Page 5 - AAA Now! – AAA Akron Auto Club – Summer 2020

AAA
AUTOMOTIVE MATTERS
The Amazing Disappearing Spare Tire
It is always unexpected when your car gets a flat tire, but if a current trend continues, you might face another surprise the next time a flat tire strands you at the roadside. AAA research found that over the past 12 years, automakers have been eliminating spare tires from their vehicles. Today, approximately 30% of new cars come without a spare (up from just 5% in 2006), and it is estimated that more than
30 million vehicles on the road lack a spare tire.
Why is the spare going away? The main reason is stringent new government fuel economy standards. A spare tire, vehicle jack and related tools can weigh 30 pounds or more. While this might not seem like much, getting rid of the weight provides a small but measurable increase in fuel economy, an increase that automakers like because it saves them money. Removing the spare can also free up space for cargo and passengers. Automakers say the tire pressure monitoring systems on newer cars reduce the likelihood of being stranded by the roadside with a flat tire – although AAA road service numbers do
not bear this out.
What should you do? First, determine whether your car has a spare tire. Those that lack one usually are equipped with run-flat tires or a tire sealant/
inflator kit. See your owner’s manual for more information.
Run-flat tires can be driven at reduced speeds for limited distances without air pressure. Tire sealant/ inflator kits can temporarily repair small punctures but are ineffective for more significant leaks or tire sidewall damage.
If a run-flat tire loses air pressure, or a conventional flat tire is fixed with sealant/inflator kit, take the car to a quality repair facility, such
as a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop, as soon
as possible for a permanent tire repair. Where applicable, you will need to replace the sealant/ inflator kit, which can cost up to $300 for certain vehicles. Some sealants have expiration dates and require replacement every four to eight years, whether they are used or not.
Spare tires are optional on many cars, and AAA recommends the additional investment when buying a new vehicle. The cost of a spare tire may be less than that of replacing a sealant/inflator kit and it will help ensure your mobility regardless
of the reason for a flat. If your current car lacks a spare, auto dealers and aftermarket tire retailers sell spare tires and the related tools for vehicles that
originally came with a sealant/inflator kit. The cost typically ranges from $300 to $600, depending on the vehicle.
Whatever you do, do not get caught with a flat tire, no spare, no run-flat tires, no sealant/inflator kit and no plan for what to do next. To minimize roadside frustration and delays, make it a priority to review the flat tire procedures for your car today. If you are among those drivers who would rather let someone else deal with a flat, make sure you have your AAA membership card with you at all times.
Do Not Be Left in the Dark by Aged Headlights
AAA finds deteriorated headlights produce only 20% of light as compared to new.
Cars on the road today are, on average, 11.6 years old. This means drivers must be even more diligent with their car care to help extend their life. While drivers might check their batteries and tires, it is equally important to inspect the condition of the vehicle’s headlights routinely. Because of the type of plastic used, these typically start degrading at three to five years, depending on the amount of sunlight exposure.
Research by AAA has demonstrated that cloudy headlamps reduce the amount of light output
by nearly 80% and, consequently, the safety of nighttime driving. The type of headlights like those evaluated in AAA’s study, provide adequate lighting when new, for speeds of only 39 mph (low beam) when driving on an unlit road at night. Any reduction in light output as a result of deterioration is a significant safety concern.
“Walk through any parking lot and it is evident that deteriorated headlights are a problem for most vehicle owners,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations.
SUMMER 2020
“U.S. headlights, even at 100%, don’t provide an adequate amount of light on dark roadways, so any reduction in performance will make driving at night even more dangerous.”
Halogen reflector headlights, found on a majority of today’s vehicles, are typically made of plastic with a protective coating to prevent scratching and sunlight damage. When exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight, this coating begins to break down, causing the yellowing commonly observed on older headlights. Luckily for drivers, there are many inexpensive and readily available options
to improve light output for headlights that have become compromised.
Replacement of deteriorated headlights may increase light output between 83% and 100%. It can cost anywhere from $130 to $430 depending on the type of part selected (original or aftermarket) and method of installation (professional versus do
it yourself). Restoration methods, including those that can be purchased at a local automotive parts store, may improve light output by 70% and cost
anywhere from $20 to $190 depending on whether it is done professionally or by the driver.
AAA suggests drivers check their headlight lenses for aging, and if the headlight appears to be yellowed or cloudy and the bulb is difficult to see, it is time
to have the lenses replaced or restored as soon as possible. Replacement and restoration services are provided by most repair shops, including many AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
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