With the warm summer months approaching, motorists should be aware that heat is the No. 1 cause of battery failure, especially for those batteries that are more than three to five years old.

AAA’s innovative Battery Service program–available in St. Louis, Kansas City and Evansville, Ind.–is one solution motorists can use to stay on the go. Trained Battery Service technicians are able to test and replace automotive batteries at the scene of a vehicle’s disablement, whether at home, work or on the road.

There are no sales obligations with the program. If a motorist chooses to buy a replacement battery based on the diagnostic test, the testing and installation are included in the price of the battery. Each high-quality AAA battery comes with a three-year, free-replacement nationwide warranty. AAA members receive a $15 discount off the battery price.

The summer heat can also take a toll on other automotive components, but AAA has a solution for that too. For quality preventative maintenance and repair, motorists can visit any one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities across North America. These facilities meet or surpass AAA’s stringent standards for technician certification, modern equipment and customer satisfaction.

For more information, call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) and dial ext. 6818 for the Battery Program or ext. 6821 for AAR. Or visit www.AAA.com and get a complete list of areas covered by the Battery Program and AAR facilities in the region.

Hertz and AAA, which began a partnership in 1978, have renewed and expanded their exclusive agreement to include more benefits for AAA’s 50 million members. The main features of the AAA program with Hertz include increased discounts on car rentals, one free child seat, 50 percent off SIRIUS satellite radio, 25 percent off the NeverLostTM navigational system and periodic upgrades.

For standard rates, members save 20 percent on Hertz Premium car classes and above and 15 percent on economy through full-size cars.

Among other benefits for AAA members is that Hertz does not charge for additional drivers who are members of AAA, who hold a credit card in their own name and meet standard rental qualifications. Plus, there is no “Saturday night keep” requirement to qualify for low weekly rates.

For reservations or details, call your local AAA office, visit AAA.com/hertz or call Hertz’s AAA desk at 1-800-654-3080.

For about the price of taking your family to the movies, you can upgrade to AAA Premier and enjoy our highest level of benefits.

You can take your current AAA Plus membership to the highest level for only $25 more each year per household and receive great benefits, including one 200-mile tow per member per year. A one-day free rental car benefit per year is included with an allowable tow.

For travelers, the membership level includes emergency trip interruption coverage up to $750 when 100 miles from home. Premier members also receive Travel Accident Insurance for $300,000 (loss of life or limb) and 24-hour unlimited Concierge service when traveling or at home. Also, receive a free one-year Hertz #1 Club Gold membership (value $50) and save $10 on airline or rail service transactions.

For details, call your local AAA agent or 1-888-AAA-CLUB for your nearest office or visit www.AAA.com/premier.