From breakdowns, to lockouts, jumpstarts and tows, AAA responded to more than 517,700 emergency road service requests in Washington and northern Idaho last year alone.
With the change of the season, October welcomes Car Care Month, a program to help inform motorists about the importance of performing auto checkups to maintain the safety, reliability and efficiency of their vehicle before winter weather arrives.
During the month of October, AAA’s Approved Auto Repair facilities in Washington and northern Idaho will perform a free 35-point maintenance inspection by appointment for members. In the meantime, here are five simple car care tips from AAA Washington’s expert technicians to help keep your auto in top shape this fall:
1) Test Your Battery Health
Extreme temperatures break down car batteries internally and can accelerate the rate of corrosion, leading to insufficient electrical power and the risk of being stranded without warning. In fact, AAA Washington responded to more than 101,800 calls in 2013 alone for battery related service requests.
Most car batteries have a three- to five-year service life, depending on local climate and vehicle usage patterns. Check the battery cables and ensure they are securely attached to the terminals. Disconnecting the cables to clean the hidden areas where they contact the battery terminals is the best way to remove external corrosion.
2) Test the Air and Wear of Your Tires
Properly inflated and healthy tires can actually improve a car’s gas mileage. The pressure of all tires – including the spare – should be checked monthly when the tires are cold. Proper pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker most often located on the driver’s door jamb.
Check the tread depth on each tire by placing a quarter upside down in the tread grooves. If the top of George Washington’s head is exposed at any point, it’s time to start shopping for new tires. Also, look for uneven tire wear when checking the tread. This can be an indication of suspension, wheel balance or alignment problems that need to be addressed.
3) Working Wipers
The life of wiper blades is typically six to 12 months depending on its exposure to heat, dirt, sunlight, acid rain and ozone. AAA recommends inspecting wiper blades monthly for signs of them being worn, cracked or rigid with age. Streaking and chattering are common clues that the rubber is breaking down and a replacement is needed. The windshield washer fluid reservoir should also be checked monthly.
4) Change Your Oil
Motorists should check their vehicle’s owner’s manual to find out what intervals their vehicle’s manufacturer recommends for changing the oil based on the conditions in which they drive. Frequently motorists believe their cars’ oil should be changed every 3,000 miles, however most newer vehicles now can go 5,000 to 7,000 miles between oil changes.
5 ) Find Trusted Auto Professionals
If you’re not comfortable under the hood of your vehicle, start by asking friends and family for recommendations of repair shops and mechanics. Take your vehicle to an ASE certified technician to perform a maintenance inspection on your vehicle. Also, take time to interview the shop to make sure they are legitimate, professional and have credentials and expertise to perform needed maintenance. AAA has a list of Approved Auto Repair facilities that have been inspected and approved by our automotive experts at AAA.com/repair.
Additional Car Care month resources, including infographics, can be found at Exchange.aaa.com.
