Tips for Taking Care of Your Car
October is Car Care Month.
Happy Car Care Month! AAA is thrilled to celebrate Car Care Month with you by offering useful tips to help you maintain and ensure the safety of your car.
Most vehicles with newer technology are likely equipped with helpful alerts that remind you when it’s time to check your tire pressure, change your oil, or inspect the brake system. But no matter the age of your car, it still needs regular TLC (tender, love, and care) to stay in tip-top shape, including:
- Perform monthly maintenance checkups. Pick a day that’s easy to remember and mark your calendar to check your tire pressure, tire condition, and fluid levels like oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. If needed, top off any fluids that are low and inflate tires to the recommended level. Check out, Do It Yourself "DIY" Car Care for more.
- Keep the car clean. Regularly wash and wax your vehicle. This simple task removes any grit or grime from the road that can damage paint and lower a car’s resale value.
- Get a vehicle inspection. AAA Approved Auto Repair shops offer a free vehicle inspection with a paid repair along with other types of service. Oil changes are the perfect time to take advantage of convenient inspections to ensure all vehicle systems, car battery, and more are operating at full capacity. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to get to know your mechanic and stay ahead of more significant issues down the road. Having an established relationship with a shop you know and trust will take some of the stress out of an unexpected auto repair.
- Stay alert to sounds, smells, or fluids leaking from your car. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to a significant repair that could have otherwise been avoided.
It's important to keep up with car care basics to prolong the life of your vehicle and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Reduce Wear and Tear with Hertz
Another way to preserve the care of your car is renting a vehicle for the getaways and road trips. AAA Members get a discount of up to 20% off the base rate of a Hertz rental, including electric vehicles (EVs). Taxes, fees, and options are excluded, and the discount percentage varies based on location, length of rental, date, vehicle class and other factors, but one thing is for sure; by using your AAA Membership, you can put money back into your travel budget with these Hertz savings.
Along with the everyday discount and occasional exclusive promotions, Hertz offers AAA Members savings on fuel of 10% when prepaid, a free additional driver, usage of one child safety seat, and waived fees for young renters.
Summer’s come and gone, and chilly weather is creeping up faster than you can say "Let’s Go!" So, AAA Members, take advantage of this exclusive offer and save up to 30% on base rates on your scenic fall road trip!* Valid for bookings made through Oct. 25 and pickups through Nov. 19.