I hear you—last time I called AAA for a dead battery, it took them almost three hours to show up. Honestly, for what they charge now, I expect a lot better. I started carrying my own jump starter and a tire inflator too. Feels like DIY is just more reliable these days, even if it means spending a bit upfront. The peace of mind is worth it.
I Get Why People DIY, But AAA Still Has Its Place
I get the appeal of carrying your own gear—jump starters are way more compact now, and a tire inflator can be a lifesaver. But I’m not totally convinced it’s always better than AAA. Here’s why:
1. Not everyone’s comfortable using those tools, especially in bad weather or at night.
2. If you’re stuck with something bigger (like a blown tire or locked keys), AAA still comes through.
3. The cost of a good jump starter plus inflator isn’t nothing, and batteries need charging too—easy to forget until you actually need it.
I guess it depends on how much you drive and where. For me, AAA’s still worth it, even if it’s not perfect.
I totally get what you’re saying about the convenience of AAA, especially when it comes to stuff like locked keys or a tire blowout. I’ve got a jump starter and a little inflator in the trunk, but honestly, I’m not always sure I’d want to mess with them if it’s pouring rain or I’ve got the kids in the backseat. Sometimes just knowing someone’s on their way is worth the yearly fee.
That said, I’ve noticed AAA isn’t quite as fast as it used to be. Last winter, I waited almost two hours for a tow when my battery died at the grocery store. Not the end of the world, but with groceries melting and two cranky kids, it felt like forever. I remember years ago it seemed like they’d show up in 30-40 minutes, tops. Maybe it’s just busier now, or maybe it depends on where you are.
“The cost of a good jump starter plus inflator isn’t nothing, and batteries need charging too—easy to forget until you actually need it.”
This is so true. I bought a jump starter last year and totally forgot to charge it for months. When I finally needed it, the thing was dead. Kind of defeats the purpose. I guess it’s one more thing to keep track of, which isn’t always easy when you’ve got a million other things on your mind.
Curious if anyone’s tried those roadside assistance add-ons from regular car insurance instead of AAA? I’ve seen them offered for way less, but I’m not sure if they’re as reliable. Is it just a “you get what you pay for” situation, or are they actually decent?
Tried the insurance add-on once when I switched policies—honestly, it was a mixed bag. The price was way lower than AAA, but when I actually needed a tow, it took almost as long as AAA did (about 90 minutes). The operator seemed less organized too. I guess you save money, but you’re not getting VIP treatment. If you’re mostly in town and don’t break down much, maybe it’s fine... but if you travel a lot or have kids in the car, I’d probably stick with AAA or at least set expectations low with the insurance version.
Yeah, I’ve noticed AAA isn’t as quick as they used to be either. The insurance add-ons are tempting for the price, but you’re right—service can feel pretty bare-bones. For me, it’s about how often you actually need the help. If it’s rare, saving a few bucks makes sense.