I’ve had AAA for years and honestly, the last time I needed a tow it took almost two hours. Used to be way quicker, at least around here. Lately, I just keep a portable air compressor and jumper cables in the trunk. Feels like you can’t really count on any of them to be fast anymore.
Yeah, I’ve noticed the wait times creeping up too. Used to be you’d call and someone would show up before you even finished your coffee. Now, I always wonder if it’s gonna be a quick fix or a long afternoon on the shoulder. Do you think it’s just more people using the service, or are there fewer drivers out there? I keep a tire plug kit and some basic tools in my trunk now—just in case. Ever had to use your compressor in a pinch?
I’ve wondered about that too—whether it’s just more folks needing help or if there are actually fewer trucks on the road these days. It feels like every time I call, I get the “higher than usual call volume” message. Maybe it’s a staffing thing, or maybe people are hanging onto older cars longer and breaking down more often? Hard to say.
I’ve had to use my little compressor once, actually. Not the fastest thing in the world, but it got me off the shoulder and to a gas station. Made me think: do you think roadside assistance is still worth it if you’re already carrying half the tools yourself? Or is it more of a backup for the stuff you can’t fix on your own? I’m starting to wonder if I should just rely on my own gear more and treat AAA as a last resort.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d actually argue that roadside assistance is still worth it, even if you’re pretty handy and carry your own gear. I just bought my first insurance policy this year, and honestly, the peace of mind is a big part of what I’m paying for. Sure, I’ve got jumper cables, a jack, and a tire inflator in my trunk, but there’s always that one thing you can’t plan for—like locking your keys in the car or a dead battery that won’t take a jump.
A friend of mine thought he could handle everything himself too, until his alternator died on a road trip. No amount of tools in the backseat was going to fix that on the side of the highway. He ended up waiting for AAA anyway, and yeah, it took longer than he hoped, but at least he wasn’t stranded with no options.
I do think the wait times have gotten worse lately. Maybe it’s staffing, maybe it’s just more people needing help like you said. But for me, having that backup is still worth it. I’d rather have it and not need it than be stuck wishing I’d kept the coverage. Plus, some things—like towing or dealing with a flat in pouring rain—are just easier when someone else handles it.
That said, I totally get wanting to rely on yourself more. There’s something satisfying about fixing your own problem on the spot. But I see roadside assistance as more of a safety net than something I expect to use all the time. If nothing else, it’s nice knowing there’s someone to call when things go sideways and your own tools aren’t enough.
Yeah, I get what you mean about the peace of mind. I’ve had AAA for years and honestly, it’s saved my butt a couple times—once when my battery just died out of nowhere in the middle of nowhere. Still, I can’t help but feel like the service isn’t as quick or reliable as it used to be. The last time I called for a tow, it took almost three hours. Not ideal.
“there’s always that one thing you can’t plan for—like locking your keys in the car or a dead battery that won’t take a jump.”
That’s true, and I do like having backup for those weird situations. But lately, I’ve started looking at other options too—some credit cards or even car manufacturers offer roadside help now, sometimes faster or cheaper than AAA. Not sure if it’s worth paying extra anymore unless you’re really out in the sticks a lot.
I still keep my membership for now, but I’m not as sold on it as I used to be. Maybe it’s just nostalgia talking, but AAA felt more dependable before.
