Page 5 - AAA Shelby County – AAA Now! – July/August 2019

MEMBER SERVICES
The Amazing DISAPPEARING SPARE TIRE
It is always unexpected when your car gets a flat tire, but if a current trend continues you may face another surprise the next time a flat tire strands you at the roadside. AAA research found that over the last dozen years automakers have been eliminating spare tires from their vehicles. Today, approximately 30 percent of new cars come without a spare (up from just 5 percent in 2006) and it is estimated there are more than 30 million cars on the road that lack a spare tire.
Why is the spare going away? The main reason is tough 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 in the process. Removing the spare can also free up space for cargo and passengers. And, automakers say the tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) 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 are normally
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 larger 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 also 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.
Add Insurance to Your Travel To-Do List
More Americans are heading overseas for their vacations, and they may need to add buying travel insurance to their vacation to-do lists, in addition to securing passports, purchasing flights and booking places to stay.
According to AAA travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance, an increasing number of countries are now requiring visitors to purchase travel insurance before entering their borders. Travelers might be asked to show proof of medical or hospitalization coverage before they can enter certain foreign countries, or risk being turned away.
Experts say the trend of mandatory insurance for international travelers is set to continue, as countries seek ways to relieve themselves of the financial burden of medical bills left unpaid by tourists. Many countries, including 15 of the 26 Schengen nations – a combination of European Union countries and independent nations like Iceland, Norway and Switzerland), Cuba, Ecuador, Qatar, Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates,
the United States, and the continent of Antarctica – require some type of insurance
for visitors, students or expats. In just the last year Egypt announced plans to introduce insurance requirements, but details are
not yet available. Thailand is also currently undergoing a debate on mandatory travel insurance for visiting tourists.
The good news is that Americans today increasingly see the great value and peace of mind that travel insurance provides.
In fact, according to a recent AAA survey, nearly 4 in 10 Americans (38 percent) are likely to purchase travel insurance for future trips overseas.
"Regardless of whether your destination requires travel insurance, AAA highly recommends purchasing insurance before your next trip, including international and domestic vacations," said Paula Twidale, vice president, AAA Travel. "There are just too many unknowns that can throw an unexpected wrench into your trip plans and insurance can provide peace of mind."
Travelers can refer to the U.S. Department of State for country-specific requirements. AAA also recommends consulting a knowledgeable travel agent to explore insurance options and requirements before your next trip.
JULY/AUGUST 2019
5