Auto Club Offers Free Auto Inspections Throughout April
Phoenix, Ariz., April 1, 2009. Motorists are starting to feel the heat as we approach summer months – and so are their vehicles. April is National Car Care Month, an important time to ensure vehicles are prepared to brave Arizona’s brutal summer heat.
To help motorists prepare for Arizona’s fast-approaching summer months, AAA Arizona is offering free 36-point vehicle inspection and charging system checks to all members, who own about one-third of all the registered vehicles in the state. Members can receive the free checks at any of the AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across the state throughout the entire month of April. The inspection holds a $50 value, which is just three dollars less than the cost of a AAA membership for an entire year.
“Arizona’s triple-digit temperatures put our vehicles to the test each summer,” said Don Nunnari, vice president of membership products and services for AAA Arizona. “One way motorists can prepare their vehicles for the desert’s hottest months of the year is by making sure their vehicle is properly maintained. Preventative maintenance will not only lessen the likelihood of being stranded on the side of the road with a breakdown this summer, but also reduce your risk of experiencing unexpected and often times costly repairs.”
Last summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, AAA Arizona’s Emergency Roadside Services assisted more than 121,000 stranded motorists. Nearly 70 percent, or 82,956 calls, were for battery service or towing service, many of which could have been prevented with proper preventative maintenance.
In honor of National Car Care Month, AAA Arizona encourages all motorists to inspect their vehicle before summer arrives. Whether a motorist feels comfortable conducting a self-inspection or entrusts their vehicle to an automotive professional, AAA Arizona recommends that inspection include the following vehicle components:
- Battery. Arizona’s hot summers can dramatically shorten the life of a vehicle battery. If your battery is low on water or becomes corroded, it could suddenly stop providing power to your vehicle. If your vehicle begins to crank slower upon startup, have your battery tested as it could be losing life.
- Charging System. While the battery works closely with the charging system on your vehicle, a bad charging system component such as the alternator, or a drain, can quickly deplete a new battery, or the ability for that battery to hold a charge.
- Tires. While tires are one of the most important components on a vehicle, they are also one of the most overlooked when it comes to preventative care. Proper tire inflation is crucial to the life of the tire, maximizing a vehicle’s fuel economy and the safety of everyone on the road. Tire inflation should be checked while the tire is cold and at least once per month and to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which can usually be found on a sticker placed on the driver side doorjamb.
- Belts and Hoses. The belts and hoses on a vehicle should be inspected at every oil change and especially before the summer months. Arizona’s dry heat can quickly cause rubber items to dry and crack under the hood, which can adversely affect a vehicle’s electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and cooling system.
- Windshield Wipers. Because of their direct exposure to the sun, windshield wipers tend to dry and crack faster than rubber components under the hood of a vehicle. As a result, they should be replaced about every six months.
- Motor Oil and Lubricants. Because each vehicle is different, check your owner's manual for specific oil recommendations. When driving under extreme conditions – like very hot temperatures or towing a trailer – try switching to oil with a higher viscosity. Also, be sure to have all other fluids and lubricants checked and replaced as needed. Dirty and inadequate levels of these components can cause internal damage to your vehicle if not properly maintained.
“Even a vehicle that receives regular maintenance can experience unexpected failures,” Nunnari said. “In these instances, an emergency car care kit can help fix the problem, or make the wait for help a little more bearable. The kit should include items such as jumper cables, a flashlight, duct tape, water, cell phone and various first aid items, among other things. These kits can easily be assembled at home or purchased pre-assembled from any AAA branch office.”
Motorists looking to find a trusted auto repair shop to conduct a vehicle check-up during National Car Care Month can visit www.AAAAZ.com/auto to search AAA Arizona’s database of more than 150 Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities across the state. Motorists can also visit one of AAA Arizona’s two club-owned facilities, in Mesa and Peoria.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAAAZ.com
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NOTE: AAA automotive experts are available for interviews and photos. Contact AAA Public Affairs to schedule.
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