Get ahead of summer roadside troubles
AAA expects to rescue 7 million drivers this summer from roadside problems such as battery, lock and tire-related issues. And according to a new a survey, that number could climb even higher.
It is thought that almost 58,000 Gem State drivers will need roadside assistance this year — and that’s an increase of 4.5 percent from last year.
“I’m sure we’ll have a lot of call volume this year having all the different events coming into town. With the eclipse coming in, the air show, the fireworks show, and then everything else with people traveling here and there,” said Chris Hatch, the president of Dynamic Towing.
The survey shows about 35 percent of drivers postpone service or repairs that are recommended. 60 percent of drivers do not routinely check tire pressure at least once a month. And 65 percent of motorists say they have never had their car battery tested before it failed to start.
“A lot of people don’t take into consideration tire pressures of their vehicles and making sure that your coolant’s up to par, your water pumps are good, just checking over everything,” Hatch said.
Tow companies and repair shops want drivers to make sure they are getting thorough and timely inspections. Regular car care can lead to fewer headaches and lower repair bills in the long run.
“In a routine inspection, they can usually catch themselves and fix the problem before they head out. I mean, you can save yourself anywhere from a couple hundred bucks to a thousand bucks depending on what the issue might be,” Hatch said.
Here are some safety tips for the road from AAA:
Pack an emergency kit — take a phone charger, flashlight, tool kit, jumper cables, emergency flares/reflectors, and food/water. Drive distraction-free. Pull out of traffic lanes if your car breaks down. Respect the move-over law — change lanes or slow down to allow law enforcement and emergency vehicles. Know before you go — tell loved ones or friends which route you’ll be taking, and when you’ll arrive. Inspect the fifth tire — make sure the spare tire or “Doughnut” is in good working order.
