AAA Arizona's Green Initiatives and What You Can Do to Help

Phoenix, Ariz., March 14, 2008 – AAA has long been known for its place in the automotive and travel sectors, but in recent years, the club has forged ahead into greener territories. Below are a few ways you can join AAA in reducing  everyone’s  environmental impact.

The Great Battery Roundup.

A typical car battery weighs over 30 pounds and contains toxic metals and corrosive liquids which are extremely harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

Bring your used or unwanted car batteries to an Approved Auto Repair facility during regular business hours during  Earth Week, April 18 – 25. For each battery dropped off, AAA Arizona will make a $4 donation to Arizona Clean and Beautiful.

If you’re looking for an AAR facility to take your battery, consider visiting one of AAA’s Green Shops (www.AAAAZ.com/news/articles/GreenShopList.htm) or go to www.AAAAZ.com/auto and click on the AAA Approved Auto Repair button.

What is a Green Shop?

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) launched its Arizona Green Business initiative on Earth Day, 2005, and designated AAA Arizona as the inspecting and certifying authority for automotive service shops that meet the program’s standards. Now three years later, 12 shops in the state have been designated as Green Shops and several shops are pending  review!

To receive Green Shop certification, shops must meet the following requirements:

• Implement required pollution prevention opportunities.
• Provide pollution prevention training for shop employees.
• Complete a shop assessment through AAA using ADEQ’s checklist and score a minimum of 300 points.
• Maintain environmentally friendly practices and be recertified annually by AAA inspectors.

For a list of Green Shops, visit www.aaaaz.com/news/articles/GreenShopList.htm.

Car Care Month

Not only is April home to Earth Day and Week, but it is also designated as National Car Care Month. During the month of April, AAA members can visit any one of our 155 Approved Auto Repair facilities for a free 37 point car care check-up, conducted by an ASE certified technician.  Keeping your car properly maintained not only reduces your chances of breaking down unexpectedly, it also saves fuel and reduces emissions.

During the Car Care Check Up, the technician will check your car for a variety of potential issues, including:

• Battery. Arizona’s hot summers can shorten the life of your car battery. A battery that is more than two years old or low on water can cause the vehicle to not start. Have your battery tested or replaced if you notice your vehicle cranking slower upon startup. (If it does need to be replaced, be sure the repair facility you have chosen can dispose of it properly.)
  

• Charging System. While the battery works closely with the charging system on your vehicle, a bad charging system component such as the alternator, or a drain, can quickly deplete a new battery, or the ability for that battery to hold a charge.
   
• Tires. As the only part of your car that actually makes contact with the road, tires are one of the most important components on your vehicle. Unfortunately, they are also the most overlooked part of the car.  Proper inflation is detrimental to both the life of the tire, the safety of you and your passengers, and the safety of others on the road.  Tire inflation should be checked while the tire is cold (not right after you park it), at least once per month and to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, usually found on a sticker placed on the driver side doorjamb. 
  

• Belts and Hoses. The belts and hoses on your vehicle should be inspected at every oil change.  Arizona’s dry heat quickly causes rubber items to "dry rot" under your hood, creating leaky hoses and broken belts.
  

• Windshield Wipers. Windshield wipers dry out and crack the most when exposed to extreme heat because of their direct exposure to the sun. Wipers should be replaced approximately every six months.
  

• Motor Oil and Lubricants. Check your owner's manual for specific oil recommendations. When driving under extreme conditions – like very hot temperatures or towing a trailer – try switching to oil with a higher viscosity.

Each check-up should take only about 20 minutes, but an appointment is recommended.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 775,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.