AAA Texas Disaster Recovery Assistance; Consumer Hotline Tips for Repairing Flooded Vehicles; AAA Mobilizes Disaster Recovery Tow Team
HOUSTON--June 15, 2001--HotlineToday AAA Texas launched its Consumer Information Hotline featuring automotive tips to help motorists whose vehicles were caught in the furry of Tropical Storm Allison. AAA's hotline includes information on what to do if your car is flooded and how to choose a reputable repair shop. The hotline also offers a free consumer car care guide and a list of AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. The consumer hotline number is 713/834-3333.
Disaster Recovery Tow Team Mobilized
Our affiliate, the Auto Club of Southern California, has dispatched 10 tow trucks to Houston to help with the disaster recovery. Demand for tow services has skyrocketed in the wake of Allison's destruction. Requests for towing assistance from AAA Texas increased 250 percent above normal call volume for the Houston area.
The fleet of tow trucks dispatched from the Auto Club of Southern California includes a wheel-chair accessible tow truck -- it is the only one of its kind in Texas. Earlier in the week, the auto club provided several hundred maps to the Red Cross. Free first aid kits were distributed at one of our local offices.
Flooded Car Repair Tips
Taking the proper steps to get the needed repairs for your vehicle could save you thousands of dollars. AAA Texas recommends these tips for motorists:
| -- | Do not try to start your vehicle -- this could cause more damage to sensitive engine and computer components. Have your vehicle towed to a certified auto technician who can inspect the vehicle and discuss the needed repairs with you. |
| -- | If your car was exposed to flood waters that rose above the bottom of the vehicle's door that may mean that electrical components were exposed to water. |
| -- | Water in the engine can cause serious damage. Engine components and electrical devices can sometimes be salvaged, but corrosion and oxidation can still occur several weeks after the components are cleaned and dried. |
| -- | Some damage may not show up until a much later date. Door locks, window regulators, wiring harnesses, plus heating and air conditioning components are a few of the types of devices that may become water logged and fail at a later date. |
If your car has suffered flood damage, AAA Texas offers some proactive steps that you can take to help ensure you find a reputable repair shop.
-- Ask family members and friends for some recommendations and
shop around for the best deal.
-- Make sure the repair shop has the equipment and expertise to
perform the repairs needed.
-- Look for shops that display various certifications -- such as
the ASE or Automotive Service Excellence seal.
-- Once you find the shop you want to work with, always get and
keep a signed estimate of the work.
Assignment Editor: Tow Truck Disaster Recovery Team ride-along can be arranged.