Vehicle Maintenance Costs and 2015 AAA Brochure

Vehicle Maintenance

Driving costs also are affected by how well your vehicle runs. Performing regular maintenance can ensure more efficient vehicle operation and help prevent costly repairs down the road. Below are general checks to make sure your vehicle stays in tip-top shape. Read your owner’s manual for more detailed information on your vehicle’s specific requirements. When performing any do-it-yourself maintenance, always be sure to take proper safety precautions. 

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Fluids:

• Engine oil: Lubricates and cools the engine while cleaning internal parts. Running your car when it’s low on oil can cause serious engine damage. Check the oil level at least once a month.
• Coolant: Prevents engine freeze-up in winter and boil-over in summer while protecting the cooling system from rust and corrosion. Check the coolant level at each oil change.
• Brake fluid: Critical to proper performance of the vehicle’s braking system. Check at each oil change
• Transmission fluid: Helps transfer engine power to the wheels, lubricates internal parts, maintains seals and acts as a coolant. Check the level at each oil change.
• Power steering fluid: Transfers hydraulic pressure to reduce driver steering effort. Check at each oil change.
• Gasoline: Follow vehicle manufacturer octane rating recommendations to ensure maximum fuel efficiency and prevent damaging engine knock.

Air Filter: Your vehicle’s air filter captures dirt particles and ensures proper airflow to the engine. Inspect the filter at every oil change and replace as needed.

Belts: Most vehicles today use a single serpentine belt to operate under-hood accessories such as the alternator. However, V-belts still are used in some applications. Inspect all belts at every oil change and replace when you spot signs of wear such as glazing or cracking.

Hoses: Hoses circulate vital liquids such as engine coolant, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Inspect hoses at every oil change and repair or replace any that show signs of wear or leakage.

Battery: The battery supplies power to the starter motor, acts as a voltage stabilizer and makes up for any shortfall when the alternator can’t meet the vehicle’s electrical needs. Inspect battery cable connections at every oil change and clean as needed. When servicing a battery, always wear eye protection and gloves.

Tires: As the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road, tires are integral to safety and ride comfort. For optimum performance, tires must have adequate tread depth and be properly inflated. Inspect tires and check inflation pressures at least once a month. AAA offers several resources to complement information found in your owner’s manual. They include:

• AAA.com: Provides a variety of vehicle maintenance and operating tips. Online content varies by AAA club.
• AAA Approved Auto Repair: The Approved Auto Repair network includes more than 7,100 shops across North America that are visited regularly and inspected annually to ensure they meet AAA’s rigorous quality standards and deliver exceptional service and value. AAA members using them receive special discounts, written repair estimates, free maintenance inspections, minimum 24-month/24,000-mile parts and labor warranties, AAA arbitration in repair disputes and priority service when their vehicles are towed in following a breakdown.
• AAA ShopLocator: Available in most areas, this AAA.com search tool helps users locate nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and provides lists of services, hours and other helpful information.
• AAA AutoManager: This free AAA.com program sends users e-mail reminders of scheduled vehicle service requirements and due dates for vehicle payments and insurance premiums. It also provides vehicle recall notifications and helps owners track service histories. Online content varies by club.

To learn more, visit www.AAA.com or call (800) AAAHELP.
To locate an AAA Approved Auto Repair shop, visit www.AAA.com/repair.
To locate a AAA Spokesperson, visit www.NewsRoom.aaa.com