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AAA said today that it is collaborating with industry organizations, including NAPA, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and the Auto Care Association to celebrate National Car Care Month this April. It wants to highlight the importance of preventive vehicle maintenance as drivers gear up for spring travel.*
“Car Care Month is a reminder that simple, proactive maintenance can drastically reduce the chance of a breakdown,” said Bryan Sander, AAA Vice President of AAA Automotive. “As we celebrate 50 years of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program, AAA is proud to work alongside trusted repair partners committed to keeping drivers safe on the road.”**
During 2025, AAA says it responded to more than 30 million roadside events – most commonly tows, battery issues, and flat tires – many of which could have been avoided with routine inspections and seasonal maintenance.
AAA – Before Hitting the Road
- Battery & Charging System: Have the battery and charging system tested—especially if the battery is over three years old. Clean corrosion and ensure connections are secure. AAA Mobile Battery Service and AAA Approved Auto Repair can test/replace batteries.
- Wipers & Washer Fluid: Replace streaking wiper blades and fill the washer reservoir with a bug and debris removing solution.
- Coolant: Check coolant when the engine is cold. Add a 50/50 coolant mix if low. Inspect belts, hoses, and clamps for wear.
- Tires: Inspect tread depth, examine wear patterns, and check tire pressure when the tires are cold. Tires with less than 4/32” tread provide less traction on wet roads. Remember to check the spare tire as well.
- Brakes: Have brakes inspected per manufacturer guidance or if you notice warning lights, low fluid indicator, pulsation, pulling, grinding, or other noise when braking.
- Lights: Check all bulbs and clean cloudy lenses. Weathered headlights can be restored professionally or with DIY kits.
- Oil: Change oil and filter at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals using the correct oil.
- Engine & Performance: Replace the air filter as recommended. Address “check engine” lights and fix issues like hard starts, rough idling, stalling, or low power.
- Transmission Fluid: Confirm fluid is full; top off if needed. Some newer vehicles have sealed systems requiring service only if a leak is present.
AAA Emergency Kit Musts
- A well-prepared emergency kit should include a phone and charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, or a jump pack, and a set of basic tools.
- Drivers should also pack a tarp, rain gear, gloves, and cleaning supplies such as rags, paper towels, or wipes.
- Warning devices such as flares, triangles, or LED beacons are important for roadside visibility, along with a first aid kit, water, snacks, and washer solvent.
- For added traction in slippery conditions, items such as sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter, or traction mats can also be helpful.
- AAA members save 10% off the retail price of thousands of quality auto parts at participating NAPA Auto Parts Stores.
“AAA and its partners emphasize that regular checks and replacements prepare vehicles for spring, improving longevity, performance, and safety. All participating Approved Auto Repair shops employ ASE-certified technicians or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified technicians, ensuring high-quality care for today’s increasingly complex vehicles,” said AAA.
“By choosing ASE-certified technicians, drivers can be confident their vehicles are being serviced by experts who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to keep them safe and reliable on the road,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “National Car Care Month is an important reminder that today’s vehicles are more advanced than ever, and proper maintenance of complex systems requires highly trained professionals.”
AAA Suggestion
“When visiting a repair shop for Car Care Month, look for the ASE Blue Seal on the window, a clear sign your technician has met the industry’s rigorous competency standards.”
*AutoInformed on
**About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA says it delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including nearly 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com. Find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility here: AAA.com/autorepair
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
AAA Promoting April as National Car Care Month
Click for more.
AAA said today that it is collaborating with industry organizations, including NAPA, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and the Auto Care Association to celebrate National Car Care Month this April. It wants to highlight the importance of preventive vehicle maintenance as drivers gear up for spring travel.*
“Car Care Month is a reminder that simple, proactive maintenance can drastically reduce the chance of a breakdown,” said Bryan Sander, AAA Vice President of AAA Automotive. “As we celebrate 50 years of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program, AAA is proud to work alongside trusted repair partners committed to keeping drivers safe on the road.”**
During 2025, AAA says it responded to more than 30 million roadside events – most commonly tows, battery issues, and flat tires – many of which could have been avoided with routine inspections and seasonal maintenance.
AAA – Before Hitting the Road
AAA Emergency Kit Musts
“AAA and its partners emphasize that regular checks and replacements prepare vehicles for spring, improving longevity, performance, and safety. All participating Approved Auto Repair shops employ ASE-certified technicians or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified technicians, ensuring high-quality care for today’s increasingly complex vehicles,” said AAA.
“By choosing ASE-certified technicians, drivers can be confident their vehicles are being serviced by experts who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to keep them safe and reliable on the road,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “National Car Care Month is an important reminder that today’s vehicles are more advanced than ever, and proper maintenance of complex systems requires highly trained professionals.”
AAA Suggestion
“When visiting a repair shop for Car Care Month, look for the ASE Blue Seal on the window, a clear sign your technician has met the industry’s rigorous competency standards.”
*AutoInformed on
**About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA says it delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including nearly 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com. Find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility here: AAA.com/autorepair
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.