National Car Care Month: Get your car road trip ready

AAA & partners encourage proactive inspections as roadside calls surpassed 30 million in 2025

By AAA of Western and Central New York

AAA emergency road service providers across the country came to the rescue of stranded motorists more than 30 million times in 2025. Many of those calls for service (tows, battery issues, and flat tires) could have been avoided with proper vehicle maintenance. April marks National Car Care Month, and AAA Western and Central New York is reminding drivers that routine vehicle maintenance can ensure your vehicle is ready for your next road trip.

“Summer heat takes a toll on cars. Taking care of your car now may help avoid a more expensive repair bill down the line," said Todd Ingraham, director of automotive services at AAA Western and Central New York.

Before hitting the road

•Battery and charging system: Have the battery and charging system tested – especially if the battery is over 3 years old. Clean corrosion and ensure connections are secure. AAA Mobile Battery Service and AAA Approved Auto Repair can test/replace batteries.

•Wipers and washer fluid: Replace streaking wiper blades and fill the washer reservoir with a bug- and debris-removing solution.

•Coolant: Check coolant when the engine is cold. Add a 50/50 coolant mix if low. Inspect belts, hoses and clamps for wear.

•Tires: Inspect tread depth, examine wear patterns, and check tire pressure when the tires are cold. Tires with less than 4/32” tread provide less traction on wet roads. Remember to check the spare tire as well.

•Brakes: Have brakes inspected per manufacturer guidance or, if you notice warning lights, low fluid indicator, pulsation, pulling, grinding or other noise when braking.

•Lights: Check all bulbs and clean cloudy lenses. Weathered headlights can be restored professionally or with DIY kits.

•Oil: Change oil and filter at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals using the correct oil.

•Engine and performance: Replace the air filter as recommended. Address “check engine” lights and fix issues like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or low power.

•Transmission fluid: Confirm fluid is full; top off if needed. Some newer vehicles have sealed systems requiring service only if a leak is present.

Emergency kit essentials

A well-prepared emergency kit should include a phone and charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, or a jump pack, and a set of basic tools. Drivers should also pack a tarp, rain gear, gloves, and cleaning supplies such as rags, paper towels or wipes. Warning devices like flares, triangles or LED beacons are important for roadside visibility, along with a first aid kit, water, snacks, and washer solvent. For added traction in slippery conditions, items such as sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter or traction mats can also be helpful. AAA members save 10% off the retail price of thousands of quality auto parts at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores.

AAA, NAPA Auto Parts, partners Celebrate Car Care Month & 50 Years of AAR Excellence

AAA is collaborating with leading industry organizations – including NAPA, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and the Auto Care Association – to celebrate National Car Care Month this April and emphasize the importance of preventive vehicle maintenance as drivers gear up for spring travel.

“Car Care Month is a reminder that simple, proactive maintenance can drastically reduce the chance of a breakdown,” said Bryan Sander, AAA vice president of automotive. “As we celebrate 50 years of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program, AAA is proud to work alongside trusted repair partners committed to keeping drivers safe on the road.”

“We’re proud to partner with AAA and industry leaders to help educate drivers and keep America moving safely,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “With today’s vehicles becoming increasingly advanced, it’s critical that consumers rely on trusted, qualified repair professionals and stay proactive about routine inspections.”

Building on the momentum of last October’s celebration of the AAR program, these collaborations continue to make it easier for consumers to find trustworthy, high-quality automotive service providers

"For over 100 years, NAPA has kept America moving with high-quality parts, supplies and service,” said Jason Rainey, NAPA VP, commercial sales. “We are proud of our continued partnership with AAA and support important initiatives like Car Care Month.”

AAA and its partners emphasize that regular checks and replacements prepare vehicles for spring, improving longevity, performance, and safety. All participating AAR shops employ ASE-certified technicians or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified technicians, ensuring high-quality care for today’s increasingly complex vehicles.

“By choosing ASE-certified technicians, drivers can be confident their vehicles are being serviced by experts who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to keep them safe and reliable on the road,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “National Car Care Month is an important reminder that today’s vehicles are more advanced than ever, and proper maintenance of complex systems requires highly trained professionals.”

Consumer tip: When visiting a repair shop for Car Care Month, look for the ASE Blue Seal on the window – a clear sign your technician has met the industry’s rigorous competency standards.

Learn more:

√ Find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility: AAA.com/autorepair

√ Call mobile battery service near you

√ Interested in becoming an AAR shop? AAA.com/autorepair

√ Roadside assistance: 1-800-222-4357

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.