Summer Travel Alert: Record Age of U.S. Cars Increases Risk of Breakdown

AAA recommends 7-step maintenance check before hitting the road

OKLAHOMA CITY – June 12, 2025 – With a record number of older cars on U.S. roadways – and the related increased risk of a breakdown – AAA Oklahoma is urging summer travelers to take precautionary measures before hitting the road.

According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of vehicles on American roadways is a record 12.8 years old, which is a full two months older than last year and four months older than the year before.  Previous AAA research shows that vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to end up stranded at the roadside compared to newer vehicles, which suggests that many more drivers, and their passengers, will have travel plans derailed this summer by what could be a costly breakdown.

“Last summer, AAA responded to nearly 59,000 emergency roadside service calls in Oklahoma alone and more than half of those calls required a tow,” said Kevin Freeman, Tire and Auto Manager for AAA Oklahoma.  “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.”

To minimize the risk of a breakdown, AAA analyzed its Car Care data to create a checklist of the preventative maintenance most likely to ensure you get to and from your summer travel destinations without the inconvenience and expense of car trouble.

AAA Preventative Maintenance Checklist

1. Battery – Automotive batteries typically last between three and five years, with the summer heat often pushing older batteries beyond the brink. To avoid the expense and inconvenience of an unexpected battery failure, AAA recommends that drivers have their vehicle’s battery tested when it reaches three years of age and on an annual basis thereafter. AAA’s FREE Electronic Multi-Point Inspection (EMPI) includes battery testing.
2. Tires – AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively and adjust tire pressure for warmer temperatures. Additionally, tire alignment and rotation enhances fuel efficiency and extends tire life. More importantly, proper alignment improves handling and safety, minimizing the risk of a crash, especially on wet roads.
3. Brakes – AAA recommends brake replacement every 30,000 miles but the need varies based on vehicle, driving habits and weather conditions. There is no overstating the importance of effective braking in minimizing risk.
4. Oil change and fluids – Neglecting to invest in the modest expense of this routine maintenance could result in a broad range of issues including the tremendous expense of engine failure. From window washer fluid which ensures visibility, to coolant (anti-freeze), brake fluid and power steering fluid, checking fluids on a regular basis is key to prevention of more serious and costly car troubles.
5. Wiper blades – Changing wiper blades routinely is key to safe driving year-round.
6. Electrical Systems – Beyond your battery, faulty electrical systems can impact the alternator, ignition and other functions that keep your car running.
7. Belts and Hoses – Belts and hoses are often neglected, but if they break, your trip will be interrupted. Make sure they are closely inspected and replaced if need be.

“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,” Freeman added.