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<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; A new AAA survey reports that 64 million American drivers would not be able to pay for an unexpected vehicle repair without going into debt.</p><p>The findings, AAA says, indicate that many drivers underestimate the full cost of owning and operating a vehicle.</p><p>&#8220;We learned last week that rising gas prices will impact driver behavior,&#8221; said Jana Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. &#8220;Now we learn that adding an unexpected repair bill will force many motorists to put it in park. AAA is encouraging drivers to save money like their mobility depends on it &#8212; because it does.&#8221;</p><p>Because some car repairs are unavoidable, and the average repair bill is between $500 and $600, AAA urges drivers to save at least $50 a month for unforeseen expenses.</p><p>According to AAA, the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle is more than $8,500 a year.</p><p>To avoid a surprise down the road, AAA says, drivers should budget for monthly payments, insurance premiums, fuel costs and the inevitable expenses of routine maintenance and repair.</p><p>Although an average repair bill can set a driver back up to $600, the cost can soar higher when a vehicle has been poorly maintained. A previous AAA survey found that one-third of U.S. drivers skip or delay recommended service or repairs, which increases the likelihood of unexpected mechanical failures and leaves a vehicle more vulnerable to roadside breakdown. In 2016 alone, AAA responded to nearly 32 million stranded motorists.</p><p>&#8220;While it may seem that skipping maintenance and repairs can save money in the short term, staying on top of car care can save drivers hundreds of dollars in the long run,&#8221; says John Nielsen, AAA&#8217;s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair.</p><p>Before a breakdown happens, AAA recommends that vehicle owners:</p><p>&#8226; Follow the manufacturer&#8217;s recommended maintenance schedule to avoid roadside trouble.</p><p>&#8226; Identify a repair shop you trust. Visit AAA.com/autorepair to locate a local AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.</p><p>If faced with an unexpected repair, AAA suggests that drivers:</p><p>&#8226; Get a written estimate for the repair and clarify with the shop the work that needs to be done on the vehicle. Consider getting a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis.</p><p>&#8226; Negotiate the repair bill with the mechanic. Ask if the shop offers any discounts or payment plans that can reduce immediate out-of-pocket costs.</p><style>
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<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_AAA-Car-repairs.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_AAA-Car-repairs.jpg</photo0><caption0></caption0><photoCredit0>Photo courtesy of AAA Mid-Atlantic </photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_AAA.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_AAA.jpg</photo1><caption1></caption1><photoCredit1>Photo courtesy of AAA Mid-Atlantic </photoCredit1></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Bill O&#8217;Boyle</p><p>boboyle@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Bill O&#8217;Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

AAA Mid-Atlantic: One-in-three U.S. drivers can’t afford car repairs