Car Care Month | AAA Northeast

Spring Car Care

The April Car Care Month promotion is over, but that doesn’t mean car care has to end! AAA members save 10% on labor at any Approved Auto Repair shop, all year long. Plus, stay tuned for October Car Care month with all new special savings and prizes.

Approved Auto Repair

Our AAR program is a great member benefit, and there’s no better place to get your vehicle “road ready” for all the trips you want to take this spring and summer. We take the guesswork out of finding a trusted technician for your vehicle. Fully vetted, inspected annually, and subject to specific certifications and standards, you can trust an AAR facility in your neighborhood.

Learn more and find a shop near you.

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Warm Weather Maintenance Checklist

As the weather heats up, drives to the beach, road trips, vacations, and even work commutes are expected to increase. If you’re like most people, you haven’t driven as much the last year, and your car may need some special “TLC” before resuming normal driving.

A complete bumper-to-bumper check by an AAR facility is the best course of action. According to our top AAR technicians, here are five key things to check before you hit the road:

Tires +

Check air pressure, which changes dramatically based on temperature.
Use a tire pressure gauge for accurate results. Use the recommended tire pressure 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 (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.

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.
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.

Ask the Car Doctor

Have a specific question about your car or unsure of what to consider for a future car purchase? Ask John Paul, the AAA Car Doctor. He’ll respond to your question within 48 hours.

ask the car doctor

Test your automotive knowledge!

Here are a few automotive distractions to keep you busy:

Automotive Parts Crossword: How well do you really know cars? Find out by taking our fun crossword.

‘70s Cars Crossword: Vehicles in the 1970s were all about style. Test your knowledge of the era.

If You Break Down

Despite your best efforts, you may have to get roadside assistance at some point. AAA members get 24/7 service, and we now have several ways to get you help fast.