Having responded to thousands of Emergency Roadside Service calls this summer, AAA is reminding drivers to make sure their vehicles are road ready, whether taking in the fall foliage now or in preparation for winter.

“Whether you’re going apple picking or leaf peeping, don’t let your plans for a fall getaway fall short,” says Jim Lardear, spokesperson for AAA. “No one expects to break down, but those who overlook basic vehicle maintenance may miss the overlook with the scenic view because they find themselves stranded at the roadside instead.”

A roadside breakdown is not always a quick fix. It can be both a major disruption and a significant expense.

FREE vehicle check-ups every Saturday

Given that October is Car Care Month and in an effort to encourage motorists to make sure their vehicles are in good working order, AAA Car Care Insurance and Travel Centers will offer FREE bumper-to-bumper health checks every Saturday by appointment. Or, drivers can always stop by any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility where they may offer a checkup at no cost as well.

AAA’s vehicle checkups utilize new technology, the Electronic Multi-Point Inspection (EMPI) system, which allows the vehicle owner to literally see what the technicians see, including any parts that need service or replacing, before the work is done.

Resources for Sightseeing and Savings

Vehicle maintenance is not the only way that AAA can help you save. With gas prices still around $4/gallon in most locations and hotel rooms at a premium, AAA reminds drivers that mapping out road trips and booking accommodations in advance can save time and money. Associates in any of our AAA Retail locations are well-versed on the best places to stay, the most scenic routes for your fall getaway and how to take advantage of AAA discounts along the way.

“Our younger Members are rediscovering the value of TripTiks because they want more than just directions from point A to B,” Lardear adds.

Of course, anyone getting a vehicle serviced at a AAA Car Care location can explore the possibilities, book hotels and map out travel plans while they wait.

Leaf peepers who prefer to ‘DIY’ can take advantage of additional AAA resources:

• Check out AAA’s Digital TourBooks®.
• Explore the best ways to see fall foliage at TheExtraMile.com.
• Download the AAA app to find the least expensive gas along your route.

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For More information and local interviews:

Connecticut – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com

Delaware – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com

Indiana – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Kansas – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Kentucky – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Maryland – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com

New Jersey – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com

Ohio – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Oklahoma – Leslie Gamble, Leslie.Gamble@aaaok.org

Pennsylvania – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com

South Dakota – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Virginia – Morgan Dean, Morgan MDean@aaamidatlantic.com

Washington, DC – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com

West Virginia – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com