AAA Warns Motorists of the Dangers of Disregarding Needed Auto Repairs

As part of AAA Car Care Month, motor club warns foregoing maintenance and
needed repairs can put drivers, passengers and those in surrounding vehicles
in danger

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Disregarding maintenance on
your vehicle can definitely result in costly repairs. However, AAA reminds
motorists that ignoring their vehicle's upkeep also can put them, their
passengers and others on the road in danger.

"Some motorists have cut back on maintenance or put off needed vehicle repairs
due to tight budgets in this tough economy -- especially if the vehicle
remains drivable," said John Nielsen, director, AAA Approved Auto Repair and
Buying Services. "But, delaying certain repairs can be a dangerous gamble for
motorists as some conditions can make their vehicles unsafe and at greater
risk for a crash, a fire or a roadside breakdown."

Five elements critical to safe vehicle operation are:

Traction -- Maintaining good traction with the road is imperative, but when
tires begin to lose their tread, traction in poor conditions is significantly
reduced. Worn tires with little tread are much more likely to hydroplane on
wet pavement or lose traction in the snow, resulting in a loss of braking
power and steering control -- two of the most dangerous situations in which
drivers can find themselves.

Check the tread depth of a vehicle's tires whenever it appears low. Insert a
quarter upside down into a tire groove. If you can see above Washington's head
at any point, start shopping for new tires. Making a necessary investment in
new tires when tread depth begins to recede is critical to vehicle safety.

Suspension & Alignment -- Wheels, shock absorbers, springs and struts work
together to keep vehicles moving in the direction they are steered with
minimal pitch and body roll. Neglecting to maintain these components --
especially struts and shock absorbers which wear out as more miles are driven
-- can lead to unsafe driving conditions, including loss of vehicle control
during sudden turns or at higher speeds that can lead to a crash. A poorly
maintained suspension and alignment also will accelerate tire wear reducing
the available traction in adverse driving conditions.

Braking -- Properly working brakes are essential for safe driving, but old
brake fluid or low fluid levels can lead to brake fade or failure. Fluid
contamination also accelerates wear and corrosion of various brake hydraulic
system components.

Brake fluid hydraulically converts foot pressure at the brake pedal into
stopping power at the wheels. An adequate supply of clean fluid is essential.
Old, moisture-contaminated brake fluid, or a low fluid level that allows air
to enter the system, can lead to brake fade or even a complete loss of braking
power. Contaminated fluid also increases wear and corrosion in the brake
hydraulic system, which can include expensive electronic anti-lock brake
system (ABS) components.

Inspect the brake fluid level at every oil change. If the level has fallen
below the "low" mark on the fluid reservoir, it usually indicates major brake
wear or a leak somewhere in the system; have the brakes inspected as soon as
possible. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend that brake fluid be replaced
every two years or so to flush moisture and contaminants from the system.
Check the vehicle owner's manual for specific recommendations.

Fluids -- Leaking fluids are a sure sign of needed maintenance. They also can
be a dangerous fire hazard. Oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and
brake fluid are all flammable and can burst into flame when contacting a hot
engine or exhaust component. Each year fire departments answer more calls for
vehicle fires than for house fires. Fluid leaks are the primary culprit. Have
fluid leaks inspected and remedied as soon as they are detected.

Vision -- Motorists' ability to see where they are going and spot any
obstacles in their way is vital to safe driving. Rain, insects, grime and
other debris on the windshield will compromise vision if the windshield wipers
cannot remove them.

If the wiper blades are worn, cracked or rigid with age, they will not
adequately remove rain, grime and other debris that can obscure motorists'
vision. If the wiper blades are sufficiently deteriorated, the metal wiper
blade frame could contact and permanently damage the windshield. Where mud or
other debris is being thrown up on the windshield, a good spray of the proper
type of windshield washer fluid will aid the wiper blades in removing
containments.

Check a vehicle's wiper blades at each oil change or whenever they fail to
wipe the glass clean in a single swipe. The life of a rubber insert is
typically six to 12 months depending on its exposure to heat, dirt, sunlight,
acid rain and ozone. Streaking and chattering are common clues that the rubber
is breaking down and needs replacement. Check the washer fluid reservoir
monthly and more often if the washers are used frequently. Top it up with a
washer solution formulated to aid in the removal of insects and other debris.
In winter, be sure to use a product with appropriate antifreeze protection.

Certified technicians at AAA Approved Auto Repair shops can be trusted to
provide motorists with guidance on what repairs are critical to their
vehicle's safety. AAA inspects and certifies more than 8,000 auto repair shops
across North America as a free public service to all motorists. Shops can be
identified by the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign, or by searching online at
AAA.com/Repair.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA
provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and
automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit,
fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and
security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at
AAA.com.

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Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click
appropriate link.
Christie Hyde
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=64864

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sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.

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SOURCE AAA

Christie Hyde of AAA, +1-407-444-8003, chyde@national.aaa.com