Ask Pete

[#1]

If you have reason to call AAA because of any type of mechanical breakdown—such as a dead battery, flat tire, etc.—the first thing the call counselor will ask is if you are in a safe location. Our members’ safety is paramount in all we do, and by asking this question our counselors can get a better understanding of the situation at hand.

By having a better grasp of the situation, our counselors and Emergency Road Service technicians can provide you with the appropriate service using the appropriate equipment. Asking questions like, “Was your vehicle running okay the last time you shut the key off?” allows our counselors to determine which piece of response equipment is right for you.

For instance, if through these questions the counselor determines that you probably have a dead battery, we can offer faster, more efficient service by sending a light service vehicle versus a tow truck. Because light service vehicles are easier to maneuver in traffic, more fuel efficient, less expensive to operate overall, and can carry a full supply of replacement batteries, we can get you “On the Go” versus “On the Tow.”

Obviously, if the situation involves more than a dead battery—such as a bad starter or alternator—a tow is the most logical solution and the safest for you and your vehicle.

Understanding that time is one of our members’ most valuable resources, we value that resource and want to get you back on the road with a car that works sooner rather than later…in the safest manner possible!      

[#2]

My windshield got hit by a rock the other day and I now have a small crack.  I want to have it sealed before it spreads. Does AAA cover this?

[#3]

 Unfortunately this is not part of your AAA Member Benefits.

[#4]

About how much is it to get a small crack fixed, though?

[#5]

You can get a do-it-your self kit at some auto parts stores for around $20 and if you have a mobile glass company do it, it will cost anywhere between $50 and $100.

[#6]

Am I wrong in my understanding that most Insurance Companies cover windshield damage?

[#7]

It's not so much the insurance company but the coverage you carry. In Florida, if you have comprehensive coverage, yes, your company will cover it.

If there are any insurance bloggers out there that want to add anything or weigh in, please feel free!

[#8]

Have a slightly off topic question Pete. What are your thoughts on extended warranties, and can you recommend a decent one? My daughter just purchased a very nice Chrysler Pacifica and I would like to make sure she has as much protection as possible in case a major repair pops up. Can you recommend a good extended warranty service provider? Thank you.

[#9]

I think in many circumstances it makes perfect sense to purchase an extended warranty and your case sounds like one of them. In fact AAA has a great extended warranty product! Visit http://www.aaasouth.com/Automotive/auto_warranty.aspx to request a quote.

[#10]

I have a 2005 Honda Accord and so do two of my friends who bought the same car at the same dealer from the same salesman on the same day.  Recently all of us experienced a light on the dashboard that almost looks like a fish.  Honda advised that could be do to a malfunction on the passenger seatbelt and if so it would be repaired at no charge.  We all brought the cars in and it was in fact that malfunction.  About six months later my "fish" light has reappeared.  What is this all about?  I'm scared to bring my car to Honda and see the bill.  Any ideas?

[#11]

It sounds like it may be a sensor malfunction. If they repair the vehicle six months ago, chances are good it is under warranty so there shouldn't be any bill. Just curious, did the light come back on in your friends' vehicles as well?  

[#12]

Hi Pete, I have a 2004 Mazda MPV and it appears I will need to replace the coils----again.  Why does this happen & is there a way to avoid this.  The van has 79k & I love it--but I've already replaced them and now may have to do it again.   Thanx

[#13]

My son actually has the same vehicle and has gone through the same issue. In his particular case, he used aftermarket  coils that were not up to OEM specs. Make sure your place of repair is using high quality replacement parts and that the spark plugs are in good condition. I do know there is a significant price difference between getting OE from Mazda and aftermarket replacements. Have your place of repair price it out both ways for you. You should be replacing your spark plugs every 60,000 miles. Hope this helps!