Help with Auto Repairs is as Convenient as Your Cellular Phone, AAA Says

ORLANDO, Fla.--Oct. 2, 20046, 2004--Calling all motorists! As part of AAA Car Care Month this October, AAA is reminding motorists their cell phone can be used to arrange auto repairs in addition to summoning roadside assistance.

Mobile phones have become a lifeline for North American motorists. Every year, more than 73 million calls are placed to 911 hotlines from cellular phones according to the Cellular Telephone Industry Association. AAA handles an additional 14 million calls for emergency roadside assistance from cellular callers.

"Your cell phone can be perceived as a companion or a status symbol, but when you really need it, it can be your most important personal safety device," says John Nielsen, Director, AAA Approved Auto Repair.

"Like a best friend," Nielsen adds, "A cell phone can be comforting to those driving alone; they feel safer just knowing help is within reach."

Now with assistance from AAA, this help can include referrals to trustworthy auto maintenance and repair businesses throughout the United States and Canada. This AAA service is a definite boon to those traveling far from home, or just across town, especially if access to the closest reputable repair shop is required due to mechanical trouble on the road.

For reliable assistance with vehicle repairs and maintenance, AAA has identified a network of approved repair facilities that include new car dealerships and independent repair shops. These shops meet AAA's strict quality standards and display AAA's logo. A phone call to 1-800-AAA-HELP or to a local AAA club phone number for emergency road service is all that is required to find the nearest AAA approved shop. A list of AAA approved repair shops also is available at http://www.aaa.com.

Calling ahead is always a good idea when arranging for auto repairs. Find out if the shop will be open, if they have time to work on your vehicle, if the repairs can be completed in a timely manner and if they are experienced working with the make and model of the vehicle you drive.

Cell phones and safety go hand in hand. However, to maintain safety, AAA suggests that motorists always park safely off the roadway when using a cellular phone.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its more than 47 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automobile-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of travelers. AAA websites with resourceful information are: http://www.fuelgaugereport.com, http://www.aaa.com, and http://www.aaamaps.com.