Definitely agree about the towing distance—learned that one the hard way. A few points I'd add from my commute-heavy lifestyle:
- AAA roadside assistance response times seem to vary a lot depending on where you are. Had a flat in a busy metro area, and they showed up quick. But another time, stuck out in the boonies...let's just say I had plenty of time to contemplate life choices.
- Sometimes your own auto insurance offers similar roadside coverage cheaper as an add-on. Worth comparing, especially if you're budget-conscious.
- AAA's battery replacement service is convenient, but their batteries aren't always the cheapest option around. Local auto parts stores often beat their prices.
Overall, AAA still has its perks, but it's not necessarily the no-brainer it used to be. Always good to weigh your options carefully these days.
"AAA roadside assistance response times seem to vary a lot depending on where you are."
Yeah, I've noticed this too. Had a breakdown once on a busy freeway during rush hour, and AAA was there in like 20 minutes—pretty impressive. But another time, stranded late at night on a rural road...took almost two hours. Now I keep an emergency kit and jumper cables handy just in case. AAA's still decent, but I don't rely solely on them anymore.
I've had similar experiences—AAA seems pretty hit-or-miss depending on location and timing. Had a flat tire once downtown, middle of the day, and they showed up in under half an hour. But another time, battery died at a friend's place out in the suburbs late evening... took forever to get someone out there. Makes me wonder if it's just AAA or if other roadside services have the same inconsistency issues.
Also curious if response times are affected by how busy they are overall or if it's more about proximity to their contracted tow companies? Maybe rural areas just don't have enough providers nearby. Has anyone tried other roadside assistance services like through their car manufacturer or insurance company? Wondering how those compare in terms of reliability and response times...
I've noticed similar issues with AAA, but honestly, I think it's just the nature of roadside assistance in general. Had coverage through my insurance once and waited nearly two hours for a jumpstart... maybe it's just luck of the draw or location? Curious if anyone's had better luck with manufacturer-specific services.
I've had decent luck with my car's manufacturer roadside assistance, actually. Had a flat tire last year and they showed up in about 30 mins, which surprised me. Might depend on your area though... or maybe I just got lucky that day.
