Get Summer-Ready: Car Maintenance Tips from AAA Auto Repair Experts
Make sure your ride is road-trip ready before the summer adventures begin!
Summer is made for road trips—windows down, music up, and the open road calling your name. But before you throw your bags in the trunk and head for the coast, it’s important to make sure your car is just as ready as you are. After all, nothing ruins a vacation faster than a breakdown on the side of the highway.
Luckily, the experts at AAA are here to help with simple, practical car maintenance tips that will keep your summer travels safe and smooth.
1. Check Your Battery Before It’s Too Late
Most people associate dead batteries with winter, but heat is actually worse. High temperatures can cause your battery’s fluid to evaporate and accelerate corrosion.
AAA Tip: Get your battery tested before hitting the road. Many AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities offer free battery testing with any paid service. And if you need a new one, AAA even offers mobile battery service—they’ll come to you for on-the-spot installation.
2. Inspect Belts & Hoses
Under the hood, rubber belts and hoses are vulnerable to heat. Cracks, fraying, or bulges can lead to engine trouble—something no traveler wants to deal with miles from home.
AAA Tip: Have a professional inspect these parts for signs of wear, especially if your vehicle is over five years old.
3. Tire Pressure & Tread: Your First Line of Defense
Hot pavement can be brutal on tires, especially if they’re under-inflated. Low pressure leads to poor handling, decreased fuel efficiency, and even blowouts.
AAA Tip:
Check your tire pressure when tires are cold (first thing in the morning is best).
Use the numbers inside your driver-side door—not the tire’s sidewall.
Don’t forget to check your spare tire too!
Need new tires or a rotation? Head to one of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair shops for member-only discounts on labor and parts.
4. Keep Your Cool (and Your Engine Too)
Your car’s cooling system works overtime in summer. Without enough coolant or if there's a leak, your engine could overheat, leaving you stranded in sweltering heat.
AAA Tip: Top off your coolant and have your radiator system inspected. If it’s been a while since a coolant flush, now’s the time.
5. Windshield Wipers & Washer Fluid
Summer storms can come out of nowhere. Streaky, worn-out wipers reduce visibility, making driving dangerous when you least expect it.
AAA Tip:
Replace your wipers if they’re skipping or squeaking.
Fill up on windshield washer fluid, especially one that helps cut through bugs and road grime.
6. Pack a Summer Emergency Kit
Even with the best prep, things happen. A well-stocked emergency kit can save the day.
AAA Recommends:
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
First-aid kit
Flashlight with extra batteries
Bottled water and snacks
Tire pressure gauge and inflator
Phone charger
Reflective warning triangles or flares
You can find many of these supplies at your local AAA travel store—and members save even more!
Get a Pro’s Opinion Before You Go
Before any long road trip, bring your car to a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. You’ll get:
A 40-point maintenance inspection (free with any paid service)
A 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on repairs
10% off labor (up to $50) for AAA members
It's peace of mind on the road—and savings you’ll actually enjoy.
Let AAA Help You Hit the Road with Confidence
Your summer should be about the journey, not roadside headaches. Whether you're driving across the state or across the country, take care of your vehicle now, and your car will take care of you later.