A&A Automotive, Sausalito, CA
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and road trips — not sitting on the side of the highway waiting for a tow. Colder weather, heavier traffic, and packed schedules make this one of the busiest times of year for vehicle breakdowns.
At A&A Automotive in Sausalito, we’ve been helping Bay Area drivers stay safe on the road for over 50 years. From dead batteries in parking lots to overheating engines on highway climbs, we’ve seen it all. The good news? Most of these issues are completely preventable with a quick pre-trip inspection and a little preparation.
Here’s how to make sure your holiday travels are safe, smooth, and stress-free.
1. TEST YOUR BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM
Cold mornings can sap even a strong battery, especially if it’s more than three years old. Short trips, seat heaters, headlights, and defrosters can put extra strain on your charging system.
At A&A Automotive, we can quickly test your battery and alternator to ensure your car starts reliably — no jump-starts required.
Pro tip: If your headlights dim at idle or your car hesitates to start, it’s time for a battery check before hitting the road.
2. INSPECT TIRES AND ALIGNMENT
Tires are your first line of defense against slippery roads and poor handling. Before your next trip:
- Check tread depth and sidewalls for damage
- Verify tire pressure (cold air lowers PSI)
- Rotate or replace tires showing uneven wear
- Consider a wheel alignment if your car pulls to one side
Proper tires make a huge difference on wet or winding Bay Area roads and high-elevation drives.
3. GET AN OIL CHANGE & CHECK YOUR FLUIDS
Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently — especially on longer drives in cooler temperatures. While you’re at it, we’ll inspect:
- Coolant
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
Making sure all your fluids are topped off prevents breakdowns and keeps your vehicle performing at its best.
4. CHECK BRAKES
Stop-and-go traffic during holiday travel can be tough on brakes. Our technicians will inspect pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure your car can stop safely and reliably.
5. INSPECT LIGHTS, WIPERS & HEATER
Visibility is key for early foggy mornings and dark evening drives. Make sure:
- Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working
- Wiper blades are streak-free
- Heater and defroster are functioning
These small checks make a big difference in comfort and safety.
6. PACK AN EMERGENCY ROAD KIT
Even the most prepared drivers can encounter the unexpected. Keep these items in your car:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Blanket & gloves
- First aid kit
- Portable phone charger
- Bottled water & nonperishable snacks
Better to have it and not need it than the other way around!
WHY TRUST A&A AUTOMOTIVE?
At A&A Automotive, we’ve been keeping Sausalito drivers safe and stress-free for over 50 years. Our experienced team delivers:
- ASE-Certified Technicians
- Upfront Estimates & Honest Recommendations
- Full-Service Repairs for All Makes & Models
- Same-Day Appointments for Many Services
- Convenient Location at 70 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito
STAY SAFE, DRIVE CONFIDENT — BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY INSPECTION TODAY
Don’t let car trouble ruin your holiday plans. Schedule your Pre-Holiday Vehicle Check at A&A Automotive and drive with confidence, knowing your car is ready for every mile of your journey.
📞 Call us: (415) 331-2585
📍 Visit: 70 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito, CA 94965
🖥️ Book Online:www.aandasausalito.com
A&A Automotive — Keeping Sausalito Drivers Safe Since 1974
Drive smart. Stay safe. And have a happy holiday season!