Internet Shopping and Car Recalls lead Consumer Six Report

Auto Recalls Many cars on the road could have safety recalls drivers don't know about. Car-makers recalled nearly 20,000,000 vehicles last year. In some cases it took months for

Wednesday, July 12th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Auto Recalls

Many cars on the road could have safety recalls drivers don't know about.

Car-makers recalled nearly 20,000,000 vehicles last year. In some cases it took months for the recall notices to arrive in the mail.

Now, consumers with Internet acces can find out about recalls right away. The service, called "My Garage", is provided by autobytel.com.

Onwer's need only enter car information when arriving to the site.

""You can get an e-mail notification directly from us whenever a recall notice comes out on a car that you posted to 'My Garage'," said autobytel.com CEO Mark Lorimer.

Manufacturers are legally required to fix any recall problems for free.

Internet Shopping

The Internet also gives shoppers access to thousands of online stores and auction houses.

To avoid hassles, The American Bar Association recommends that you buy from online companies that have a Squaretrade seal. That seal means the company will use mediation to resolve problems.

A trained mediator helps both sides find a resolution on-line.

Heating Oil

While gas prices are slowly droping in the heatv of summer, there could be a chill for consumers this winter.

The American Petroleum Institute says wholesale fuel prices are up about 75% and that means hetaing oil and natural gas bills could go up this winter.

Comments or suggestions for upcoming Consumer Six segments can be e-mailed at dwhite@kotv.com or Ms. White can be reached at 732-6111.