Page 10 - AAA Now! – AAA Shelby County – July/August 2022

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Is Your Car Ready for the Hot Summer Temperatures?
Whether you are headed out on a weekend road trip, planning a month-long family vacation, or waking a four-wheeled friend from its long winter nap, you will want to make sure the summer driving season brings maximum enjoyment and minimum stress. Before you pack up the car, check out these travel tips from AAA and your local AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
1. First, have your car looked over by a certified and inspected AAA Approved Auto Repair
facility. If you are a AAA member you can have a maintenance check performed free of charge with any paid maintenance or repair. The repair facility will check over those items on the engine that can frequently fail during summer’s heat, such as belts and hoses. Also, they will give you a written estimate of any repairs or maintenance and guarantee all work with a 24-month or 24,000-mile warranty that is good at over 5,600 repair facilities across the U.S.
2. Tend to what connects your car to the road
– your tires. If you have snow tires on, make sure
to switch to some all-season tires for the summer. Check your tire pressure – and check it often. Buy a quality tire pressure gauge to check air pressures and check the door decal that has the proper pressures for your vehicle listed on it. Check your tires first thing in the morning when tires are cool because
as you drive on your tires the air pressure inside increases as the air gets warmer.
3. Stay on top of your fluids. If you have fallen behind on maintenance, get your vehicle’s oil changed before you hit the road. Use the proper type of oil for your engine, 5w-30, 10w-30, or 10w-40 are multiviscous, and get a bit thinner the hotter it gets outside, thereby increasing the chance that
the engine might not get the proper lubrication (it is the opposite in winter). Check the owner’s manual for the proper oil rating for your vehicle and if you are going to be driving in extremely hot weather you may want to consider using slightly thicker oil in the engine for extra friction protection. Also, while the hood is up, have the antifreeze checked and make sure
it has enough protection for both summer’s heat and winter’s cold, which is ideally a 50/50 mix of coolant and water, but again verify this by checking your owner’s manual.
4. Have your battery checked.
Summer’s heat and vibration are the two primary causes of battery failure
in today’s vehicles. With today’s vehicles being as heavily dependant on electrical components such as computers, switches, and motors,
it is absolutely vital to have a good strong battery and charging system to power all of them. If your vehicle is four or more years old and has the original battery, it is highly advisable to have it replaced before you go on a trip. If you are a AAA member, call 1-800-666-7262 and one of our trained battery installers will come to your location and install a fresh, reasonably priced six-year AAA battery in your vehicle, with some restrictions.
5. Make sure you can see. Check your wiper blades for condition, if they are skipping on the windshield or streaking it, they need to be replaced. Twice a year replacement is not unusual because of damage from winter ice and summer bugs and dirt. Also do a light check regularly to make sure all your lights, especially headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are functioning properly.
6. Finally, pack for emergencies. Carry a cell phone with a full charge and a cell phone charger for in
the car. Also carry an emergency kit with flashlight, flares, first aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, paper towels, extra washer fluid, energy bars or other non- perishable food, a gallon of water, and some basic tools (Leatherman, wrenches, ratchet/socket set, screwdrivers, pliers, or Vise-Grips, etc.)
If you take care of your car before you go on your trip, it will take care of you and make sure you have a safe, trouble-free trip. For more information on AAA’s Approved Auto Repair program, go to AAA.com/automotive/approvedautorepair or e-mail bphillips@aaacp.com.
AAA Spot Club Card
Earn discounts at selected facilities
AAA Member?
Earn discounts at select facilities
Parking without the baggage.
Download The Parking Spot App, add your AAA member number to your account and receive $10 in Spot Club points. It’s free to join and members always save 10% or more.
Discounts and Coupons
Plus, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits like free reservations and special promotions throughout the year.
Download Today!
Offer is valid for mobile application downloads beginning Sept. 2, 2019. The $10 in Spot Club points will appear as 350 Spot Club points and must be redeemed through your online account prior to your stay. Spot Club points will appear in your Spot Club account within 10 business days of signing up via the mobile app and adding your AAA member number to your account. ©2019 TPS Parking Management, LLC.
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JULY/AUGUST 2022