I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had a few positive experiences with the app—at least compared to the old phone system. Maybe it’s just luck or my area, but last month when my ‘72 Cutlass wouldn’t start, the app got a tow out in under an hour. I do agree it’s not perfect, and I always keep tools and a jump pack in the trunk, but I’m not sure the old way was always better either. Sometimes those dispatcher calls would leave me on hold forever, especially during bad weather. Maybe it’s just a trade-off... more tech, more quirks.
Maybe it’s just luck or my area, but last month when my ‘72 Cutlass wouldn’t start, the app got a tow out in under an hour.
That’s actually been my experience too—at least most of the time. I remember back when you had to call in and hope you didn’t get stuck in the “please hold” loop forever. Once, I was stranded on the side of I-95 for almost two hours just waiting for someone to pick up, let alone send help. The app isn’t perfect (it glitched on me once and thought I was in the next town over), but at least you can see updates and don’t have to explain your location three times.
I still keep a set of jumper cables and a flashlight in the trunk, just in case. Old habits die hard, I guess. But yeah, it feels like a trade-off—sometimes the tech makes things smoother, sometimes it just adds new headaches. At least now I can track the tow truck like a pizza delivery... which is weirdly comforting when you’re stuck somewhere sketchy after dark.
- Totally get where you’re coming from—tech’s made things easier, but there’s always a new glitch waiting to happen.
- I still stash a basic tool kit and some gloves in the trunk. Old cars have a way of keeping you on your toes, right?
- Tracking the tow truck is a game-changer, though. Used to feel like sending out a message in a bottle and hoping for the best.
- Even if AAA isn’t perfect these days, it beats sitting on hold forever. The peace of mind is worth something, at least for me.
Yeah, tracking the tow truck is nice—beats wondering if they’re actually coming or not. Still, I’ve noticed the wait times creeping up lately. Used to be that AAA would show up in maybe 30-40 minutes, but now it’s closer to an hour, sometimes longer. Not sure if it’s just busier roads or fewer drivers these days.
I keep my own jumper cables and a tire inflator in the trunk, just in case. Trusting apps is fine until your phone dies or cell service drops out in the middle of nowhere... Has anyone actually used another roadside service recently? Wondering if they’re all about the same now, or if AAA’s still got the edge.
Tried to figure this out myself a few weeks ago when I was shopping for insurance and roadside help for the first time. Here’s what I ran into:
- Signed up for AAA because everyone in my family swears by it, but my first call for a battery jump took over an hour. Not a huge deal, but I was expecting faster based on their reputation.
- Downloaded a couple of those pay-per-use roadside apps (like Honk and Urgently) just to compare. Used Honk once when I got a flat at work. The driver showed up in about 35 minutes, which surprised me. No membership fee, just paid for the service.
- Noticed that with the apps, you can track the driver in real time, which is cool, but if your phone dies or you’re in a dead zone, you’re kinda stuck. Same problem as you mentioned.
- My friend uses his car insurance’s roadside (Geico) and says it’s hit or miss. Sometimes super fast, sometimes he’s waiting over an hour.
- I keep a jump starter in my trunk now, just in case. It’s saved me twice already—definitely worth the $60.
Honestly, it feels like all these services are dealing with the same issues lately—fewer drivers, more calls, maybe just busier roads. AAA still has name recognition, but I’m not sure they’re really any better than the others anymore. Kind of makes me wonder if the membership is worth it, or if it’s smarter to just pay as you go and keep some basic gear in the car.
Curious if anyone’s actually had a recent experience where AAA was way faster or better than the competition? Because from what I’ve seen, it’s all kind of a toss-up now.
