AAA expects to rescue 7.7 million drivers at the roadside this summer
By AAA of Western and Central New York
As 64 percent of family travelers gear up for a road trip this summer, AAA warns the majority of U.S. vehicles are at a higher-than-average risk for a breakdown.
A new analysis of AAA roadside data shows vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to end up stranded on the side of the road compared to newer vehicles - and on top of that, the odds of needing a tow quadruples. With more than half of cars on the road aged 10 years or older, AAA urges drivers to minimize the chance of a breakdown by getting their vehicle road-trip ready to keep their summer travel on track.
"It's no surprise that older vehicles are more likely to encounter a serious breakdown, but it is surprising just how many people are at risk," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of automotive engineering and repair. "All vehicles - even the newest ones - are prone to typical roadside headaches like dead batteries, flat tires and misplaced keys, but vehicles 10 years and older are four times more likely to encounter a problem serious enough to require a tow to a repair facility."
Fortunately, most roadside trouble is avoidable. For vehicles of any age, old and new, AAA advises drivers make a good B-E-T to stay on the road by having a vehicle's battery, engine and tires checked before embarking on a summer excursion. Long trips, coupled with hot weather, places additional strain on vehicles and, in some cases, may accelerate a dormant issue. When these key systems are in good working order, AAA data shows the odds of encountering a serious breakdown are greatly reduced.
The top three types of vehicle issues that could derail a road trip are:
•Battery-related issues, including faulty starters or alternators. A battery on the brink of dying rarely warns a driver before it fails, but having a simple battery test will. Through its mobile battery program, AAA offers its members free testing of a vehicle's battery and electrical system.
•Engine cooling system failures, such as the radiator, thermostat or water pump or engine parts such as the timing belt, most prominently in vehicles age 10 years and older. Much like a battery, the components of the engine cooling system may fail without warning. Drivers should look for fluids such as coolant pooling underneath the vehicle when it is parked as an indication of an impending problem.
A professional and thorough vehicle inspection can help reduce the chance of a serious breakdown. If a car does end up at a repair shop, not only will a road trip be interrupted, but drivers can expect to spend anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars to get back on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers may hesitate to schedule an inspection. Not only are the majority of U.S. drivers
leery of repair shops,
one-in-three cannot afford an unexpected vehicle repair.
"Drivers may skip taking their car in for an inspection, hoping to avoid an expensive repair bill," Nielsen said. "But, when you factor in the cost of an interrupted trip, having a vehicle inspected and proactively repaired will cost much less in the long run."
AAA helps take the guesswork out of finding a trusted repair facility with its approved auto repair (AAR) facilities. These shops must adhere to a stringent set of standards for certifications, technical training, cleanliness, insurance requirements and customer service set forth by AAA. Shops with the AAR designation signal to drivers a vetted facility, inspected annually, that will offer fair pricing and quality service. To locate one, drivers can visit
AAA.com/AutoRepair. Additionally, AAA offers a free repair cost calculator, also found at
AAA.com/AutoRepair, that provides drivers the ability to estimate the cost of a repair or to verify a quote received for their vehicle.
As upstate New York's largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 870,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.
