WICHITA – October is Car Care Month, which takes on a whole new meaning this year in the wake of the pandemic. There is the typical need to ensure your vehicle is road-ready as temperatures fall and the challenges of winter weather lie ahead, but for several reasons related to COVID-19, drivers are also keeping their vehicles longer than ever, which means there is an even greater need to invest in basic vehicle maintenance to keep those vehicles running.
According to the research firm IHS Markit, the average age of vehicles on US roadways topped 12 years last year for the first time ever.
“There are a combination of factors, such as the chip shortage limiting supply of new vehicles, forcing owners who might otherwise shop new to keep their cars longer, so car care has become even more critical,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA Kansas. “Investing a little time now could save drivers both time and money down the road.”
Previous AAA research shows that vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to end up stranded on the side of the road compared to newer vehicles and on top of that, the odds of needing a tow quadruples. And yet previous AAA research also shows that more than a third of Americans forget or delay recommended maintenance, ultimately paying more for repairs when the vehicle does breakdown.
“Those who neglect vehicle maintenance are at greater risk of having travel plans disrupted, requiring a tow and spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars for needed repairs,” Steward added.
And the risk is not just to older cars. Despite advances in-vehicle technology, including maintenance reminders and other dashboard alerts designed to mitigate roadside trouble, AAA rescued hundreds of thousands of members in 2020 experiencing flat tires, battery troubles, and lock outs.
AAA offers five important car care tips
Engage a trusted mechanic - A professional and thorough vehicle inspection can help reduce the chance of a serious breakdown – which is not only an inconvenience, but more costly than preventive maintenance. Find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility near you.
Check battery - Automotive batteries typically last between three and five years. To avoid an unexpected battery failure, AAA recommends that drivers have their vehicle’s battery tested when it reaches three years of age and on an annual basis thereafter. AAA’s Mobile Battery Service offers free battery testing to AAA members.
Check tires - With nearly 800,000 crashes occurring on wet roads each year and as winter approaches, AAA reminds drivers that worn tires can increase stopping distance and the risk of a crash. AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively.
Check engine - system failures, such as the radiator, thermostat or water pump, or failure of engine parts such as the timing belt, are most prominent in vehicles age 10 years and older.
Check fluids – Incorrect fluid levels can cause breakdowns or even serious damage. Check fluids regularly to ensure proper vehicle function and longevity.
AAA responded to almost 92,000 members requiring roadside assistance last year, just in Kansas. AAA encourages all motorists to make sure their AAA membership is up to date as we head in to the cooler months and the busy holiday travel season.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 63 million members nationwide and more than 350,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a COVID travel restriction map, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.