TOWSON, MD (April 17, 2018) –– As 64 percent of family travelers gear up for a road trip this summer, AAA warns that the majority of vehicles are at a higher-than-average risk for a breakdown.

A new analysis of AAA roadside data shows that vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to end up stranded on the side of the road compared to newer vehicles.  On top of that, the odds of needing a tow quadruples with those older vehicles. With more than half of cars on the road aged 10 years or older, AAA urges drivers to minimize the chance of a breakdown by getting their vehicle road-trip ready to keep their summer travel on track.

“It’s no surprise that older vehicles are more likely to encounter a serious breakdown, but it is surprising just how many people are at risk,” said Chris Storms, AAA Car Care Center Regional Director. “All vehicles – even the newest ones – are prone to typical roadside headaches like dead batteries and flat tires, but vehicles 10 years and older are four times more likely to encounter a problem serious enough to require a tow to a repair shop.”

During this upcoming summer season, June 21 – September 22, AAA expects to come to the rescue of 7.7 million motorists nationwide, while AAA Mid-Atlantic projects aiding over 138,000 motorists in Maryland, an anticipated two percent increase over last summer. Top reasons for roadside service in the state last summer were for towing (46 percent) followed by dead batteries (20 percent), and flat tires (16 percent), and AAA Mid-Atlantic expects the reasons for summer roadside service to mirror these percentages once again.

Fortunately, most roadside trouble is avoidable. For vehicles of any age, old and new, AAA advises drivers make a good B-E-T to stay on the road by having a vehicle’s Battery, Engine and Tires checked before embarking on a summer excursion. Long trips coupled with hot weather places additional strain on vehicles and in some cases may accelerate a dormant issue. When these key systems are in good working order, AAA data shows the odds of encountering a serious breakdown are greatly reduced.

The top three types of vehicle issues that could derail a road trip are:

• Battery-related issues, including faulty starters or alternators. A battery on the brink of dying rarely warns a driver before it fails, but having a simple battery test will. Through its mobile battery program, AAA offers its members free testing of a vehicle’s battery and electrical system. All motorists, whether a member or not, can also visit a AAA Car Care Center for a free battery check.  To find a facility, visit AAA.com/Locations.

• Engine cooling system failures, such as the radiator, thermostat or water pump or engine parts such as the timing belt, most prominently in vehicles age 10 years and older. Much like a battery, the components of the engine cooling system may fail without warning. Drivers should look for fluids such as coolant pooling underneath the vehicle when it is parked as an indication of an impending problem.

• Tire damage severe enough to require repair or replacement. Drivers can minimize this risk by checking tread depth, tire pressure and whether their vehicle is equipped with a spare tire.

A professional and thorough vehicle inspection can help reduce the chance of a serious breakdown. If a car does end up at a repair shop, not only will a road trip be interrupted, drivers can expect to spend anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars to get back on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers may hesitate to schedule an inspection. Not only are the majority of U.S. drivers leery of repair shops, one-in-three cannot afford an unexpected vehicle repair.

“Drivers may skip taking their car in for an inspection, hoping to avoid an expensive repair bill,” added Ben Perricone, Approved Auto Repair Territory Manager. “But, when you factor in the cost of a disrupted trip, having a vehicle inspected and proactively repaired will cost much less in the long run.”

Motorists can identify reliable, high-quality repair shops with certified technicians by looking for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign or by visiting one of AAA Mid-Atlantic’s 11 Maryland AAA Car Care Centers.  These facilities must meet and maintain high professional standards for customer service, technician training, tools, equipment, warranties and cleanliness.

Additionally, AAA also offers a free repair cost calculator, also found at AAA.com/repaircost that provides drivers the ability to estimate the cost of a repair or to verify a quote received for their vehicle.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than 937,000 members in Maryland.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit AAA.com.