AAA Reports More Motorists Risking Vehicle Failure and Breakdowns
Phoenix, Ariz. June 2, 2008 – Motorists forced to pay record prices at the pump are spending less on preventative vehicle maintenance, according to AAA. While the auto club anticipated a slight decline in travel over Memorial Day weekend, the club saw an eight percent increase in the number of calls for roadside service over the three day weekend.
“One of the reasons we saw an increase in the number of service calls over Memorial Day weekend, despite a downturn in the number of overall travelers, has to do with the lack of preventative vehicle maintenance,” said Don Nunnari, vice president of membership products and services for AAA Arizona. “Many consumers are under the false assumption that so long as their vehicle continues to run, everything under the hood is fine or can at least wait for service and/or repair.”
Over Memorial Day weekend, AAA’s emergency roadside service team came to the aid of 4,052 motorists, with 35 percent of those calls requiring tow service. The other most common service calls were for battery service (28 percent), lockouts or locksmith assistance (18.5 percent) and flat tires (16 percent). The remaining 2.5 percent of calls required fuel delivery, extrication as well as other intricate services. The majority of these calls could have been prevented if vehicles were properly maintained.
The vast majority of vehicles that required tow service were taken to automotive repair facilities, including the AAA Owned Auto Repair facility in Peoria. In fact, this shop reported a record number of motorists having their vehicles towed into the facility for repair in May. However, rather than having the shop conduct recommended repairs per diagnostics, the shop reported that many motorists instead opted for minimal repair work that would enable them to get their vehicle back on the road for the least amount of money.
“This is a troubling trend especially as we enter into the hottest months of the year,” said Nunnari. “While it might be difficult to budget for preventative maintenance in the short-term, you can save yourself a substantial amount of time and money in the long-term by averting a vehicle failure. In addition, taking these proactive measures will also lessen your likelihood of being stranded on the side of the road during your daily commute or summer travels.”
With gas prices and temperatures on a continued upswing, AAA recommends motorists budget for preventative maintenance and have the following inspected prior to a summer road trip or at their next oil change:
- Motor Oil and Lubricants. Do not forget to change your oil! Check your owner's manual for specific oil recommendations. When driving under extreme conditions try switching to oil with a higher viscosity.
- Battery Cables/Clamps/Terminals. Hot weather can shorten the life of a car's battery. Weak or old batteries should be tested and replaced if needed. Check for any signs of corrosion or cracks. Avoid any skin contact with corrosive surfaces and battery acid.
- Belts & Hoses. These essential components should be maintained monthly to keep your vehicle functioning properly. Belts and hoses that are not maintained can reduce fuel efficiency, damage bearings and cause premature component failure.
- Windshield Wiper Blades. Windshield wipers dry out and crack when exposed to extreme heat, because of their direct exposure to sunlight. It is a good idea to change your wipers every six months.
- Tire Tread/Pressure. Check the tread, sidewalls and inflation pressure of your tires on a regular basis. Correct tire pressure ensures optimum handling, stopping and wear. Make sure all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated. Properly inflated tires will maximize your gas mileage.
Motorists looking for an honest and reliable auto repair facility to conduct a vehicle inspection or repairs can visit www.aaaaz.com/auto to browse 151 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across the state.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 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. |
