BROADVIEW, Ill. – Purolator, manufacturer and supplier of automotive filters, has announced it is tapping into the strength of social media networks as a method for reaching its customers.

As of April this year, Purolator is now using its presence on Facebook, as well as Twitter and YouTube, to quickly spread its message "far and wide" through the power of the Internet.

"A large number of our do-it-yourself customers are using Facebook and Twitter more frequently than any other means of communication – making it an ideal channel through which to deliver our messages," said Chuck Kerrigan, director of marketing for Purolator. "Purolator’s presence on Facebook allows us to not only post product-related messages, educational videos, photos, Q&As and information about promotional events, but to also have interested people ‘like,’ or ‘follow’ our progress over time. It is also a way for us to be able to hear from and respond to our customers in a way we have never been able to before."

Purolator also will be using its Facebook site to launch its "Garage-a-thon" photo contest in August. The contest will encourage DIYers and professional technicians to submit photos of their garage to win the ultimate grand prize of a classic car that will make their garage the envy of the neighborhood. The contest will be held mid-August to mid-October.