Car Maintenance for All Seasons

You count on your car in rain, sunshine and everything in between. With these tips sourced from AAA experts, you can keep your car in good shape for a safe, reliable ride, no matter what the weather throws at it.

Need a hand with your car maintenance? Get trusted car care at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.

The temperature is dropping, and the roads are getting treacherous. If you’re not prepared, cold weather can wreak havoc on your car and potentially put you in a dangerous situation.

Fallen Leaves

On the trees, leaves are beautiful. On your car or a wet road, they can be hazardous.

Remove any leaves from your windshield to prevent them from getting stuck under your wiper blades. This can damage your wipers and your windshield.
When driving in wet conditions, avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel or brake pedal. These actions could cause your car to lose traction on wet leaves or hydroplane. If you feel that you are losing control of your vehicle, steer straight and gently release the gas pedal until you feel the tires touch the road again.
Never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves. A hot catalytic converter and a pile of dry leaves can cause a fire.
Avoid parking under trees. Your vehicle’s drains could become clogged with debris, like leaves and pine needles. Fallen sap and leaves can also damage the paint.

Fog and Low Visibility

The cold autumn days are getting shorter and foggier. You’re also more likely to be driving during times of high glare, like sunrise and sunset. There may also be more hazards on the road, like deer. Prepare your car so you can see and be seen.

Be sure to keep your headlights clean and in proper working order. Dim or misaligned headlights can decrease your visibility, especially in foggy conditions.
The sun is setting earlier, and you might be dealing with more glare behind the wheel. To combat this, clean your windshield inside and out to remove any dust particles, streaks or smudges. These can be magnified when illuminated by sunlight and affect your visibility.
Use a quality window cleaner and finish with a microfiber cloth. When cleaning glass, less is more. Too much glass cleaner can cause smudging and streaking.

Frigid Temperatures

Winter driving requires special precautions. Here’s how to prepare for the coldest of the cold.

Have your battery tested by a trained technician, especially if it’s more than three years old. A vehicle needs a fully charged battery to start up during a cold snap. Make sure all battery posts are cleared of corrosion and all cable connections are tight.
If you accidentally drain the battery and need a
jump-start, you will have to properly recharge the battery on a charger, likely for several hours. Years ago, you could let a car run for an hour or so to recharge the battery, but it doesn’t work for today’s cars. If the battery is not properly charged, you will probably be stuck again the next time you try to start your car.
The average battery life in the Northeast is three to five years. Batteries should be checked yearly, ideally before cold temperatures hit.
Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.
Check cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks and loose clamps. Any hoses that feel brittle or spongy when squeezed should be replaced.
Have your vehicle’s ignition system inspected by a certified AAR technician. Damaged ignition wires, a cracked distributor cap or worn spark plugs can make starting difficult or cause a sudden vehicle breakdown. Spark plugs can last 30,000 to 120,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for how often you should change them.
Change your car’s oil per the manufacturer’s recommendations and check the transmission fluid level at the same time.
Fill your windshield washer fluid reservoir with a solution formulated for winter. Ordinary washer fluid can freeze over your windshield or damage the washer system.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month. It can drop by 1 pound per square inch with every 10-degree drop in temperature.

Windscreen fogged up with low visibility

The temperature is dropping and the roads are getting treacherous. If you’re not prepared, cold weather can wreak havoc on your car and potentially put you in a dangerous situation.

Fallen Leaves

On the trees, leaves are beautiful. On your car or the wet road, they can be hazardous.

Remove any leaves from your windshield to prevent them from getting stuck under your wiper blades. This can damage your wipers and your windshield.
When driving in wet conditions, avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel or brake pedal. These actions could cause your car to lose traction on wet leaves or hydroplane. If you feel that you are losing control of your vehicle, steer straight and gently release the gas pedal until you feel the tires touch the road again.
Never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves. A hot catalytic converter and a pile of dry leaves can cause a fire.
Avoid parking under trees. Your vehicle’s drains could become clogged with debris, like leaves and pine needles. Fallen sap and leaves can also damage the paint job.

Fog and Low Visibility

Be sure to keep your headlights clean and in proper working order. Dim or misaligned headlights can decrease your visibility, especially in foggy conditions.
The sun is setting earlier, and you might be dealing with more glare behind the wheel. To combat this, clean your windshield inside and out to remove any dust particles, streaks or smudges. These can be magnified when illuminated by sunlight and affect your visibility.
Use a quality window cleaner and finish with a microfiber cloth. When cleaning glass, less is more. Too much glass cleaner can cause smudging and streaking.

Frigid Temperatures

Winter driving requires special precautions. Here’s how to prepare for the coldest of the cold.

Have your battery tested by a trained technician, especially if it’s more than three years old. A vehicle needs a fully charged battery to start up during a cold snap. Make sure all battery posts are cleared of corrosion and all cable connections are tight.
If you accidentally drain the battery and need a
jump-start, you will have to properly recharge the battery on a charger, likely for several hours. Years ago, you could let a car run for an hour or so to recharge the battery, but it doesn’t work for today’s cars. If the battery is not properly charged, you will probably be stuck again the next time you try to start your car.
The average battery life in the Northeast is three to five years. Batteries should be checked yearly, ideally before cold temperatures hit.
Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.
Check cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks and loose clamps. Any hoses that feel brittle or spongy when squeezed should be replaced.

Have your vehicle’s ignition system inspected by a certified AAR technician. Damaged ignition wires, a cracked distributor cap or worn spark plugs can make starting difficult or cause a sudden vehicle breakdown. Spark plugs can last 30,000 to 120,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for how often you should change them.
Change your car’s oil per the manufacturer’s recommendations and check the transmission fluid level at the same time.
Fill your windshield washer fluid reservoir with a solution formulated for winter. Ordinary washer fluid can freeze over your windshield or damage the washer system.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month. It can drop by 1 pound per square inch with every 10-degree drop in temperature.

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Snow and Ice

It’s true: The weather outside really is frightful. Driving in snow and icy conditions is a lot easier when your car is ready for the job.

If you live in an area where it snows frequently, consider switching to winter tires, which have rubber compounds that stay flexible in below-freezing temperatures. Snow and black ice can make your car slip and slide, and you’ll need all the traction you can get. Winter tires also have unique tread patterns and deeper tread depths, which improve traction.
Keep up regular tire maintenance. Take a good look at each tire to see if there are visible signs of damage, like tears, bulges, bumps or nails stuck in the tread.
Check tire pressure regularly using the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure as your guideline.
Check tire tread by inserting a quarter upside-down. If the tread does not touch the top of George Washington’s head, then you have less than 4/32 inch of tread and your tire should be replaced.

Consider installing all-weather windshield wipers that have a one-piece plastic beam frame or a metal frame wrapped in a rubber boot. This prevents snow and ice buildup from interfering with your visibility.

Storage

Whether it’s a vintage car or the one you’re leaving behind while you head south for winter, storage might be the way to go. Here are a few tips to help ensure that when the car comes out of hibernation, there won’t be any problems.

Don’t put away a dirty car. Wash it inside and out, then use a breathable car cover to protect the paint.
Block the engine air intake and tailpipes to prevent mice from crawling in. Just remember to remove the blockage before you start the engine in spring.
Use desiccant moisture drying packs to prevent mold and mildew buildup in the car cabin. These packs may leave stains behind, so put them in a container, like a disposable baking pan, first.
If it has been a while, change the oil and oil filter. Check and fill all the vital fluids — engine coolant and brake, transmission, power-steering and windshield washer fluids. Also lubricate all the door hinges, hood latches and door locks.
Prior to leaving the car, fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer. The fuel stabilizer will keep the gasoline from getting stale.
Put some air in the tires as you would if you were driving in cold weather.
If possible, park the vehicle on squares of 2-inch foam board to prevent the tires from developing flat spots from sitting too long.
Disconnect your car battery or use a battery maintainer designed for long-term storage.

Storage

Don’t put away a dirty car. Wash it inside and out, then use a breathable car cover to protect the paint.
Block the engine air intake and tailpipes to prevent mice from crawling in. Just remember to remove the blockage before you start the engine in spring.
Use desiccant moisture drying packs to prevent mold and mildew buildup in the car cab. These packs may leave stains behind, so put them in a container like a disposable baking pan, first.
If it has been a while, change the oil and oil filter. Check and fill all the vital fluids — engine coolant and brake, transmission, power-steering and windshield washer fluids. Also lubricate all the door hinges, hood latches and door locks.
Prior to leaving the car, fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer. The fuel stabilizer will keep the gasoline from getting stale.
Put some air in the tires as you would if you were driving in cold weather.
If possible, park the vehicle on squares of 2-inch foam board to prevent the tires from developing flat spots from sitting too long.
Disconnect your car battery or use a battery maintainer designed for long-term storage.

Routine maintenance keeps your car ready for all the warm-weather adventures you have planned.

Cleaning Your Car

A clean car is a happy car. Here’s how to rejuvenate your car from the slushy winter roads and have it looking its best for spring and summer.

Rinse off the entire car prior to handwashing it. Since you have the hose out, rinse under the vehicle and inside the wheel openings as well.
Do not use household cleaners, such as hand or dish soap. These products can strip the car’s protective wax. Instead, use specifically designed car wash soap. These products are milder and meant for use on automotive paint.
When washing your car, use the two-bucket method. One bucket will have clean, soapy water; the other is where you’ll drop the dirty water.
Wash the car from top to bottom, focusing on one section at a time. Rinse off each section as you move along to prevent air drying. To properly dry the car, use chamois or fluffy microfiber cloth.
Bring your paint job back to life and prevent future damage with proper waxing techniques.
Wipe down all surfaces inside the car, dust the vents and clean the windows and steering wheel with a microfiber cloth.
Vacuum and clean the seats, mats and carpet. Don’t forget the crumbs in your center console and cup holders.

Rainy Days

Rain can make any drive more hazardous. The roads are most slippery during the first 20 minutes of a rainstorm, when surface oils are mixing. Make sure your car is up to the task.

Ensure your windshield wipers and blades are in good condition, not splitting, streaking or skipping across your windshield. Replace them sooner rather than later — twice a year is recommended — because you never know when you’ll need them.
If your windshield blades are dirty, use rubbing alcohol to clean them directly.
To mitigate the risk of hydroplaning, ensure your tires are fully inflated and have adequate tread before getting behind the wheel. A tire with 3/32 inches of tread can take up to 225 feet to stop from 60 mph, while a tire with 5/32nd inches of tread will take 195 feet. That can be the difference between getting into a crash and getting home safely.
More water means more potholes. Make sure you properly inflate your tires and avoid driving over potholes when possible.

Hot Weather

While it can be hard for drivers to handle extreme temperature spikes, it can be even tougher on cars. Summer heat coming through the windows, and from asphalt and the car itself, can cause serious strain on the engine and can also weaken the battery. Use these tips to keep you and your car from overheating this summer.

Efficiently cooling the car’s interior can reduce some strain on the vehicle and keep the driver more comfortable. When you first get in, open the doors and windows to let the hot air out, and then, put the air conditioner on ventilation mode to help expel more hot air. Once the car starts to feel cooler, turn the air conditioner to recirculate and put it on its highest setting. Many newer models also come with an option to prestart and cool the interior from a key fob or mobile app.
If possible, leave your windows open a crack when your car is parked, enough to let in a small breeze — while keeping out rain and thieves.
Park in the shade or in a garage, so your car doesn’t get hit by direct sunlight. You can also invest in a windshield sunshade, especially if you can’t avoid parking in the sun.
Make sure the cooling system is ready by having it serviced by a trusted auto repair facility on a regular basis.
If your car is starting to overheat, it may seem a bit sluggish. If the temperature gauge shoots up or if you see steam rising from the hood, pull off the road as soon as you safely can. Once stopped, turn off the engine and call for roadside assistance. Do not touch the hood. Remember, driving with the hot light on for even a short distance can cause severe engine damage.
The heat can weaken your car battery even more than the cold. The optimum operating temperature for car batteries is 80 degrees. If the temperature is hot enough, chemicals within the battery that conduct electrical charges begin to evaporate. That vapor can lead to battery corrosion over time, and ultimately, failure.
Have your car battery checked by a professional to make sure it’s fully charged and the connections are clean.

You might think that when the weather gets better, you can forget about car maintenance. But if you want your vehicle to be able to handle all your warm-weather adventures, you have to make sure it stays in shape.

Cleaning Your Car

A clean car is a happy car. Here’s how to rejuvenate your car from the slushy winter roads and have it looking its best for spring and summer.

Rinse off the entire car prior to handwashing it. Since you have the hose out, rinse under the vehicle and inside the wheel openings as well.
Do not use household cleaners such as hand or dish soap. These products can strip off the car’s protective wax. Instead, use specifically designed car wash soap. These products are milder and meant for use on automotive paint.
When washing your car, use the two-bucket method. One bucket will have clean, soapy water; the other is where you’ll drop the dirty water.
Wash the car from top to bottom, focusing on one section at a time. Rinse off each section as you move along to prevent air drying. To properly dry the car, use chamois or fluffy microfiber cloth.
Bring your paint job back to life and prevent future damage with proper waxing techniques.
Wipe down all surfaces inside the car, dust the vents and clean windows and steering wheel with a microfiber cloth.
Vacuum and clean the seats, mats and carpet. Don’t forget the crumbs in your center console and cup holders.

Rainy Days

Rain can make any drive more hazardous. The roads are most slippery during the first 20 minutes of a rainstorm, when surface oils are mixing. Make sure your car is up to the task.

Make sure your windshield wipers and blades are in good condition, not splitting, streaking or skipping across your windshield. Replace them sooner rather than later — twice a year is recommended — because you never know when you’ll need them.
If your windshield blades are dirty, use rubbing alcohol to clean them directly.
To mitigate the risk of hydroplaning, ensure your tires are fully inflated and have adequate tread before getting behind the wheel. A tire with 3/32 inches of tread can take up to 225 feet to stop from 60 mph, while a tire with 5/32nd inches of tread will take 195 feet. That can be the difference between getting into a crash and getting home safely.
More water means more potholes. Make sure you properly inflate your tires and avoid driving over potholes when possible.

Hot Weather

While it can be hard for drivers to handle extreme temperature spikes, it can be even tougher on cars. Summer heat coming through the windows, asphalt and the car itself can cause serious strain on the engine and can also weaken the battery. Use these tips to keep you and your car from overheating this summer.

Efficiently cooling the car’s interior can reduce some strain on the vehicle and keep the driver more comfortable. When you first get in, open the doors and windows to let the hot air out, and then, put the air conditioner on ventilation mode to help expel more hot air. Once the car starts to feel cooler, turn the air conditioner to recirculate and put it on its highest setting. Many newer models also come with an option to prestart and cool the interior from a key or mobile app.
If possible, leave your windows open a crack, but only enough to let in a small breeze — while keeping out rain and thieves.
Park in the shade or in a garage so your car doesn’t get hit by direct sunlight. You can also invest in a windshield sunshade, especially if you can’t avoid parking in the sun.
Make sure the cooling system is ready by having it serviced on a regular basis by a trusted auto repair facility.

If your car is starting to overheat, it may seem a bit sluggish. If the temperature gauge shoots up or if you see steam rising from the hood, pull off the road as soon as you safely can. Once stopped, turn off the engine and call for roadside assistance. Do not touch the hood. Remember, driving with the “hot” light on for even a short distance can cause severe engine damage.
The heat can weaken your car battery even more than the cold. The optimum operating temperature for car batteries is 80 degrees. If the temperature is hot enough, chemicals within the battery that conduct electrical charges begin to evaporate. That vapor can lead to battery corrosion over time, and ultimately, failure.
Have your car battery checked by a professional to make sure it’s fully charged and the connections are clean.