AAA estimates that they’ll rescue more than 1,400,000 drivers during the busy two-week period from December 18th through January 2nd.

In their December 16th press release they list the main reasons:

1. Dead batteries. AAA predicts that nearly 320,000 members will be left stranded with a dead battery and that their team will replace more than 90,000 car batteries on-location.
2. Flat tires. The motor club’s affiliates will change close to 175,000 flat tires during the holiday season.
3. Lock outs. AAA expects to retrieve nearly 200,000 sets of keys that drivers have locked in their vehicles.

In the press release, AAA’s Vice President Marshall L. Doney is quoted as saying that many breakdowns can be avoided with a little preventive maintenance. Here’s what both AAA and Mountain View Tire suggest:

Antifreeze - Have your antifreeze checked at least once a year to ensure it’s capable of working in temperature extremes.

Tires - Keep your tires at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You can find that information on the driver’s door jamb. Do not refer to the pressure stamped on the tire’s sidewall. Then, check the pressure in all four tires and your spare at least once a month. 

Battery - Remove any corrosion from the battery terminals, and then check to make sure all the connections are secure. If the battery is out of warranty, have it tested to make sure it has enough life left. (Always use caution when working with batteries, and wear gloves and protective eyewear.)

Belts and Hoses - Check your car’s belts for cracks, glazing or fraying on both sides of the belt. And look for hoses that are worn, bulging, brittle, or excessively soft. Also, check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.

Need help? Just pull into any one of the Mountain View Tire locations or make a service appointment online.