How Can AAA Members Save on a Fall Road Trip This Year?

Article overview

In this article, you'll learn: 

• Which states offer the best fall foliage for a scenic road trip

• How to prep your car for fall driving and save on maintenance at NAPA Auto Parts 

• Where AAA Members can score discounts on gas, hotels, dining and outdoor gear

• How to stack your savings before, during and after your fall road trip 

Fall is prime road trip season. Cooler weather, smaller crowds and stunning foliage in states like Michigan, Colorado and North Carolina make it the perfect time to hit the road, but costs can add up quickly.

That’s where your AAA Membership shines. Beyond roadside assistance, AAA Members enjoy discounts tailored for road trippers — from car maintenance to outdoor gear, hotels, gas and even car washes for when the trip ends. Here’s how to make the most of these benefits for your fall getaway.

Which states are best for fall leaf peeping?

AAA serves Members in several states known for incredible fall colors, each offering its own version of autumn beauty:

• Colorado: Golden aspens against mountain backdrops, especially in the San Juan Mountains.

• Michigan and Minnesota: Vibrant red and orange maples and oaks by mid-October in the Midwest.

• North Carolina and Tennessee: The Blue Ridge Parkway and Smoky Mountains boast iconic fall foliage routes.

• North Dakota: Rolling prairies and river valleys offer a more subtle but stunning autumn display.

Take the stress out of planning by using AAA Trip Canvas to map out your entire fall adventure, from must-see foliage stops to places to eat and stay along the way.

How AAA Members can save on car maintenance before a fall trip

October is Fall Car Care Month, the perfect time to prep your car for a road trip. Small tasks like checking wipers, tire pressure and batteries can prevent expensive issues later.

AAA Members save at least 10% on car maintenance essentials with NAPA Auto Parts, including a 3-year free limited replacement warranty on AAA-branded car batteries through NAPA’s fall offer.

AAA Members also enjoy exclusive auto maintenance and repair benefits. These include a 10% discount on repair labor (up to $75 in savings) and a free vehicle inspection with any paid service at AAA-owned Car Care locations and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.

Prioritize these pre-trip checks:

• Tires and brakes: Check tire pressure weekly and replace tires if tread depth is 2/32 of an inch or less.

• Battery: Cold weather is tough on batteries, so test yours before hitting the road.

• Wipers and fluid: Install winter-ready blades and use washer fluid designed for fall conditions.

• Filters: Replace air filters every 12,000–15,000 miles or sooner in dusty areas.

How can AAA Members save money and stay safe on the road?

Save on gas and car washes

Gas prices can quickly eat into your road trip budget, but AAA Members can offset costs with fuel discounts at participating stations.

• Shell: Fill up for less at Shell stations with the Shell® Fuel Rewards® as a AAA Member. Visit AAA.com/Shell to learn more.

• Love's Travel Stops: Hit the road with confidence and save on fuel at Love's Travel Stops. Visit AAA.com/Loves to learn more.

And once your adventure is over, get your car cleaned up with AAA's car wash deals.

Why AAA Roadside Assistance is a must-have for fall road trips

When you're winding through mountain roads, camping in remote areas or chasing fall foliage off the beaten path, the last thing you want is to be stranded without help. That's where AAA Roadside Assistance comes in. 

Here's why it's essential:

• 24/7 support: Whether it's a flat tire on a winding mountain road or a dead battery at a trailhead, AAA has you covered around the clock.

• Mobile battery service: AAA offers on site testing, jump-starts, and competitively priced replacement vehicle batteries with special member discounted pricing.

• Remote area coverage: Cell service may be spotty in scenic, rural areas, but AAA's network of service providers ensures help is never far away.

• Towing services: If your car breaks down far from the nearest repair shop, AAA can tow your vehicle to safety without the hefty price tag.

• Wiper blade service: AAA Roadside technicians in many markets, can replace wiper blades as an add-on during a regular service call in just a few minutes.

• Confidence on the road: Focus on the stunning fall scenery and making memories, knowing that expert help is just one call away if something goes wrong.

To ensure you're fully prepared for all your travels, make sure your AAA Membership matches your needs. You may need to upgrade your coverage to get all the right benefits.

Where can AAA Members find discounts on outdoor gear?

Planning to hike or explore scenic trails? AAA Members can get discounts and earn cash back on outdoor apparel and gear shopping through the AAA Dollars Online Mall. 

Shop top brands like Columbia, LL Bean, Sorel and Teva, or online retailers like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Perfect for prepping for unpredictable fall weather and rugged terrain.

AAA Members can save on hotels and dining

AAA Members enjoy discounts on hotels and dining across the country. Check for AAA Diamond-designated hotels for quality assurance or unique local accommodations for a more personal experience. Members can also stretch their budget with discounted egift cards for restaurants and retailers through AAA’s Digital Gift Card Marketplace online platform.

How can I save on my fall road trip?

Here’s how to stack your savings:

1. Before you go: Handle car maintenance at NAPA Auto Parts and save 10%.
2. While packing: Shop the AAA Dollars Online Mall for outdoor gear deals.
3. When booking: Find discounted hotels and dining options for your trip.
4. On the road: Save on gas with AAA fuel discounts.
5. After the trip: Get discounted car washes to clean up.

With a AAA Membership, your fall road trip can be affordable and stress-free. Start planning now and make the most of these built-in savings!