According to a new AAA survey, 64 million American drivers would not be able to pay for an unexpected vehicle repair without going into debt, indicating Americans may not understand the full cost of owning and operating a vehicle. Additionally, a previous AAA survey revealed that 35 percent of motorists skipped or delayed service or repairs that were recommended by a mechanic or listed in the vehicle’s factory maintenance manual. For most motorists, car repairs are unavoidable, and the average repair cost is between $500 and $600, AAA advises motorists to save at least $50 a month for unforeseen expenses, and have their vehicle serviced at a trusted repair facility to prevent a roadside breakdown.
“Its important motorists keep their vehicle operating safely,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Neglecting routine maintenance can damage your vehicle and leave you with expensive car repair bills.'
How to Save on Repair Costs
According to AAA’s certified Approved Auto Repair shops, motorists can save an average of one hundred dollars per visit by performing routine maintenance on their vehicle.
AAA recommends this checklist to avoid potentially costly repairs:
“Flat tires, overheated cooling system or dead batteries are common reasons motorists call AAA for assistance. In 2016 alone, AAA responded to nearly 32 million stranded motorists,” stated Waiters. “AAA is committed to keeping our roads safe for all motorists, but this study reveals drivers can help themselves by investing in regular maintenance.”
Plan for a Breakdown
Before a breakdown happens, AAA recommends that vehicle owners:
How to Deal with an Unexpected Repair
If faced with an unexpected repair, AAA suggests that drivers:
The AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) 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 are eligible for exclusive benefits at AAR facilities, including priority service, a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty, discounts, free maintenance checks, dispute resolution assistance and more. To locate an AAR shop in your area, visit AAA.com/autorepair. For information on becoming a member, please visit www.AAA.com.
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