Smile—we're on our way
Sticking our neck out for you when you're on the road is what AAA is all about. In fact, we handled 2.9 million requests last year from members in need of road service. More often than not, we'll solve your problem—flat tire, dead battery, stuck vehicle, keys locked inside—on the spot and send you on your way. That's the service our members count on.
We hope your vehicle will never give you trouble, but if it does just call (800) 222-4357 and we'll meet you with a smile. By the way, you can download the AAA Roadside application to your iPhone, free, from the App Store at iTunes.
Through December 31, save $17 on a AAA gift membership. To learn more, stop by any AAA branch, visit AAA.com/viajoin, or
call (800) 564-6222.
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SAVINGS
Treat your car to some real TLC
Cold, wet weather can be hard on any vehicle. To help you keep yours in top shape, AAA is offering a 60-point visual inspection of batteries, brakes, and other potential sources of trouble along with tire rotation and new wiper blades for just $24.99 (an $80 value). Inspections are available through December 31. To find a participating AAA Approved Auto Repair or Car Care Plus facility near you, call (800) 645-4288 or visit AAA.com/viacar.
For other exclusive member savings, visit AAA.com/discounts.
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MILESTONES
Television: From infant to giant
1927
Philo Farnsworth uses his image dissector to transmit a picture of a line.
1940
NBC introduces an evening newscast, hosted by radio man Lowell Thomas, as part of its regular programming.
1954
Swanson debuts the frozen TV dinner—turkey and fixings in a box depicting a television screen.
1980
Media mogul Ted Turner launches Cable News Network, the first 24-hour news channel.
1993
Ninety-eight percent of U.S. households own at least one TV set;
64 percent have two or more.
2008
One billion viewers tune in for the opening of the Beijing Olympics.
AAA members who sign up for DirecTV can receive a $10 credit on monthly bills for 24 months, a free HD or DVR upgrade, and free installation. For more information, call (800) 242-9114 or visit AAA.com/discounts.
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MYTH BUSTER
Myth: T-shirts and diapers make good car wipes.
Truth: Grit rides smooth cloth and scratches paint. Use terry cloth to absorb particles and do less harm.
Looking for some shiny new wheels? Let the AAA Auto Buying Service help you take the stress out of purchasing a car. For more information, call (800) 816-3369 or visit AAA.com/vianewcar.
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YOUR TURN
You called AAA road service for help with…
Next issue: What feature would you most like to see as standard on every car?
▪ Crash avoidance
▪ Autopilot
▪ Night vision
▪ Zero pollution
Email your vote to yaaa@viamagazine.com by November 9. We'll reveal the results in our next issue.
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POSTCARD
Stonehenge
By Kristina Malsberger
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has noted 890 sites around the globe "considered to be of outstanding value to humanity." AAA Travel is a member of the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, and Postcard will highlight a different site in each issue.
Forget the Beatles and the Rolling Stones—Britain's biggest rock stars are the megaband of monoliths known as Stonehenge. We're talking off-the-charts huge: The largest pillar weighs nearly 50 tons and towers
24 feet. The monument's purpose remains a mystery. We know Stonehenge was built between 3000 and 1600 b.c., but archaeologists still debate whether it was used as a burial site, a healing center, or an astronomical calendar.
The reclusive supergroup resides a two-hour drive from London on the grassy Salisbury Plain. The stones are roped off from their fans, but diehards can schedule closer access in the early morning and evening—or join druids, neopagans, and New Agers for far-out solstice celebrations. Whatever the season, you'll first need to get to England. Stonehenge never tours.
The AAA Sojourns London Family Vacation includes a visit to Stonehenge. For more information, call (888) 586-4222 or visit AAA.com/sojourns.
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TRAVEL PLANNER
November
SAVE November 11 is Veterans Day—a good reminder that members of the United States military enjoy exclusive discounts on select Carnival Cruise Lines trips.
PLAN AHEAD Step into the on-deck circle by making reservations for our Major League Baseball spring training vacation package next March in Phoenix.
DON'T FORGET Airport security personnel may ask you to unwrap holiday gifts for inspection. To avoid the hassle, head to the nearest UPS Store instead—AAA members save 5 percent on shipping.
For locations, visit upsstore.com.
December
SAVE Through December 31, receive $35 off the weekly rental of a Hertz Green Collection vehicle such as a Toyota or Nissan hybrid. Learn more at AAA.com/hertz.
PLAN AHEAD Consider our seven-day Springtime in Holland package (April 20– 26, 2010). The tour includes a visit to Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden, home to more than 6 million bulbs.
DON'T FORGET AAA members who ride Amtrak get 10 percent off the lowest passenger fare. Call (800) 872- 7245 or visit AAA.com/discounts.
Let AAA help you get where you're going safely and on budget.
Call (888) 586- 4222 or visit AAA.com/viago.
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NEWS FLASH
Free AAA iPhone app gets great reviews
The AAA Roadside application for the iPhone lets you request help for your car—and have it sent to your location—without making a call. It's so convenient that the New York Times selected it as an App of the Week. AAA Roadside is available free through iTunes.
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YOUR CAR
Does it matter what brand of gas I buy?
By Nino Padova
Oil companies pump barrels of money into the effort to convince you their product is better than the competition's. Chevron's Techron-fortified fuel comes recommended by a fleet of gleeful autos; ConocoPhillips touts Proclean. Besides the price and fancy marketing, though, there's little difference between brandname gas and what you get at the momand-pop pump up the block.
"They're basically the same fuel," says Marcia Goggans, a chemist for the Motor Fuel Testing Laboratory in Maryland. In 2007, the lab compared discount and brand-name gasolines and came to the conclusion that the two were nearly identical.
That's not surprising, because by EPA mandate, every gallon of unleaded must be bolstered with detergents to keep emissions and engines clean. Then consider that most gas comes from the same sources. Suppliers share pipelines, and what you put in your tank at Texaco may have been refined by ExxonMobil, or vice versa.
To top it off, dealers can buy their fuel on the open market. That means the generic station could be selling you one of the big boys' house blends, and for less. So go on, fill up and save a buck. Grab a pack of gum while you're at it—if you don't mind blowing some of the money you just saved.
Shop for the least expensive fuel near you with the AAA Gas Price Finder. Visit AAA.com/gasprices for more information.
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SPOTLIGHT
AAA Rewards Visa card
Apply for the AAA Rewards Visa card at any branch office and get credit instantly. Every dollar you spend with the card earns you points that may be redeemed for cash and retail gift cards as well as AAA products. Earn extra points when you use your AAA Visa to purchase gas or to make payments on your AAA insurance. Other benefits include no annual fee and the option to have your AAA membership dues paid automatically.
For details, stop by your local branch or visit AAA.com/viavisa. |
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