With Memorial Day approaching and many preparing for the great American road trip, AAA is warning of an increase in requests for emergency roadside assistance. This is partly due to a mild winter that leaves many vehicles unprepared for the demands of long-distance travel. AAA recommends drivers take extra precautions to ensure their vehicles are in top condition before hitting the road.
“Drivers with older batteries that tend to fail in freezing temperatures got a bit of a break this winter, but the heat of summer is coming, which is even more of a threat than the cold,” says Kevin Freeman, AAA Tire and Auto Manager. Oklahoma City location in Quail Springs. “Anyone with a battery more than three years old should have it checked sooner rather than later.”
In addition to the mild winter, AAA says two other factors will likely contribute to more breakdowns this summer. One is “car sitting,” a reference to more vehicles sitting idle for longer periods of time due to the option to work from home. This actually puts more of a toll on vehicle batteries than when the car is driven daily. The other factor is age: there are now an increasing number of older and more vulnerable vehicles on the road.
“Due to the limited inventory of new cars, drivers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before, which means they can go wrong more,” adds Freeman. “Basic vehicle maintenance will be essential.”
In fact, according to industry analysts, the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads is expected to hit an all-time high this year at 12.3 years.
Last summer in Oklahoma, AAA responded to more than 80,000 calls for emergency roadside assistance. Given the potential for problems, that number could rise significantly in the coming months.
With that in mind, AAA encourages vehicle owners to find a mechanic they trust and make car care a priority before booking service bays and, more importantly, before hitting the road for a road trip. in summer.
Most AAA Car Care locations or AAA approved auto repair shops will perform a free bumper-to-bumper maintenance check.
AAA Summer Car Care Checklist
1. Check your tires and tire pressure: Inspect all four tires and, if you have one, the spare. Look for cuts, dashes or side bumps. Insert a quarter upside down into the grooves to check the tire tread. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it’s time for new tires.
Check the tire pressure when the car has been idle and the tires are cold. Inflate as needed to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find it in the owner’s manual and on the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. Do not use the tire sidewall number.
2. Secure and check the battery: The average battery life is 3-5 years. Check your car battery to make sure the cable connections are clean and tight and that the mounting hardware is secure. Have a service professional perform a battery check to determine the remaining capacity. AAA members can always opt for free mobile battery service.
3. Top off engine oil and other fluids: Check that engine oil, coolant, and brake, transmission, and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
4. Replace wipers and refill windshield cleaner – Rubber wipers naturally degrade over time. If the wipers streak or fail to clean the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with liquid formulated to remove bugs and other debris, and test to make sure the nozzles are spraying properly.
5. Check the belts and hoses – Reinforced rubber belts feed the engine’s water pump and accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor, so you should inspect and replace those that are cracked, glazed or torn.
Note that modern multi-rib materials or drive belts do not show easily visible signs of wear. As a general rule, replace drive belts every 60,000 miles.
Inspect and replace worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft radiator hoses. Check for leaks around the hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.
6. Keep the A/C running cool: Take a test drive with the A/C running. If you notice a decrease in cooling capacity, take your car to an auto repair shop for diagnosis. Also have the cabin filter inspected and replaced as needed.
7. Make sure your AAA membership is up-to-date: Members are reminded that AAA’s roadside emergency service benefit travels with the driver, not the vehicle, so you are covered with the your own car or a rental car anywhere in the United States.
8. Take advantage of seasonal discounts – Ask about discounted tires and other services at any AAA Car Care office.
