3 Fall Fixes Your Car May Need
Essential car care after a record-breaking summer
(September 23, 2024) - An intense summer came to a close over the weekend with the autumnal equinox. Now it’s time to think about your vehicle’s health after record-breaking summer temperatures. AAA responded to nearly 800,000 roadside service calls across the country during the busiest periods like Fourth of July. Many of these calls were due to heat-related issues, such as battery and tire failures. “Extreme heat shortens the service life of many essential components, and when you consider the extra strain from summer road trips, many vehicles are likely at their limit,” said John Walter, Chief Auto Repair Officer for AAA Northern California. “This makes it essential to inspect and maintain your car as the weather cools.”
AAA Northern California vehicle technicians say you may need the following fall fixes as the new season arrives:
- Car batteries. Heat significantly shortens a car battery’s life, reducing it from the typical 3-5 years to as low as 2 years. A struggling engine start, vehicle warning lights, odd smells, or corrosion on the battery terminals are all signs of a failing battery.
- Tires, belts, hoses. Hot pavement causes tires to bulge, dry out and rot, increasing the risk of blowouts, while belts and hoses can crack. Inspect rubber components for cracks, listen for noises, and monitor tire tread depth. Get hidden components checked by a technician.
- Vehicle fluids. Coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are essential for your vehicle’s performance. Summer heat can cause these fluids to boil or evaporate, leading to potential damage. Keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge and top off fluids as needed.
Make sure your vehicle is free from heat-related issues. AAA Auto Repair Centers or AAA Approved Auto Repair Centers can help keep you on the road with top-notch car maintenance and repair. You don't have to be a Member to use AAA Auto Repair Centers and AAA approved shops, but there are savings and benefits for being one. For more information, visit /automotive.
Equinox glare driving precautions
Around the fall equinox, drivers may experience windshield glare as the sun rises and sets directly in the east and west. This can make it challenging for drivers to see pedestrians, road signs, and traffic signals. Drivers should ensure their windshields are clean, wear polarized sunglasses, use their sun visor, and slow down during peak glare times to improve safety on the road.
About AAA Northern California
AAA Northern California is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. AAA MWG delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA MWG is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.