer support tips. Rather than depending solely on manufacturers for answers, our community shares real world experience and practical advice. From fixing cars, to cameras, to iPhones, FixYa’s community members are part of a DIY revolution that helps empower techies, tinkerers and hobbyists across the globe. http://fixya.com