Car making a weird noise? What to do for Car Care Month
Car safety systems may lead to distracted driving, AAA study finds
Multiple systems that are designed to make driving safer and easier may be placing drivers in danger, according to a new AAA study.
USA TODAY
- April is Car Care Month, according to AAA Northeast
- AAA encourages all vehicle owners to keep up with car care basics in April
- Drivers should always be checking for recalls
Many people know that April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, but it’s also something else.
April is also Car Care Month, and that means it’s time to double-check your vehicle to make sure everything is functioning well. The hope is that by maintaining your car now it spares you needing roadside assistance later.
In 2024, AAA received over 27 million roadside assistance calls across the United States, according to a release from the company. Of those calls, the majority required towing a vehicle (roughly 13 million) or battery issues (approximately 7 million).
“While any time is the right time to keep up with regular vehicle maintenance, Car Care Month serves as a great reminder that prevention can save drivers both dollars and headaches – especially as new tariffs on imported automobiles could significantly increase new car prices,” Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast, said in a written statement this week. “Many of the roadside assistance calls we receive for towing and battery problems – which can be costly, inconvenient and unsafe – may have been avoided with regular maintenance.”
What kind of issues are most common with vehicles?
Battery problems and needing tows are two types of incidents that accounted for roughly 74% of total emergency calls from drivers, eclipsing flat tires and lockouts, according to AAA Northeast.
When is it time to care for your vehicle?
AAA Northeast stated that most vehicles are equipped with newer technology that are likely to have alerts that remind drivers when it’s time to perform basic vehicle maintenance. But drivers should always bring their vehicles in for routine maintenance.
What do drivers need to pay attention to with their vehicles?
They include tire pressure, changing oil or inspecting the brake system, among other things like coolant and windshield washer levels, and filters.
What are some tips for taking care of your vehicle?
According to AAA Northeast:
- Take advantage of vehicle inspections. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities offer a free vehicle inspection with a paid repair along with other types of service.
- 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.
- Check for recalls. Visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), which can be found on the windshield or driver’s side doorjamb. If a vehicle has an open recall, don’t delay — visit AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities to learn more.
- 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.
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