April is Car Care Month at AAA Western and Central New York! It is the perfect time to talk to motorists about the importance of routine car maintenance and costly pothole damage. 

AAA wanted to know what is most important to consumers when they look for a repair shop for their routine car maintenance and conducted a survey. The answer was clear – people want the 3 C’s when deciding where to take their car for service. 

• CONFIDENCE ranked at the top of the list with 89% of consumers saying having a trusted relationship is important when choosing a repair shop for routine car maintenance. 
• COST is the second most important factor when deciding where to take their car for service, important to 83% of consumers. 
• Consumers also rank CONVENIENCE high on the list with shop hours (78%), located near home (78%) and ability to schedule appointments (77%) all tying for the third most important factor. 

Beyond the 3 C’s, consumers also want fast service (73%) and a shop that specializes in their vehicle (68%). 

Another concern for American in reducing vehicle repairs during Spring season is potholes on local roadways. AAA cautions drivers to remain alert to avoid pothole damage and urges state and local governments to fully fund and prioritize road maintenance. Not only will repairs to the roads prevent unsafe conditions, it will help reduce vehicle damage, repair costs, and driver frustration. 

AAA offers help to the concerned consumer trying to find a reliable mechanic with AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) Program. AAA developed a stringent set of standards that repair facilities had to meet to become part of the Approved Auto Repair program. 

Today, there are over 7,000 trusted AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America for consumers to choose from, providing everything from general repair to specialty repair to collision work to even auto glass replacement. The primary goal of this program is to connect consumers with the best and most trusted shops in their area. 

AAA reports that on average, American drivers report paying $300 to repair pothole-related vehicle damage and some drivers experienced the damage frequently, and those costs are expected to rise even higher in the years ahead. But there is good news, having the right auto insurance coverage, in addition to a trusted auto repair shop, can make repairs go smoothly.

On your auto insurance, if you have collision coverage, damage to your car from hitting a pothole may be covered. Collision coverage is typically optional, so be sure to contact your AAA Insurance agent to ensure you have the coverage you need.

AAA’s Top 3 Ways to Minimize Pothole Vehicle Damage:

1. Ensure tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth, they are the only cushion between a pothole and the vehicle. 
2. If a pothole strike is inevitable, it is also critical that drivers slow down, release the brakes, and straighten steering before making contact with the pothole. 
3. Remain alert, scan the road, and increase following distances behind the vehicle ahead to spot potholes in advance. 

Lastly, when you take your vehicle to a trusted repair facility, AAA encourages drivers to focus on essential vehicle elements to prepare for road trips and to pack an emergency kit to be prepared for the unexpected.
 

Battery and charging system 
An average car battery typically lasts three to five years. Drivers should have the battery and charging system tested at a service facility or with AAA Mobile Battery Service, included in membership.

Traction
Replacing worn tires when tread depth begins to recede is critical to vehicle safety. Worn tires are much more likely to hydroplane on wet pavement.

Suspension & Alignment
A poorly maintained suspension and alignment also will accelerate tire wear, reducing traction in adverse driving conditions.

Braking
Old brake fluid or low fluid levels can lead to brake failure. Inspect brake fluid at every oil change. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend that brake fluid be replaced every two years.

Fluids
Leaking fluids are a sure sign of needed maintenance. They also can be a dangerous fire hazard. Have fluid leaks inspected and remedied as soon as they are detected.

Vision
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. Check the washer fluid reservoir monthly. Make sure all lights are working properly.

Emergency Kit
AAA recommends keeping your emergency road kit stocked year-round. The kit should include: cellphone charger, water, snacks, extra gloves/scarves, jumper cables, flashlight and a basic toolkit.

Motorists can identify reliable, high-quality repair shops with certified technicians by looking for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign.

These facilities must meet and maintain high professional standards for customer service, technician training, tools, equipment, warranties and cleanliness. Nearby shops can be located at AAA.com/Repair.