AAA: High Tech Cars Are Breaking Down

Sometimes going new isn’t the best choice, especially after this startling report from AAA.

According to AAA, among the record 32 million motorists that received roadside service from the company last year, new vehicles made up a disproportionate number of service calls.

According to the report, cars less than five years old had the largest share of the most common problems including flat tires, battery failures, and key issues. Twenty percent of calls to newer vehicles required for them to be towed.

“Vehicles today are advanced more than ever, yet are still vulnerable to breakdowns,” AAA’s managing director of automotive solutions Cliff Rudd said in a statement.

“Sleek, low profile tires are highly susceptible to damage, electronic keyless ignitions can zap battery life, and despite advanced warning systems, more than half a million drivers ran out of gas last year.”

In order to prevent roadside breakdowns, AAA recommends that motorists only purchase vehicles that have a spare tire, check their tires once a month and batteries once a year after the third year.