Auto awareness seminar for today's driver helps MS Society

If you wonder why your "check engine" light is on when everything seems fine, or what octane gas you should be using, a seminar called "Auto Awareness for Today's Driver" should be right up your alley. In addition to educating everyday drivers, the seminar will also help a good cause because all admission costs will go directly to the Minnesota Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Sponsored by the Upper Midwest Region of the Shelby American Auto Club, the seminar will cover basic vehicle information, the importance of preventive maintenance, how to communicate more effectively with service technicians and many other topics. Dan Mattila of Dan's Complete Automotive in Blaine is donating his time and will take participants through an ACDelco "Knowledge is Power" presentation as well as answer questions. While pre-registering is advised, people can pay at the door if any seats are available.

Here are the relevant details:

Date: Saturday, March 14

Time: 9 am - 6 pm

Location: Mermaid Event Center, Mounds View

Cost: $35 per person (cost completely tax deductible; checks made out to MS Society)

Advance registration: www.msautoawareness.com (advance deadline: March 7)

More information: www.msautoawareness.com and 763-784-8668

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Are you a fan of collectible or classic cars? If you are, then check out the MotorMouth blog at Startribune.com/cars. MotorMouth Kris Palmer, freelance auto writer and editor, who also puts together this section's Weekend Garage column every Saturday, blogs about vintage cars, the collectible auto scene and just about everything else that goes vroom. And, as with any good blog, you can participate. You can post comments and converse with others about a wide variety of vintage car topics.