Page 17 - AAA Northampton County – AAA Now! – Fall 2019

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
AAA
TM
SPARE ME! AAA FINDS NEARLY ONE-THIRD OF NEW VEHICLES ARE MISSING A SPARE TIRE
In an effort to reduce weight and improve fuel economy, automakers continue to eliminate spare tires from new vehicles. According to new research from AAA, nearly one third (28 percent) of 2017 model year vehicles do not come with a spare tire as standard equipment, creating an unnecessary hassle and expense for drivers. Last year alone, AAA came to the rescue to more than 450,000 members faced with a flat tire whose cars did not have a spare tire. To avoid a roadside surprise, AAA urges drivers to check their trunk for a spare tire before trouble strikes.
“Having a flat tire can be a nuisance for drivers, but not having a spare could put them in an even more aggravating situation,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineer- ing and Repair. “This can turn the relatively routine process of changing a tire at the roadside into an inconvenient and costly situation that requires a tow to a repair facility.”
While new vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems that alert drivers to low tire pressure, AAA’s roadside assistance data shows that tire-related problems continue
to be one of the top reasons why members call
for assistance. Even if drivers do have a spare tire, they are often reaching for their cell phones to
call for roadside assistance rather than changing the tire themselves. According to a previous AAA survey, nearly 20 percent (39 million) of U.S. drivers do not know how to change a flat tire.
As a replacement for a spare tire, some automakers are including tire-inflator kits that
can temporarily repair small punctures in flat
tires. However, a 2015 AAA study found that tire-inflator kits have limited functionality and cannot provide even a temporary fix for many tire-related problems, including sidewall damage or blowouts. Not only are tire-inflator kits not a good substitute for a spare tire, they can cost up to 10 times more than a tire repair and have a shelf life of only four to eight years.
“With low-profile tires and the elimination of
a spare tire, many newer vehicles are especially vulnerable to roadside tire trouble,” Nielsen said. “AAA urges drivers to make it a priority to check their vehicle’s equipment and know what to do if faced with a flat tire.”
To prevent drivers from being stranded in the event of a flat tire, AAA offers these precautionary tips:
• Do not assume there’s a spare. When
purchasing a new vehicle, always ask for a detailed list of equipment and whether a spare tire can be purchased.
• Inspect all five tires. Check tire pressures monthly and have all tires inspected as part of routine maintenance. If your vehicle has a spare tire, be sure that it’s properly inflated.
• Read ahead. If your vehicle is equipped with a tire-inflator kit, read the owner’s manual and understand how it works and its limitations.
• Check expiration dates. If your vehicle is equipped with a tire-inflator kit, check its expiration date. Most need to be replaced every four to eight years.
• Consider roadside assistance coverage. Roadside assistance coverage can offer peace of mind when faced with roadside trouble, including a flat tire. To become a AAA member, visit AAA.com/join.
In addition, drivers should identify a repair shop they trust to help keep their vehicle tires in good
shape. AAA’s Approved Auto Repair network consists of nearly 7,000 facilities that have met AAA’s high standards, including technician certifications, ongoing training, financial stability, facility cleanliness, insurance requirements, rigorous inspections and customer satisfaction. AAA members have saved a total of more than $3 million dollars by visiting AAR facilities in the last year. Visit AAA.com/AutoRepair to find a nearby facility.
Before hitting the road, download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, Android and Apple Watch. Travelers can use the app to request AAA roadside assistance, route a trip, find the lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, book
a hotel and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 58 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
SAVE ON QUALITY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS TODAY
SAVE 10%
ON LABOR (UP TO $50)
Restrictions apply1. See below.
SWIPE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD
AND SAVE!
Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon.
AAA MEMBER BENEFITS:
• 24-month/24,000-mile repair guarantee
by the facility2
• Free 40-point AAA vehicle maintenance
inspection3 (with any paid service), an $80 value
• Worry-free repairs at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities
AAA NORTHAMPTON COUNTY AREA
AAA APPROVED AUTO REPAIR FACILITIES.
1. Members save 10% (up to $50) on labor at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities, if discount is requested. Valid AAA membership card must be presented at the facility at time of service. 2. All repairs are guaranteed by the facility for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first, under normal operating conditions, unless otherwise stated in writing. Other restrictions may apply. See facility for details. 3. Available with paid service, upon request.
Free inspection is limited to items identified on the AAA Vehicle Maintenance Inspection form only. Cost of any repairs not included. Most passenger cars and light trucks are eligible. An appointment may be required. Contact the facility in advance for details. Valid AAA membership Card must be presented to the AAA Approved Auto Repair facility at the time of service. Other restrictions may apply. All rights reserved.
H indicates BOTH Approved Auto Repair and Approved Auto Body facility.
Alex’s Tire Center, Inc.
102 Commerce Way, Stockertown
(610) 759-8473
A.R.M. Automotive
911 Lower South Main St., Bangor
(610) 588-2761
Easton Auto Body H 1328 Elm St., Easton (610) 252-6502
Jeff’s Automotive Service
4110 Wm. Penn Hwy., Easton
(610) 253-6565
Midas Auto Svc. Experts
2914 Wm. Penn Hwy., Easton
(610) 253-9070
Midas Auto Svc. Experts
933 S. Broadway, Wind Gap
(610) 863-7777
Murante Auto Repair
128 W. Beil Ave., Nazareth
(610) 759-6121
T&D Automotive
1400 S. 25th St., Easton
(610) 253-0212
The Brake Shop & Auto Repair
3601 Sullivan Trail, Easton
(610) 253-2566 Wrenchtec
20 E. Lawn Road, Nazareth
(610) 759-7581
Young VW Mazda H Rte. 33 & Hecktown Rd., Easton
(610) 991-9100
3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 • northampton.aaa.com
17
FALL 2019
Now!
VISIT TODAY!