Half the gondola on the road today are more than 10 years old . Once your railroad car hits that double digit scratch , it is twice as likely to break down on the road and four times as likely to call for a towage . These are amongstatistics releasedby the American Automobile Association ( AAA ) . They ’re the mass many call when they get a flat tyre or require a barrage jump .
" It ’s no surprise that older vehicles are more potential to find a serious dislocation , but it is surprising just how many people are at risk , " John Nielsen , AAA ’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair , enunciate in a press statement .
But aside from helping stranded motorists , AAA also gather and paper information — it received 32 million calls for wayside assistance in 2017 alone , and about 35 per centum of those telephone call resulted in a tow , for instance . The most common issues ? Battery problems , engine failure and tire damage .
So if you ’re one of the43.6 millionplanning a trip-up by car this summer , it ’s worthwhile to have your mechanic give your car a once over — and focalize on these three orbit in particular — especially if you ’re driving a 2011 model or older .
Dead Batteries
The most common trouble AAA deals with is the car battery . That includes issues related to electrical organization , such as entrant andalternators . They represented 23 percent of scenarios requiring a tow , according to AAA . And the hazard your car will run into these problem only conk out up as your car gets old .
But you do n’t have to become another statistic . Most stamp battery wo n’t warn you they ’re on the agency out , so inspecting and testing it before you hit the route is your best wager . AAA members can have their electric battery and electric system checked for free to see if it ’s at full strength orneeds replacing . Otherwise , you may have your bombardment tested by a shop mechanic or at an auto parts storage .
Engine Problems
Engine yield , particularlycooling systemfailures , were responsible for for 11 pct of breakdown for which AAA was call in 2017 . Your car ’s cool down element , such as the radiator , thermostat , water heart andtiming beltcan also fail without warn . To be sure your car ’s railway locomotive is in proper workings social club , moderate underneath after your railway car is park . If you see any fluent gathering on the undercoat — or you notice the sickly - seraphic aroma that indicates a coolant news leak — you should definitely get the outflow fixed before it causes the cooling system to bankrupt down .
Tire Damage
Finally , nobody need to have atire blowoutwhile drive on vacation . But tyre harm is the third most plebeian reason AAA says it had to send its tow truck to facilitate out strand vehicles . To avoid terminate up with a flat — or worse — get into the habit of checking your tires on a regular base , not just before a road stumble . you’re able to spot most tire problem long before they entrust you stranded .
Look for cuts , abrasions and jut in your tires , and read how to discipline the tread depth and pressure . in conclusion , know before you allow for if your car is equip with a extra ( many are n’t these day ) , and practice changing it . You ca n’t prevent all inadvertent flats or blowouts , but basictire maintenancecan serve you subdue the prospect of getting stranded .
The bottom line ? Being cognizant of the risks and knowing what to look for can aid you avoid a deflower summertime route tripper .
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