Car Care Month Car Care Month

Ready or not, here comes winter!

October is Car Care Month, the perfect time to prepare your vehicle for the cold and snow ahead.  Bring it into one of our Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities now.  Our certified technicians will check it out from top to bottom, from grill to trunk, so you can stay safe and secure on the road in the months ahead.

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AAA celebrates Car Care Month!

  1. Enter our Car Care Month Michelin Tire Sweepstakes!! Test your tire knowledge with a few questions and you’ll be entered to win a complete set of Michelins, valued up to $1000! (See contest rules for details.)
  2. Use our coupons below to save BIG!
  3. Use our Repair Cost Estimator to learn how much you might pay for auto repairs in your neighborhood.
  4. Read our Car Doctor’s Top Car Care Tips, below, before winter weather hits and find out what our AAR service technicians look for in a maintenance inspection.
  5. Tune in to our Facebook Live events this month and ask the Car Doctor your automotive questions. Check our Facebook page during these days and times:
    •     Thursday, October 4 @9:30 am
    •     Thursday, October 18 @9:30 am
    •     Thursday, October 25 @9:30 am

Download our Coupons!

AAA CarCare Month - AAR Coupon
AAA CarCare Month - NAPA Coupon

 

Michelin

Michelin Tire Giveaway!

We’re giving away a complete set of four Michelin tires, valued up to $1000!  To enter, answer a few questions to test your tire knowledge.  Provide your name and email address and you’ll be entered to win. AAA will even throw in free mounting and balancing at the winner’s nearest Approved Auto Repair shop!

John Paul's Top Car Care Tips

The average age of the vehicle on the road today is about 11 years. In the Northeast, winter weather can cause damage, but regular maintenance can save you hundreds of dollars down the road.

1. Check fluid levels. +

There are two critical fluids that should be checked headed into winter. Oil is the life’s blood of the engine and should be clean; consider getting an oil change, as other essential fluids will also be inspected at this time. Engine coolant (anti-freeze) is also vital. Without the proper mixture of coolant and water the engine could freeze and cause catastrophic damage.
Most battery damage is caused by hot summer conditions, but the damage doesn’t show until you need more power when starting your car in the cold. When the temperature drops to freezing your car’s starter needs about 30% more power to turn the engine over. When the temperature hits 0°, your car’s battery capacity is reduced by about 50%. The typical life of a battery in the Northeast is about 55 months. If the battery is 3-4 years old have it tested; if it is more than five years old, considering buying a new one before winter.
Don’t wait until rain, sleet or snow starts landing on the windshield to think about new wipers. There are wiper blades specifically designed for winter use, which limit snow and ice buildup on the wipers, allowing better cleaning in snowy conditions.
Tires worn to less than 4/32” of an inch of tread dramatically increase stopping distances in wet weather. Check your tire pressure monthly. Temperature changes affect tire pressure, and tires can lose 1-2 pounds for each 10 degrees temperature change.
Colder temperatures cause the glass to contract, which stresses any existing cracks or chips. A sudden change in temperature can cause problems too, so warm up your car slowly and never use warm or hot water to de-ice your windshield.
Apply silicone spray to the rubber gaskets on the door of your vehicle to prevent the doors from freezing shut. If you are plagued with static shocks getting in and out of your car, spray the seats with anti-static spray made for clothes.  During extreme cold temperature give your car a minute to warm up. Drive the car nice and easy until it comes up to operating temperature.

Approved Auto Repair Maintenance Inspection

At an Approved Auto Repair facility, AAA members can get a free maintenance inspection with any service performed. According to AAA Northeast AAR Director Joe Gable, members can expect the following checks:

  • Visibility: Windshield, wiper blades and mirrors
  • Lights: Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.
  • Warning Systems: Flashers and horn
  • Fluids: All vital fluids, including oil, transmission, brake and power steering fluids, washer fluids and antifreeze.
  • Battery: Cables, terminals, and charge/power
  • Belts: engine belts, air conditioning, power steering, water and air pumps
  • Hoses: Radiator, heater, power steering, transmission, vacuum and fuel
  • Tires: tread level and pressure
  • Filters and fans: air and radiator cooling fans

An analysis of AAA roadside assistance calls found that millions of roadside breakdowns can have been avoided with basic vehicle maintenance. Despite that, almost 35% of Americans have skipped or delayed maintenance/service that was recommended by a mechanic or the manufacturer.    

AAA Car Care Month