Car Care Tips

Don’t underestimate the power of a good cleaning

Properly washing your vehicle on a regular basis has many benefits: it prevents exterior damage, enhances the vehicle’s resale value, and makes driving safer. In spring, it’s important to remove the salt, sand and ice-melting chemicals used to clear roads. A good wash – including the undercarriage – will help prevent these substances from causing rust and corrosion. In addition, the Northeast has its share of acid rain, so washing your car will help preserve the paint finish. Bird droppings contain acid as well, which can damage your paint.

Visit an Approved Auto Repair Facility

A complete bumper-to-bumper check by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility is the perfect first step. Our AAR program is a great AAA member benefit! We take the guesswork out of finding a trusted technician for your vehicle, and members save 10% on labor at every visit. Fully vetted, inspected annually, and subject to specific certifications and standards, you can trust an AAR facility for all your car mechanical needs.

Check your car battery health and save on a new one

Whether you drive near or far, most car batteries only last 4-5 years. Get your battery tested if you are unsure of its age or condition. Members save a minimum of $25 on each battery purchase.

Learn More

Focus on Five

Tires +

Check air pressure, which changes dramatically based on temperature.
Use a tire pressure gauge for accurate results. The recommended tire pressure is indicated on the placard on the inside driver’s door. (Don’t use the pressure imprinted on the tire itself.)
Low tread depth is dangerous; make sure you have more than 4/32” of tread on the sides and at the center of each tire. Insert a quarter upside down (George Washington’s head first) into the tread. If the tread does not reach the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.
Check the sidewalls for cracks and dry rot (which occurs when oils and other chemicals in the tire dry out and ruin the tire).

Brakes +

If your car has been sitting for a while, non-damaging surface rust can appear on brakes. It usually wears off in the first few miles driven.
Cars that sit for longer periods (months or more) can develop more extensive issues. Have the rotors, calipers and pads checked before heading out.
Steering, suspension, shocks, and wheel alignment should also be examined.

Battery +

Check the battery, charging and starting system, especially if the battery is more than four years old. If you’re not sure how old the battery is, get it tested. AAA comes to you to test your battery and can replace on the spot if needed.
Clean the battery. Cables can develop corrosion over time and even a good battery can discharge from lack of use. Clean any corrosion off the battery terminals (baking soda and water applied with a toothbrush will do the trick) and get a battery test to make sure the battery will remain fully charged during normal driving.

Oil and other fluids +

Engine oil should be changed based on time or mileage. While you may have driven considerably less in the past year, or if your last oil change was more than six months ago, you should get one done. Contaminates, fuel and sludge can get into engine oil, as well as moisture, which leads to oil breakdown. Clean oil extends the life of your vehicle, so don’t skip this important step.
The oil change should also be accompanied by a check of other vital fluids — power steering, transmission, and brake fluid. Just like engine oil, these fluids can attract moisture and become contaminated.

Filters and hoses +

The cabin and engine filters can become clogged with dirt, dust, and pollen, especially if sitting for longer periods of time. If your vehicle has been parked outside for a while, they can become especially dirty.
Don’t be surprised to find that some critter has taken up residence in your vehicle to avoid the cold. (This is especially true if you keep snacks in your glove compartment!) Rodents and mice build nests in all sorts of areas, and your engine and filters are prime spots. These animals often chew wires and hoses, so check for damage while the hood is up. Hoses and belts can dry out and crack — better to find this out before you hit the highway on a long drive.
Don’t be surprised to find that some critter has taken up residence in your vehicle to avoid the cold. (This is especially true if you keep snacks in your glove compartment!) Rodents and mice build nests in all sorts of areas, and your engine and filters are prime spots. These animals often chew wires and hoses, so check for damage while the hood is up.

Have a car care question? Ask AAA’s Car Doctor, John Paul.

Submit your own question and the Car Doctor will send you a personal response.

What to do if you break down

Despite your best efforts, you may have to call for AAA roadside assistance at some point. Cars have parts that break, flat tires happen “out of nowhere” and crashes are often unavoidable. Preparation is the key to staying calm and composed when you break down.

A car emergency kit can make the wait for AAA roadside assistance safer. Kits are on sale now at your local AAA branch.

AAA members can request roadside assistance faster, easier, and smarter with the Online Request System.

How do AAA members save on gas?

As a AAA member, you can receive discounts at the pump when you fill up at Shell stations. It’s easy and free! Simply register for Fuel Rewards® at Shell to save 30¢/gal on you first fill-up when you join the program by 12/31/23 and make your first transaction within 30 days. After that, enjoy Gold Status every day with no minimum fill-up requirements and save 5¢/gal - up to 20 gallons - at participating Shell stations.