Page 7 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Family 2021

Finding a Quality Auto Shop – Made Easy
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Are you unsure about what to look for when selecting an auto repair facility? At AAA, we make it easy to help you find an honest and reliable shop that you can trust through our network of Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities. These shops have met stringent customer service and repair guidelines set by AAA.
Along with accessing AAA AAR shops and requesting shop recommendations from your family and friends, we share some simple tips to help you in your search.
• Ask about the types of certifications the facility’s technicians have and if the technician who will be working on your vehicle is certified. Certifications should be prominently displayed in the shop office or waiting area.
• Ask how long the facility has been in business to assess the likelihood that the owners will be around to address warranty issues that might arise down the road. In addition, check to ensure that the facility is a member of — and in good standing with — the Better Business Bureau.
• Develop a relationship with the service advisor who will make sure your vehicle is thoroughly checked by technicians, explain what work is necessary and why, and provide you with a detailed estimate and an accurate estimated completion time.
Visit AAA.com/AAR to find a AAA Approved Auto Repair location near you, as well as more automotive tools and tips.
Add on an Associate for Back-to-School Peace of Mind
As the busy school year gets underway, give yourself peace of mind knowing your loved ones won’t be stranded because AAA is with them everywhere they go. Adding on an Associate membership provides the same AAA services and benefits to other household members residing at your same address, or for those away at college. To add an Associate to your AAA membership, call 1-800-222-1469, go AAA.com/MyAccount, or visit your local AAA office.
EXPLORE | MEMBER NEWS FAMILY EDITION 2021
Car Care at College
For many parents
across the country,
preparing their teen
for college includes
reminding them to eat
healthy and call home
on a regular basis. This
is also an opportunity to
familiarize them with the added responsibility of taking care of their own vehicle. AAA reminds parents to equip their child with a comprehensive plan for proper vehicle maintenance, and review what to do when unexpected problems arise.
Contact your insurer. If the teen is moving away to college, notify your insurance provider, even if the car is left behind. A separate policy might be required. Parents or child may be eligible for one or more discounts.
Check state minimum liability requirements. If the child is headed out-of-state with the car, check with the insurance provider to ensure minimum requirements are met. Insurance providers know the requirements of each state it’s licensed to do business.
Check and maintain tires. Tires should be checked at least once a month using a tire pressure gauge.
Maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of the vehicle and helps mitigate repair cost. Review the owner’s manual and the need for oil changes, replacing filters, batteries and brakes.
Identify nearest repair shop. Find a trusted repair shop near the school. Visit AAA.com/Repair to locate nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
Prepare for emergencies. Breakdowns and other roadside emergencies happen. Make sure the vehicle has a well- stocked roadside emergency kit. Important items include: a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, first-aid kit, bottled water, rags or paper towels, a tire pressure gauge, a blanket, granola or energy bars, and a selection of basic hand tools. In areas with winter ice and snow, add an ice scraper, snow brush and kitty litter or other material to increase traction if stuck in snow.
AAA membership. Emergency roadside assistance for flat tires, dead batteries, fuel delivery, towing and other roadside services is available 24/7.
To learn more about insurance coverage for college students, including cost and discount options, contact your AAA Insurance Agent at 1-800-222-1469, go to AAA.com/Insurance, or stop by your local AAA office.
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