Keeping your vehicle well-maintained isn’t inexpensive. AAA estimates that, based on driving 15,000 miles a year, average annual maintenance costs for a medium-size sedan or medium-sized SUV would be around $1,400—and that’s on a newer vehicle. Here are a few tips for keeping those car costs down.
The most effective way to keep repair costs down is to avoid them in the first place. Follow the schedule in your owner’s manual for tasks such as oil changes and tire rotations. If your vehicle provides maintenance reminders (such as dashboard alerts), have those services performed as soon as you’re prompted. (If you’re not sure what all of the alerts mean, you can learn more about them.)
Delaying service can increase vehicle wear and tear, potentially causing long-term damage that’s more expensive to fix. And if you’re not sure what kind of service your car needs, AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities offer members a free vehicle maintenance inspection upon request—a $50 value and a valuable tool for identifying potential problems.
AAA.com/AutoRepair is a valuable resource, where you can find information on more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America. You can narrow your search by facility type and distance from your location to find the shop that best fits your needs.
Facilities are regularly inspected by AAA to meet stringent standards, and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities employ ASE-certified technicians to fix it right the first time.
To give you even more confidence, all repairs for AAA Members include a 24-month/24,000-mile guarantee on parts and labor. A note on warranties: Check with any shop you are considering about its warranty policy before service is performed.
You’ll want to know what’s covered, and for how long, should the problem resurface down the road.
The more you know about the potential cost of your auto repairs, the better prepared you’ll be to visit with your mechanic.
Whether the job involves routine maintenance or more involved repairs, AAA can provide you with an estimate of the cost. Included in the estimate are breakdowns for parts, labor and the AAA Member discount available at all AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
AAA Members receive exclusive member savings of 10% off labor (save up to $50) at all AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Members can also reduce fuel costs by saving at least 5¢ per gallon at Shell when you join the Fuel Rewards® Program (terms apply).
If you like doing your own maintenance and minor repairs, take advantage of AAA Discounts at partners such as NAPA Auto Parts, where AAA Members save 10% on most items. (Always let the skilled technicians at a quality repair shop handle complicated repairs.)
Auto maintenance
AAA can help you locate a AAA Owned Car Care location or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility near you. AAA Members save 10% on labor (save up to $50) and get a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty at AAA Owned Car Care locations or 24-month/24,000-mile warranty at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities on repairs.
‡Offer valid through 4/30/2025. Offer valid for Classic/Basic Memberships only. Pricing valid at member join only. Offer excludes Motorcycle coverage. Payment of full AAA Membership dues is required upon renewal. Offers, terms, conditions and restrictions apply and are subject to change without notice. Not combinable with any other offer. Offer not valid in FL, GA, MI or PR. A member can add one eligible family member for free for up to one year. Additional Associates are half price. Associate memberships are available to the Primary member’s spouse, one other adult living in the household, and their children living at the same residence or away at school. Associate members must have the same type of membership as their Primary member, with the exception of Motorcycle. Associate membership expires on the renewal date of Primary member.
Upon activation and with proper identification, AAA will provide regular AAA services and full privileges for the new member. Roadside benefits begin three days after payment of dues. Some restrictions apply. Roadside assistance is provided by independent facilities contracted by AAA. Coverage in taxis, limousines and other ride-sharing conveyances is excluded. Visit AAA.com/MemberHandbook for details about member benefits, including any limitations or restrictions. Offers, terms, conditions and policies are subject to change without notice. Savings partners subject to change. Source: 2023 AAA U.S. Market Track national surveys. Includes service vehicles owned by clubs and service vehicles owned by third parties under contract with AAA to provide services to AAA members. Taxes, fees & options excluded. Terms apply. Partners and offers are subject to change and restrictions apply. For a complete list of offers, visit us online at AAA.com/Save or your local AAA office.