Car Care Month: Save Money with Discounts

Just like with our health, taking small, routine steps to maintain our vehicles is the best way to flag potential issues and prevent larger headaches down the road. Handling the little things early can help ward off costly future repairs and keep your ride in good shape.

October is Fall Car Care Month, and it is a great time to tap into your AAA Member discounts and conduct a car maintenance check-up, especially if you live in an area with cold temperatures, ice, snow and other severe weather. This season, whether you’re performing the maintenance yourself, or having a reputable mechanic help you, use your AAA Membership to help you save.

Heater, lights and wipers

As colder months approach, check to ensure that your heater is functioning properly—before the temperatures drop. 

It’s also a good time of year to check on your lights, windshield and wipers. The chance of accidents increases with compromised visibility due to dim or burned-out lights. Since fall also ushers in shorter days, proper lighting is even more essential. Be sure all internal and external lights are in good working order. Also, check your car’s headlight alignment and make any necessary adjustments. 

Worn-out wiper blades can lead to streaks and smears on the windshield, which can also compromise your visibility. A general rule of thumb is to replace windshield wipers every six months. In the fall, also consider switching to winter-weather blades, such as the Performer line from NAPA Auto Parts and using a cold-weather washer fluid. If you notice any small cracks, try filling them with one of NAPA’s many windshield repair kits.  

Shorter days also likely mean more nighttime driving, which can lead to a buggy windshield. Consider using a specially formulated bug-remover washer fluid this time of year. Remember that at-home cleaners or plain water are not recommended and can cause damage to the exterior of your car.

Tires and brakes 

Wet or icy conditions in fall and winter months mean slippery roads, so fall is also a good time of year to check your tires and brakes. When temperatures drop, aim to check your tire pressure weekly. Many newer cars have indicators that alert you when tire pressure is low. When these indicators light up, don’t ignore them. Check the inside of your driver’s-side door or your car’s maintenance manual to ensure that you are filling your tires with the right amount of air. 

NAPA Auto Parts stocks an array of manual or digital tire pressure gauges that are inexpensive and easy to keep in your glove compartment or on your keychain. While you’re at it, use a tire tread depth gauge and test your tire tread. If the gauge reads 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace your tires. 

Oil, gas and filters

Always perform routine oil changes based on your car’s maintenance manual recommendations. For cold-weather months, the Car Care Council also recommends keeping your gas tank at least half full to prevent moisture build-up in the gas lines, which can lead to freezing. 

Take time to check your vehicle’s air, fuel and transmission filters. Transmission and fuel filters can often last longer. For air filters, the general recommendation is to replace them every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but be sure to check the maintenance manual for your car’s unique guidelines. If you drive significantly more miles yearly or drive in dirty, dusty, sandy or polluted areas, you may need to replace them more frequently. Generally, if you can’t see light through the filter or it appears very dark, it’s time to replace it. 

Batteries and more

Cold winter weather is tough on your car’s battery. Have your battery and charging system checked. If it’s time for a replacement, consider taking advantage of NAPA Auto Parts special fall offer for AAA Members: a free 3-year replacement with the purchase of select car batteries. Input your car’s year, make and model into NAPA’s handy online vehicle fit guide to ensure the right selection. 

Also, consider a check on your car’s exhaust system. Carbon monoxide leaks can be even more dangerous in the fall and winter months, when windows are closed more often. 

This Car Care Month, take a moment to go through the recommended maintenance checklist and take small steps. Remember to tap into your AAA Member discounts at NAPA Auto Parts, and keep your ride in good shape through the winter months. 

Car care discounts with your AAA Membership

Enjoy great AAA Member discounts year-round at NAPA Auto Parts. When you shop online at AAA.com/NAPA, you’ll get 10 percent off the purchase of most everyday car maintenance products. Plus, AAA Members get a special limited time offer this fall at NAPA Auto Parts. 

From hard starts to sluggish performance and rough idling, winter months magnify vehicle issues, according to Nathan Perrine, executive director of the Car Care Council, a nonprofit dedicated to education about proper car maintenance. Here are a few maintenance suggestions to consider this season, according to the council.

Enjoy even more rewards

Sign up for NAPA Rewards to receive gifts on your birthday, early access to promotions and exclusive offers. As a NAPA Rewards Member, you’ll earn a point for every dollar you spend online and in participating retail stores. Redeem points for future purchases. Those who join NAPA Rewards Members receive $5 for every $100 spent. This can be combined with your existing AAA Member discounts. 

AAA Member discount is on regular retail prices. Not valid on all items, including antifreeze, battery chargers, engines, transmissions, cylinder heads, crankshafts, fluids (hydraulic, transmission, brake, gear oil), spark plugs and more.