By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — October is Car Care Month, which takes on a whole new meaning this year in the wake of the pandemic.
"We urge motorists to pay attention to those maintenance issues with their vehicles and make sure that they are ready for winter," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Then, we throw in the fact that a lot of motorists are keeping their vehicles longer. According to IHS Markit, the average age of vehicles on U.S. roadways topped 12 years last year for the first time ever."
Previous AAA research shows that vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to end up stranded on the side of the road compared to newer vehicles and on top of that, the odds of needing a tow quadruples.
"Part of that right now is chip shortages limiting supply of new vehicles," Steward said. "I think everybody can see that when they drive by a car dealership these days. There's just such a small amount of inventory in stock. People are forced, in some cases, to keep their cars longer. Other people are doing that by choice."
More than a third of Americans forget or delay recommended maintenance, ultimately paying more for repairs when the vehicle does break down.
"Make sure that the battery, tires, engine elements and then your fluids are the four key aspects that we suggest you look at," Steward said.
Most of all, set an appointment with a mechanic you trust. A professional and thorough vehicle inspection can help reduce the chance of a serious breakdown, which is not only an inconvenience, but more costly than preventive maintenance.