BALTIMORE, Md. — With U.S. vehicles averaging a record 12.8 years old, AAA is urging summer travelers to perform maintenance checks before road trips to avoid breakdowns, especially with 61 million Americans, including 1.3 million Marylanders and 1.65 million D.C. area residents, expected to travel for the Fourth of July 2025 holiday. “With the excessive heat we’re seeing, ensuring your vehicle is summer-ready is even more critical,” said Ragina Cooper Ali, spokesperson for AAA in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
S&P Global Mobility reports the average vehicle age increased by two months from last year and four months from two years ago. AAA research shows cars 10 years and older are twice as likely to break down compared to newer models. “Last summer, AAA responded to more than 138,000 Emergency Roadside Service calls just in Maryland alone,” said Ben Perricone, AAA’s Approved Auto Repair Territory Manager. “From batteries to tires and literally everything in between, summer’s heat can take a toll on your vehicle and drivers who have side-stepped basic car care may pay a steep price.” In Maryland, 27% of calls were battery-related, and 44% required towing. In the D.C. Metro area, including Maryland and Virginia, AAA handled 241,000 calls, with 25% for battery issues and 45% needing tows.
AAA’s seven-step preventative maintenance checklist, based on its Car Care data, includes: testing batteries (recommended every year after three years); checking tire tread, pressure, and alignment; replacing brakes as needed (typically every 30,000 miles); maintaining oil and fluids like coolant and brake fluid; replacing wiper blades regularly; inspecting electrical systems; and checking belts and hoses. “It’s not just about the inconvenience and expense of a breakdown or tow. Basic maintenance of car parts such as tires or brakes is critical to driver and vehicle safety,” Perricone said.
AAA offers cost-saving tips: free 53-point Electronic Multi-Point Inspections (EMPI) at most Car Care Centers, discounts on repairs and tires, and budgeting for repairs, as one in three Americans lack funds for unexpected fixes. EMPI helps prioritize urgent repairs. Drivers of newer vehicles with maintenance alerts remain at risk and should visit a AAA Car Care Center for checks. June promotions include deals on oil changes, tires, and air conditioning services.
