As the summer heat hangs on, Arizona vehicles will continue to be put to the test. Without preventive maintenance, the desert heat increases the likelihood of a motorist experiencing a vehicle failure, leaving them unexpectedly – and dangerously – stranded on the side of the road. As a result, AAA would like to remind motorists about the importance of vehicle maintenance, as well as the need to have an emergency roadside plan.  

“While most breakdowns can be prevented with proper maintenance, even a perfectly maintained vehicle can experience a failure,” said Don Nunnari, vice president of membership products and services for AAA Arizona. “In this case, an emergency roadside plan can help make an unpleasant experience a little less stressful.”

In the event that a vehicle failure does occur, AAA advises motorists to adhere to the following emergency roadside plan:

• Turn on four-way flashers and pull completely off the roadway, if possible. On a freeway/highway, use the nearest exit, if possible. If unable to exit, pull the vehicle to the far right side of the roadway, on the right side of the solid, white line. Do not pull into, or stop in the gore area, which divides the roadway from the exit.
  
  
• If you’re unable to exit the roadway, stay in your vehicle and remain buckled. Call AAA or your emergency roadside provider.
  
  
• If you feel that you are in danger, let the dispatcher know immediately. Or, if your vehicle is stopped on the travel portion of the roadway, call 911.
  
  
• Know your location in order to expedite help. Pay attention to the last exit if on a freeway, mile markers or signs, and your direction of travel. 
  
  
• Stay with your vehicle at all times, so long as it is safe to do so.
  
  
• Know what is and what is not provided in your emergency roadside coverage. For example, while AAA offers mobile battery service and replacement with a 72-month warranty with no mileage limit, other carriers do not.  Knowing these details can help avoid a costly situation, and save time.
  
  
• If you do not have an emergency roadside provider and are on a freeway in the Phoenix-Metro area, call Department of Public Safety’s Freeway Service Patrol, a AAA sponsored service in which officers help stranded motorists.
  

“Motorists rarely anticipate a vehicle failure,” added Nunnari. “As a result, dangerous or even deadly mistakes can occur when a motorist isn’t proactive with maintenance or have an emergency plan in place.”

To help motorists maintain their vehicles, AAA offers free 36-point inspections at club-owned auto repair facilities located in Phoenix, Mesa and Peoria to anyone. Each inspection holds a $50 value, which is only three dollars less than the cost of a AAA membership for an entire year. Call 602-308-3080 to schedule an appointment.

Another must-have that can help motorists repair a minor vehicle fix, or at least make the wait for help more bearable is an emergency car care kit. The kit should include water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight, extra batteries, duct tape, safety vest as well as first-aid items. Kits can be assembled at home or purchased pre-assembled at any AAA office.

AAA also advises motorists to always travel with a cell phone and car charger, which will enable them to summon help. Members with an iPhone can request help through the new, free AAA Roadside App . Members who are Sprint customers can activate the free AAA FindMe™ service, which enables members to have their GPS location sent to AAA when requesting roadside assistance. Both systems tell the dispatcher exactly where you are, providing faster service by allowing them to send the emergency vehicle that is closest to your location.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.