American Automobile Association Benefits

As soon as automobiles hit America’s roads, people began to organize automotive clubs.  By 1902, there were approximately 23,000 cars in operation.  Even with this small number, over 50 motor clubs had been formed across the country.  Nine of those clubs joined together to create a national motoring organization called the American Automobile Association, or the AAA.  Over the past 100 years, the AAA has supported American drivers by promoting safe, efficient highways and a multi-modal transportation system that is accessible and affordable to everyone.

Improving Roads

At the turn of the century, existing roads had been designed for the horse and buggy. Traveling on those dirt paths was often risky.  AAA’s earliest goal was to lead a fight for improvements in the nation’s roads.  They wanted roads that could better accommodate automobile traffic.  By 1916, AAA saw their goal begin to be realized when the idea of federal aid to highways was initiated.  Since then, this organization’s affiliated clubs have covered a wide range of issues and interests.  One campaign is focused on getting the government to spend more of existing funds to improve on the nation’s highways, bridges, and air traffic control systems.  Another initiative was designed to provide consumers with information and insight into current transportation issues.

Roadside Assistance

Auto breakdowns are not fun for any car owner.  AAA was the first to provide a service for stranded motorists.  This aspect is one of the most valued features of a AAA membership.  They have almost 13,000 roadside assistance contract facilities and take in about 29 million calls annually.  AAA Members can get roadside assistance by calling an 800 number, visiting AAA’s website, or by using their smart phone app.  Their call centers handle incoming calls, answer questions about travel related subjects, and advise on AAA approved auto repair facilities.  This association annually publishes a manual on correct towing procedures and updates vehicle-buying research online.  To help make sure it’s members find reliable and quality mechanics, AAA developed its Approved Auto Repair program.  They have identified 8,000 automotive repair facilities that meet their criteria in customer satisfaction, equipment requirements, and competency for repairing automobiles.  

Travel and Safety

AAA has supplied its members with all available data on roads, hotels, service facilities, and motor vehicle laws for over 100 years.  They produced the first auto-oriented maps, road logs, and eventually a series of tour book guides and camping directories.  AAA clubs were the first to inspect and recommend lodging and restaurants.  They also became linked with a network in which information on highway conditions could be exchanged up to the minute.  As early as 1927, they even developed a foreign travel department to handle steamship tickets and shipment of cars overseas.  Gradually AAA initiated additional services and is now one of the largest travel organizations in the world.  They offer complete domestic and foreign travel services, including issuing International Driving Permits.  Increasing numbers of cars on the road have led to a similar increase in accidents.  AAA has done many things to help make our roads safer.  They sponsored school safety patrol programs and introduced traffic safety education into elementary and junior high schools.  AAA wrote the first driver education book widely used in high schools.  AAA also understands the dangers of driving under the influence.  They have a program that educates communities on alcohol and its effect on a person’s driving ability.  

Basic Repair Items to Keep in Your Car

It can happen to anyone at any time.  You’re moving along just fine down the road, and suddenly you need to pull over because your car is giving you problems.  You know what’s wrong and you know how to fix it, but you didn’t put the required items in your car.

It’s important to always be prepared for the unexpected with your car.  By having just a few items that take up very little room in your trunk or a storage compartment, you can rest at ease knowing that you may have the ability to get back on the road in a timely manner.

Become a Handy Man with a Tool Box

You can go out to any big box retail store, home improvement or auto parts store and purchase a pre-assembled mechanic’s tool set that you can leave in your car.  These sets usually include one or two ratchets, sockets, Phillips and flathead screw drivers, wrenches, a ratchet extension and a spark plug socket.  Once you have your tool set purchased, you may want to consider getting some mechanic’s gloves to protect your hands if you ever do need to do a quick roadside repair.  You also want to include a wire brush, a rag and duct tape.  How you may use some of these items is to tighten a loose hose clamp with a screwdriver or you can use the duct tape to patch a hole in a hose as a temporary fix.  The wire brush would be used to clean off your battery terminals from corrosion that you found by using a ratchet and a socket from removing the wire from the terminal.

Get a Flashlight and a Knife

These two items can easily go into your glove compartment or center console.  Other than giving you the ability to see a potential problem easier, you can also use it to flag down or warn any other people on the road.  You can use the knife a few different ways to help you.  One way you can use the knife may be to cut a hose to length or remove a damaged end on a hose to make the necessary repair.  You can also use it to cut the duct tape or a rag to patch a hole.  The other way you can use a knife is to cut the seatbelt away from you.  Sometimes, if you were to get into a rollover accident, the seatbelt may not disengage when you press the release button.  By using the knife, you can free yourself and get to safety.  You can also purchase a flashlight-seatbelt cutter-window spike combo to cut down on compartment space.

Vehicle Pick Me Up’s

Some of the more crucial items you want to keep in your vehicle are jumper cables and spare fluids.  There may be a time when you need to jumpstart your car and a willing citizen can help you, but doesn’t have any jumper cables.  If you ever need to use jumper cables, but don’t know how, it’s an easy process.  Put the red clamp to the red terminal and the black clamp to the black terminal.  Just make sure to connect the clamps to the car that is providing the power boost first, then connect your battery.  The spare fluids you want to keep in your vehicle at all times is a quart or two of oil, antifreeze or engine coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid.  You can also leave a gallon of windshield washer fluid, but isn’t necessary.  If you were to spring a leak somewhere, and you’re able to make the repair, you’ll be able to top off the said fluid and get on your way.