Will AAA Change a Tire?
If you’re stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, the first thing that might come to mind is calling AAA (American Automobile Association) for help. But what exactly can they do for you in this situation? Will they change your tire, and what are the conditions involved? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about whether AAA will change a tire and the services they provide for tire-related emergencies.
What Is AAA Roadside Assistance?
AAA offers roadside assistance services to its members, which includes help with a variety of car problems when you’re on the road. One of the key services is tire change assistance, but the scope of this service can vary based on your specific membership plan and the situation you’re in.
Will AAA Change My Tire?
Yes, But with Some Conditions
In most cases, AAA will change your flat tire, provided that the vehicle has a usable spare tire. Here’s what you can generally expect from AAA when you call for a tire change:
- Usable Spare Tire: AAA can only replace your flat tire with the spare tire that is in your car. If you don’t have a spare tire or your spare is damaged, AAA may not be able to help. In some cases, they may help you with a tow to a nearby mechanic or tire shop where you can get a new tire.
- Location Matters: If you’re in a safe location, such as a parking lot or the side of the road, and your vehicle is accessible, AAA will usually be able to assist. However, if you’re in a dangerous spot (like the middle of a highway or an inaccessible location), there might be limitations on how they can help.
- Member Benefits: As a AAA member, tire changes are typically part of the roadside assistance package. However, if you’re not a member, you’ll likely need to sign up for a membership or pay an additional fee for the service.
- No Extra Charges for Basic Services: If you’re under the basic AAA membership, the tire change service is typically included in the membership. However, if additional services are required, such as towing the vehicle to a repair shop or if AAA needs to use special tools, there could be extra charges.
What If I Don’t Have a Spare Tire?
If you don’t have a spare tire, AAA may not be able to perform a tire change. However, they offer a towing service that can take your car to the nearest repair shop or tire dealer for a replacement. You may need to pay for the new tire and installation, depending on the shop’s pricing.
Some higher-level AAA memberships might include coverage for tire repair or a flat tire repair service, but this will depend on the specific terms of your membership.
Are There Any Limitations to AAA’s Tire Change Service?
While AAA offers great tire change assistance, there are some limitations you should keep in mind:
- Tire Condition: AAA won’t replace a tire that is completely damaged or non-repairable. If your tire is beyond repair or doesn’t have a spare replacement, AAA will need to tow the vehicle to a repair shop.
- Inaccessible Locations: If your car is stuck in a hard-to-reach place, such as off-road or in a location that is dangerous for the roadside assistance technician to safely change the tire, AAA may not be able to help until the car is in a safer position.
- Tire Size and Type: If your vehicle uses a specialty tire (e.g., low-profile tires, larger tires, or specific performance tires), it’s important to ensure that your spare tire is the correct size. AAA can only help if you have a compatible spare.
- Time Limitations: Depending on your membership plan and local AAA policies, the number of roadside assistance calls you can make per year may be limited. If you exceed these limits, you might be charged additional fees.
What Should I Do Before AAA Arrives?
To make the tire change process as smooth as possible, here are some steps to follow before AAA arrives:
1. Ensure Safety
- Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, away from traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Set the parking brake to keep the car from moving.
2. Locate the Spare Tire
Make sure the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench are in your vehicle. This is typically found in the trunk, under the vehicle, or in the cargo area, depending on your car model.
3. Provide Clear Information
When calling AAA, give them clear information about your location and any specific conditions (such as whether you’re on the highway or in a parking lot). This helps them prepare the right equipment.
Can AAA Help with Tire Repair?
AAA’s tire change service is mostly focused on replacing flat tires with a spare. However, if your tire is repairable, some AAA plans may include flat tire repair as part of your roadside assistance benefits. It’s always a good idea to check your membership benefits to see if tire repair is included in your package.
FAQs
1. Will AAA change a tire at any time of day?
Yes, AAA offers 24/7 roadside assistance, including tire changes. You can call them anytime, day or night.
2. Will AAA change a tire if I don’t have a spare?
If you don’t have a spare tire, AAA can tow your car to the nearest repair shop or tire dealer where you can get a replacement. They may charge additional fees for this service.
3. How long will it take for AAA to change my tire?
The time it takes for AAA to change your tire depends on the location, time of day, and availability of nearby technicians. On average, expect them to arrive within 30 to 60 minutes, but this can vary.
4. Does AAA charge extra for tire changes?
For most members, tire changes are part of the standard roadside assistance package. However, you may be charged if additional services are needed, such as towing, or if you don’t have a usable spare tire.
5. Can AAA fix a flat tire that is not repairable?
If your flat tire cannot be repaired, AAA will need to tow the vehicle to a shop where you can get a replacement tire.
Conclusion
In most cases, AAA can help you by changing a flat tire as part of their roadside assistance services, provided that you have a usable spare tire. While they may not be able to fix unrepairable tires or assist in certain difficult locations, AAA is a reliable service for tire changes in most roadside emergencies. If you’re unsure of your coverage, it’s always good to check the details of your AAA membership before you need to call for help.
