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Sitting in traffic when temperatures soar without a properly functioning air conditioning (A/C) system is the last place most drivers want to be. To help avoid this uncomfortable situation, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists be car care aware and have their A/C system checked annually to make sure it is working at peak performance when they need it most.

A vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps the interior cabin comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. Typical A/C service consists of the following steps:

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 17, 2015)  – A new AAA survey reveals that one-in-three Americans do not believe the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new vehicle window sticker accurately reflects the fuel economy they achieve when driving. To assess the accuracy of this perception, AAA performed an analysis of data collected on the EPA’s FuelEconomy.gov website, along with laboratory and real-world vehicle testing, and found that driver behaviors and environmental conditions, rather than vehicle shortcomings, are likely responsible for most fuel economy variances.

“For years, we’ve heard that drivers question whether the fuel economy rating for their vehicle is accurate,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director, Automotive Engineering and Repair. “In the interest of our members, AAA aimed to address this issue with a multi-phase testing series designed to uncover the real reasons behind fuel economy variations.”

ISSUE: Drivers use the brake almost a million times per year, usually with no problem. But each year, approximately 16,000 preventable crashes occur due to pedal error when drivers mistake the accelerator for the brake. Pedal error crashes can present serious safety risks to the vehicle occupants, surrounding motorists, pedestrians, and property.

Consumer Actions to Help Prevent Pedal Error Crashes:

2015 marks the most Independence Day travelers since 2007

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 25, 2015) – AAA projects 41.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day, the most since 2007 and a 0.7 percent increase from the 41.6 million people who traveled last year. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5.

“This Independence Day, more people will get in their cars, board airplanes, and take buses, trains and cruise ships to celebrate our nation’s freedom with friends and family,” said Marshall L. Doney, AAA President. “Students all across the nation are also celebrating freedom from homework, making this an ideal time for a family vacation. Independence Day is typically the busiest summer travel holiday for this reason, and more Americans are planning a holiday getaway than any year since 2007.”

(WASHINGTON, June 29, 2015) - Despite rising prices over the past several months, drivers are poised to pay the lowest prices at the pump over the Fourth of July holiday weekend in at least five years. Today’s average price of $2.77 per gallon is down two cents versus one week ago and down three cents from the peak price to date for 2015, which was set on June 15. While pump prices are down on the week, they are up four cents per gallon month-over-month, largely due to regional refinery issues that put upward pressure on the national average over the last 30 days. Gas prices continue to reflect considerable yearly discounts with drivers saving an average of 90 cents per gallon versus this same date last year.

Pump prices often fall leading up to the Independence Day holiday. However, a seasonal decline in the national average this year has been offset by supply shortages due to localized refinery issues and global crude prices that have recovered from multi-year lows this spring.

With heavy rain pounding many parts of the country, there’s a good chance that you’ll drive through high water that could damage your vehicle. Even though your vehicle may not have been flooded or completely covered in water, the Car Care Council recommends that motorists follow these guidelines to check for damage due to water intrusion or contamination:

When your vehicle poses a safety risk, that’s when we can help. Vehicle recalls are just part of what we do to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. But how will you know if your car has been recalled? This new consumer video explains the recall process, how you will be notified, and what tools are available to you.

The non-profit Car Care Council suggests the following tips for drivers planning a road trip with the family pet so that all passengers can remain comfortable in the close quarters of a vehicle interior.

“Before you and your pet hit the road, make sure your vehicle is both pet ready and road ready,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Take steps to keep your pet safe and conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection, so you can have an enjoyable, low-stress trip with your pet in tow.”

According to the Humane Society, keep your pets in the backseat. The safest way for a dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means. Cats should remain in carriers. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck and make plenty of rest stop breaks.