SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- With April vacation approaching, drivers planning road trips should focus on proactive vehicle maintenance to avoid breakdowns, according to AAA Northeast.

Mark Shieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast, said the key areas to check are batteries, tires, wipers, and regular scheduled maintenance. “When we think about what our AAA technicians respond to on the roadside, what our most common calls are for, it’s dead batteries, blown out tires, and running out of gas sometimes,” he explained.

Shieldrop said battery failure often happens when a battery is five or six years old. He recommended drivers check their charging system before traveling, especially if the battery is two to four years old.

Tires should be inspected for tread depth to ensure they are safe for travel, Shieldrop added. He also recommended giving vehicles a thorough cleaning to remove winter grit and road salt residue from the undercarriage. Cleaning by hand allows drivers to spot any damage or scratches that occurred during winter months, he noted.

Spring offers optimal conditions for electric vehicle owners, Shieldrop said. Gas prices are rising and moderate temperatures allow EV batteries to operate in their optimal temperature range, providing maximum range. He explained EV owners should check battery health systems, especially on used vehicles, and address any warning lights or service calls on the dashboard.

Electric vehicles can go through tires faster than gas-powered vehicles because they are heavier and EV drivers tend to use instant acceleration, leading to faster tire wear, he said. Shieldrop also recommended ensuring HVAC systems work properly to avoid draining the battery during temperature swings.

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