AAA Urges Drivers to Stay Proactive on Auto Repair and Maintenance

In 2024, AAA received over 27 million emergency roadside service calls across the United States. Of those calls, the majority of vehicles required towing (roughly 13 million) or were experiencing battery issues (approximately 7 million). Combined, these two types of incidents accounted for roughly 74% of total calls and eclipsed flat tires and lockouts. AAA received roughly 215,000 service calls for electric vehicles (EVs), representing about 0.8% of total roadside service events. During April, which is Car Care Month, AAA encourages all vehicle owners to keep up with car care basics to prolong the life of their vehicle and prevent unexpected breakdowns. 

“Car Care Month serves as an excellent reminder to prioritize vehicle maintenance," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Many issues, like towing or battery failures, could often be prevented with regular upkeep. To steer clear of expensive, inconvenient, and potentially dangerous breakdowns, we strongly encourage drivers to take proactive steps in ensuring their car remains in good condition."

Most vehicles equipped with newer technology are likely to have helpful alerts that remind drivers when it’s time to perform basic vehicle maintenance, such as checking tire pressure, changing their oil, or inspecting the brake system. But no matter the age of a car, it still needs regular maintenance to stay in tip-top shape.  

Car care tips: 

• Vehicle inspections - 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, tires, and car batteries are operating at full capacity. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to get to know your mechanic and stay ahead of any more significant issues down the road.
• Stay alert – to sounds, smells, or fluids leaking from the car. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to a significant repair that could have been avoided otherwise.
• Check for recalls – easily check if a vehicle is affected by a recall by locating the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be found on a windshield or driver-side doorjamb. Visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls to search for any open safety recalls on a vehicle. If a vehicle has an open recall, don’t delay - visiting AAA Approved Auto Repair shops to learn more.
• Maintenance checkups – pick a day that’s easy to remember and mark on a calendar to check tire pressure, tire condition, and fluid levels like oil coolant and windshield washer. If needed, top off any low fluids and inflate tires to the recommended level. Check out: Do It Yourself "DIY" Car Care 

"Proper car maintenance ensures a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience, while also sparing you the expense of costly repairs or unexpected breakdowns in the future," said Jenkins.

How to Request AAA Roadside Assistance

If you find yourself in need of roadside assistance, the fastest and most efficient way to submit a request is to use the AAA Digital Roadside Request online tool or text "HELP" to 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357). AAA will then send you a link to a self-service digital request service. After answering a few quick questions, help will be on the way! Stay updated with text messages from your technician and track their arrival.

If you prefer to speak to AAA, you can call (800) AAA-HELP or (800) 222-4357 or use Amazon Alexa or Google Home/Assistant. For Alexa, when you need roadside assistance, just ask your digital assistant to help make the call to AAA. For Google, say “okay Google, talk to AAA road service.”

Approved Auto Repair You Can Trust

AAA provides important tools and information, so you know ahead of time what to expect and have the right details to make informed decisions.

• Use the AAA Repair Cost Estimator to estimate costs associated with your car repair. Each estimate breaks down costs for auto parts and labor, and the member discount offered at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
   
• Members save money on maintenance, inspections and repairs at more than 7,000 shops in the AAA network.
   
• AAA Approved Auto Repair shops undergo rigorous inspections and offer trustable dependable service. All AAA technicians are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, or factory trained, which means they have met ASE standard for excellence in automotive repair. For shop owners that are interested in participating in AAA Approved Auto Repair program, click here
   
• AAA partnered with NAPA Autotech to launch a mentorship program for aspiring auto repair technicians. The program, made available to AAA’s Approved Auto Repair facilities, is designed to provide valuable hands-on experience through expert guidance from industry leaders. Approved auto repair shops looking to enroll should visit https://networkofsavings.aaa.biz/aar-apprentice-program.