Basic vehicle maintenance is a necessity for anyone who needs to count on their car this summer. That’s the message from AAA, expressing concern that the record number of aging vehicles on U.S. roadways will intersect with summer’s heat, increasing not only the risk of a breakdown but also the expense of daily driving.
“The average age of vehicles on U.S. roadways is the highest it’s ever been at more than 12.5 years old,” says Kevin Freeman, local manager, AAA Car Care. “Summer’s heat will take its toll on batteries, tires, engines…you name it, we’ll see it. Our goal is to service our Members now, saving them time and money down the road.”
Previous AAA research shows that vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to end up stranded on the side of the road compared to newer vehicles. On top of that, the odds of needing a tow quadruples.
“During last year’s relatively mild summer, AAA responded to almost 80,000 calls for Emergency Roadside Service, just in Oklahoma alone, and almost half of those calls required a tow,” says Rylie Fletcher, spokesperson for AAA Oklahoma. “April is Car Care Month at AAA to ensure that all vehicles, new and old, are ready for day-to-day driving and summer travel, regardless of the temperature.”
AAA’s Money-Saving Tips for Drivers
- Keep up with basic vehicle maintenance – Ensuring that your tires, battery, engine, belts, hoses and fluids are serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule will minimize the risk – and expense – of a breakdown. Previous AAA research indicates that putting off car care results in higher repair costs down the road.
- Save money on gas – Car care also helps your vehicle operate at peak performance, saving money on gas which is typically most expensive during the summer.
- Get a bumper-to-bumper ‘health’ check – Most AAA Car Care Centers offer FREE bumper-to-bumper health checks as time and appointments allow. Find a AAA Car Care or AAA Approved Auto Repair or Car Care location near you.
- Take advantage of seasonal discounts – In order to ready the motoring public for safe travels this summer, AAA Car Care locations offer discounts on tires and additional services. Explore your options.
- Budget for car repairs – New technology used by AAA Car Care technicians shows vehicle owners what repairs are needed immediately and what repairs can be put off, giving drivers time to plan and save. AAA research indicates that one in three Americans do not have the money for unexpected car repairs.
AAA’s FIVE Most Important Car Care Recommendations for Older Cars
- Check Battery – Automotive batteries typically last between three and five years, with summer’s heat pushing many batteries that are on the cusp over the edge. Last summer, battery troubles accounted for nearly 17% of AAA’s Emergency Roadside Service calls in Oklahoma. To avoid an unexpected battery failure, AAA recommends drivers have their vehicle’s battery tested when it reaches three years of age and on an annual basis thereafter. AAA’s Mobile Battery Service offers FREE battery testing to AAA Members.
- Check Tires – According to the Department of Transportation, there are more than 1.2 million weather-related crashes on U.S. roadways each year. As summer approaches, AAA reminds drivers that worn tires can increase stopping distance and the risk of a crash, especially on wet roadways. AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively and adjust tire pressure for warmer temperatures.
- Check Engine – System failures, such as the radiator, thermostat or water pump, or failure of engine parts, such as the timing belt, are most prominent in vehicles age 10 years and older.
- Check Fluids – Incorrect fluid levels can cause breakdowns or even serious damage. Check all fluids regularly to ensure proper vehicle function and longevity.
- Check Belts and Hoses – Belts and hoses are often neglected, but if they break, your trip will be interrupted. Make sure they are closely inspected and replaced if need be.
Despite advances in vehicle technology, including maintenance reminders and other dashboard alerts, drivers of newer vehicles are still at risk of a breakdown as well.
In an effort to encourage car care, AAA is offering a variety of discounts at its local AAA Car Care Insurance and Travel (CCIT) Centers:
AAA NW OKC Car Care Center
6163 N. May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-717-8200
AAA OKC – Quail Springs Car Care Center
13225 N Pennsylvania Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
405-753-9777
AAA Edmond Car Care Center
1701 S. Broadway Avenue
Edmond, OK 73013
405-348-8281
AAA Norman Car Care Center
2520 W. Main Street
Norman, OK 73069
405-360-7771
Read more about how summer’s heat can affect your vehicle at AAA.com/TheExtraMile.
