HAMILTON, NJ (June 29, 2021) – The season’s latest heat wave has temperatures and Member calls to AAA Mid-Atlantic soaring.  AAA Mid-Atlantic roadside assistance crews have responded to more than 7,500 member calls for assistance in New Jersey during the first two heatwaves of the season as the second heat wave continues into this week.  Of those calls for roadside assistance, 36 percent were for dead car batteries and flat tires that had succumb to the extreme heat.  AAA urges motorists to have their car batteries and tires checked ahead of summer road trip plans ahead, especially as road trip volume is expected to reach record numbers for the Independence Day holiday weekend.

“The effect this kind of weather can have on your car is cumulative,” says Tracy Noble, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic. “While many vehicles may survive this latest heat wave, motorists may not be so lucky as the summer rolls on.  AAA urges motorists to have car batteries and tires checked to ensure safety and prevent unexpected breakdowns.”

Of the more than 7,500 roadside assistance calls to AAA Mid-Atlantic in New Jersey during this season’s excessive heat, more than 1,600 calls (22 percent) were for dead batteries and more than 1,000 calls (14 percent) were for flat tires.

Extreme heat exacts a toll on vehicles, especially over an extended period of time.  AAA recommends motorists make sure their vehicles are prepared for the summer months. Before hitting the road, AAA reminds motorists to plan their route in advance and ensure their vehicle is ready, to help avoid a breakdown along the way. AAA expects to rescue more than 460,000 Americans at the roadside this Independence Day weekend.

Here are AAA’s Top 5 Vehicle Maintenance Myth Busters:

AAA recommends:

• Following manufacturer’s schedule - your owner’s manual often offers variations based on driving habits. Make sure to stick to the one that most closely matches your individual situation.
• Listening to the experts - while you may be tempted to prolong maintenance to save money, by doing so you could end up with more costly repairs down the road.
• Having your battery tested - car batteries are a little trickier as they will give little warning when they are about to die. A simple battery test will provide all the information you need to decide if it’s time to replace. Through its mobile battery program, AAA offers its members free testing of a vehicle’s battery and electrical system. The best part is that if you need your battery replaced, AAA can do so right on the spot.
• Documenting work - consumers can have the recommended maintenance services or repairs performed at any facility of their choice. Simply document the work that is done by someone other than the manufacturer or dealer to maintain the warranty.

In New Jersey, there are twelve AAA Car Care Centers where car care professionals are ready to help drivers get their vehicles ready to hit the road for the holiday. These locations are also offering free “Great American Road Trip Vehicle Health Inspection” to both members and non-members through the end of July. This free inspection includes tire, brake, battery, exterior lights and fluid level safety checks. Appointments can be scheduled at AAA.com/CarCare.

AAA Mid-Atlantic Car Care Insurance & Travel Center Locations in New Jersey: