Car Care Checklist

It’s time for a driving vacation. You’ve mapped a route, booked hotels and made a checklist of things to do before you leave. AAA is here to remind you to also make car maintenance part of your summer road trip preparation. Use this car care checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready for the road ahead.

1. Check Tires and Tire Pressure

Inspect your tires and, if you have one, the spare tire as well. Look for cuts, gouges or sidewall bulges. Insert a quarter upside-down into the grooves to check tire tread. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it is time for new tires. Check the tire pressure when the car has been idle and tires are cool. Inflate as needed to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You will find it listed in the owner’s manual and on the sticker of the driver’s side doorjamb. Do not use the number on the tire sidewall.

2. Feel and Listen to the Brakes

If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection. A service professional will check the brake system for fluid leaks in addition to the pads, rotors, shoes and drums. If repair or replacement is needed, use our Repair Cost Estimator atAAA.com/AutoRepair/Estimate.

3. Secure and Test the Battery

Check the car battery to make sure cable connections are clean and tight, and that the hold-down hardware is secure. Have a service professional do a battery check to determine remaining capacity. AAA members may request a free battery check atAAA.com/Battery.

4. Top Off Engine Oil and Other Fluids

Make sure the vehicle’s engine oil, coolant and other fluids (brake, transmission and power steering) are at the correct levels for safe operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual. Note that newer car models may have sealed automatic transmissions without a dipstick and electric power steering that may not use fluid.

5. Replace Wiper Blades and Replenish Windshield Cleaner

Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time and a long road trip is the ultimate test of their abilities. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to remove insects and other debris, and test it to make sure the nozzles are spraying as they should. 

6. Check Belts and Hoses

Rubber drive belts power the engines water pump and accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor, so you should inspect and replace any that are cracked, glazed or frayed. Note that newer drive belt materials may not show easily visible signs of wear. As a general rule, replace drive belts every 60,000 miles. Car owners should also inspect and replace worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft radiator hoses. Check for leaks around the radiator, water pump and hose clamps.

7. Keep the AC Running Cool

Take a test drive with the air conditioner running. If you notice a decrease in cooling capacity, take the car to an auto repair shop for a diagnosis. The cabin air filter should also be inspected and replaced as needed.

8. Replenish Emergency Kit Supplies

AAA recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Your kit can include a flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people (and pets), car battery jumper cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, abasic tool kit, duct tape, gloves, and shop rags or paper towels.

9. Plan Ahead for Vehicle Service

In the event you should need vehicle maintenance, know ahead of time where to find an auto repair shop and a technician you can trust. Visit AAA.com/Repair to access AAA’s network of nearly 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities. Each shop meets AAA’s service and customer satisfaction standards. AAA members receive auto repair discounts, an extended 24-month/24,000-mile parts and labor warranty and assistance in resolving repair-related issues.