ORLANDO, Fla.– A recent AAA survey found that more than half of American drivers are holding onto older vehicles to avoid the financial burden of purchasing a newer one and one quarter of drivers have put off car maintenance or repairs during the past year. With many consumers feeling the financial pinch in today’s economy, AAA offers members several ways to save money on their vehicles.
“One of the best ways to save money on your car is to make sure you’re properly taking care of it,” said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair, Buying Services and Consumer Information. “Ignoring vehicle maintenance can be a recipe for disaster that quickly results in pricey auto repair bills. AAA offers several discounts to members to help with the expenses associated with car ownership.”
Discounted Quality Auto Repair
The AAA Approved Auto Repair program is a free public service for all consumers that helps identify trustworthy, quality auto repair facilities. AAA inspects repair facilities across the country. To become an approved repair shop, facilities must meet and maintain tough professional standards for customer service, equipment, training and cleanliness. Repair shop customers also are surveyed and each shop must maintain a 90 percent or higher customer satisfaction index score in multiple areas.
All AAA Approved Auto Repair shops will provide a free automotive inspection to AAA members with any paid service. Additionally, many Approved Auto Repair shops participate in the AAA Show Your Card & Save program, offering discounts on auto repair services to members. Approved Auto Repair shops can be found online at AAA.com/Repair.
Saving Money for Do-It-Yourselfers
Some car owners may choose to perform some maintenance and repairs themselves as a way to save money. For many years, AAA members have received discounts at NAPA Auto Parts stores, and beginning September 1, members can save even more money with the Show Your Card & Save discount increasing to 10 percent on most auto parts and accessories.
Even car savvy do-it-yourselfers can use a little guidance on some projects, so AAA offers up to a 30 percent discount on eAutoRepair. The online repair manual subscription service includes comprehensive repair procedures, diagnostics and troubleshooting, complete wiring diagrams, scheduled maintenance, component locations and factory service tips for the DIY crowd.
Car Rental Road Trip Savings
Approximately 27.3 million people (87 percent of holiday travelers) plan to take to the nation’s roadways this Labor Day holiday weekend. For the 50 percent of Americans who are holding onto an older car, they may not want to rack up extra mileage on their personal vehicle during a road trip.
As the exclusive car rental partner of AAA, Hertz offers members a wide variety of money-saving rates, discounts, benefits and exclusive offers. AAA member benefits include the Member Satisfaction Guaranteed; reduced rate for Hertz NeverLost GPS, on-board navigational system, a discount on Hertz prepaid rates, a discount on the Fuel Purchase Option, a discount off rental of SIRIUS XM Radio, no charge for additional qualified AAA drivers, free use of a child safety seat and more.
Cutting Costs on Car Electronics & More
Members who still want to enjoy a few extra perks in their vehicles also can find ways to save from AAA Show Your Card & Save partners. Magellan offers discounts to members including 15 percent off personal navigation units, 25 percent off accessories, free second-year extended warranty, free lifetime map updates on select units, and lifetime traffic updates.
AAA members also can take advantage of an exclusive offer from SIRIUS XM Radio, and save up to 40 percent on Sirius and XM Radios including accessories. Members also enjoy free shipping, a free month of service and free activation.
A complete listing of AAA Show Your Card & Save partners offering discounts to AAA members is available at AAA.com/discounts.
AAA members can easily find their way to savings by downloading the AAA Discounts app, available for iPhone and Android compatible devices. The free, GPS-based “app” displays retail locations of AAA Show Your Card & Save partners near user locations.
Last year, members saved nearly $2 billion by taking advantage of AAA/CAA discounts including those available through the Show Your Card & Save program. AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program is one of the largest member discount programs in the world offering more than 164,000 locations for savings worldwide including 110,000 retail locations in North America and popular online retailers. Visit AAA.com/discounts for a complete list of retailers and offers.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 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. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.