How AAA Members Can Save Money After Buying a Car

Article overview

• Save on fuel with Shell® Fuel Rewards® and Love's Travel Stops

• Discount maintenance through NAPA Auto Parts and AAA Car Care Centers

• Protect your paint with discounted car washes at Zips, Whistle Express and JetBrite

• Stay covered with AAA auto insurance and windshield repair policies

• Plan smarter road trips using the AAA Gas Cost Calculator and TripTik Planner

Congratulations! You just bought a new car. But between fuel costs, maintenance, insurance and keeping it clean, the expenses don't stop at the dealership. The good news? As a AAA Member, you have access to a wide range of perks that can significantly cut down your ongoing car costs.

Here's a breakdown of all the ways AAA Members can save money after purchasing a vehicle, from filling up at the pump to planning your next road trip.

Fuel savings: Pay less at the pump

Gas is one of the biggest ongoing costs of car ownership. AAA Members can stretch every gallon further with exclusive fuel discounts at two major chains:

• Fuel Rewards at Shell: AAA Members can link their membership to the Shell® Fuel Rewards® program to save on fuel at participating Shell stations nationwide.

• Love's Travel Stops: Heading out on a long drive? Love's Travel Stops offer AAA Member exclusive savings on fuel, propane and in-store road trip needs, making Love’s the perfect pit stop.

These discounts add up fast, especially if you drive frequently or have a long commute.

Maintenance and repairs: Keep your car running smoothly

Regular maintenance is one of the best new car owner tips you'll ever receive. Skipping oil changes or ignoring worn tires might save time now, but it leads to costly repairs down the road. AAA Members get exclusive discounts that make staying on top of maintenance much easier on the wallet.

Save on batteries and tires at NAPA Auto Parts

NAPA Auto Parts is a go-to for car maintenance essentials, and AAA Members enjoy special discounts on products like batteries and tires. These are two of the most common replacement items every vehicle owner will face, so having a discount ready makes a real difference.

AAA Car Care Centers

For hands-on repairs and servicing, AAA Car Care Centers and other AAA-Approved Auto Repair facilities offer high-quality work at Member-discounted rates. Staffed by AAA-approved technicians, these centers handle everything from oil changes to brake repairs, providing you with both peace of mind and savings in one place.

Keeping your car clean: Car wash memberships

A clean car isn't just about looks. Regular washing protects your paint from dirt, salt and grime that can cause long-term damage. If you're searching for the best car cleaning options, AAA has you covered with discounts at car washes in select areas at the following brands:

• ZIPS Car Wash

• Whistle Express Car Wash 

• JetBrite Car Wash

Car wash memberships typically offer unlimited washes for a flat monthly fee, and AAA discounts bring that cost down even further. It's one of the easiest tips for improving car lifespan that most people overlook.

Essential protection: Windshield repair and auto insurance

AAA Auto Insurance

AAA offers competitive auto insurance policies directly to Members. Bundling your insurance through AAA can lead to savings, and having your roadside assistance and insurance under the same roof simplifies everything when you need help most.

Windshield repair policy through AAA

A cracked windshield is more than an eyesore, it's a safety hazard. Through AAA, Members can purchase an auto insurance policy that includes windshield repair coverage. This means a stray rock on the highway doesn't have to turn into a major out-of-pocket expense.

Planning your next road trip: AAA’s travel tools

AAA gas cost calculator

Before you pack your bags, use the AAA Gas Cost Calculator to estimate your fuel costs for any trip. Simply enter your starting location, destination and your vehicle's make and model (or MPG) and the calculator does the rest—using current national average gas prices to give you a realistic cost estimate.

This is especially useful for budgeting longer road trips or comparing the cost of driving versus flying.

AAA TripTik® Planner

The AAA TripTik® Travel Planner is a full-featured route planning tool that goes well beyond basic GPS directions. With TripTik, you can:

• Get point-to-point directions with up to 12 destinations

• Avoid construction delays and detours

• Find the best fuel prices along your route (updated four times daily)

• Locate AAA-approved hotels and restaurants

• Save and share your favorite trips

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country drive, TripTik takes the guesswork out of the journey.

Make the most of your AAA Membership

Owning a car is a long-term commitment, and the costs can creep up quickly. The key to improving your car's lifespan—and keeping your costs low—is consistency. Regular maintenance, protective washing and smart fuel habits all play a role. With AAA by your side, staying on top of it all is simpler and more affordable than ever.