"Seems like luck of the draw sometimes, or maybe just depends on how busy they are."
Yeah, that's been my experience too. I drive a classic Mustang, and honestly, AAA's inconsistency makes me nervous. With older cars, you can't really afford to gamble on response times—especially if you're stuck somewhere sketchy or remote. Keeping local tow numbers handy is smart; I've done the same. Better safe than sorry when it comes to breakdowns... learned that the hard way myself.
I've noticed the same thing lately. Had a flat tire in the middle of nowhere last month, and AAA took almost two hours to show up. Luckily, I always keep a roadside emergency kit in the trunk—flashlight, reflective triangles, jumper cables, basic tools, and a spare phone charger. Honestly, it's worth putting together your own kit and having a backup plan. Can't always rely on response times, especially if you're driving something older or less reliable.
I've dealt with similar delays myself, and it's definitely frustrating when you're stuck waiting around. Good call on keeping an emergency kit handy—it's surprising how many people overlook something that simple. Even the best roadside services can have off days or get overwhelmed, especially in remote areas. Having a backup plan like yours takes away some of the stress and gives you peace of mind... smart move.
I've noticed AAA response times slipping a bit lately too. They're usually decent, but it's always smart to have a contingency plan—like your emergency kit—because honestly, you never know when Murphy's Law might kick in... better safe than sorry, right?
Yeah, I've noticed the same thing lately. AAA used to be my go-to because they're pretty affordable and reliable, but the last couple times I called, it took way longer than expected. One time, I was stuck with a dead battery in a grocery store parking lot—nothing major, but still annoying. They said it'd be around 30 minutes, but ended up being closer to two hours. Luckily, I always keep jumper cables in my trunk, and someone nearby helped me out long before AAA showed up.
Honestly, your idea of having an emergency kit is spot-on. I'd also suggest keeping a small portable jump starter handy if you can swing it—it saved me more than once. They're pretty compact these days and not super expensive if you shop around on Amazon or catch a good sale at Costco or something. Also, make sure you periodically check your spare tire pressure and keep a basic tire repair kit in your car. You never realize how much you'll appreciate those until you're stuck on the side of the road.
I still think AAA has decent value overall, especially considering their discounts at hotels and stuff like that—but yeah, relying completely on them probably isn't the safest bet anymore. Good call on the Murphy's Law comment... seems like whenever I'm least prepared is exactly when things decide to go sideways.
