Roadside service providers?

[paulat585]

Hi, I'm establishing residency here. My car roadside service in Ohio cost $55 a year, but I hear it is more expensive in Florida. Any suggestions as to service providers to check out? I used AAA up north. Thanks!

[JohnN]

I use AAA and they helped when I needed them.

[billlaur]

AAA best service around, no more expensive here than up north...

[KittyKat]

Hi, I'm establishing residency here. My car roadside service in Ohio cost $55 a year, but I hear it is more expensive in Florida. Any suggestions as to service providers to check out? I used AAA up north. Thanks!

I'm from Dayton & had AAA Plus because that pays for a tow up to 100 miles from home. When I moved down here in 2007, I kept that plan because my sister lives near Orlando. Don't travel out of The Villages except to doctors' appts now so I downgraded to Classic. I just got my renewal notice for Feb 2021: $57. It's been money well spent as I found out that a car sitting in a very hot garage all day drains the battery. I have had to get one every 2-3 years vs 3-4 in Ohio. They send a pickup truck. I have been at home twice & once at Lowe's. I started buying their batteries because of the warranty, which I had to use once. BTW, you'll be transferring to the AAA South Club. Call the office in LSL to check prices for different levels. Their ph# is (352) 751-1888 :welcome:

[paulat585]

I'm from Dayton & had AAA Plus because that pays for a tow up to 100 miles from home. When I moved down here in 2007, I kept that plan because my sister lives near Orlando. Don't travel out of The Villages except to doctors' appts now so I downgraded to Classic. I just got my renewal notice for Feb 2021: $57. It's been money well spent as I found out that a car sitting in a very hot garage all day drains the battery. I have had to get one every 2-3 years vs 3-4 in Ohio. They send a pickup truck. I have been at home twice & once at Lowe's. I started buying their batteries because of the warranty, which I had to use once. BTW, you'll be transferring to the AAA South Club. Call the office in LSL to check prices for different levels. Their ph# is (352) 751-1888 :welcome:
Very interesting re the battery. I already had to replace one last winter when I was renting. Now I know the reason.

[paulat585]

Thanks, everyone! AAA it is!

[Annie66]

I pay $258 per year with AAA for their Plus coverage, so it averages out to ~$22 per month. It covers us plus two of our children. Not a bad deal.

[hatsyc]

AAASouth also covers your golf cart. We have had occasion to use it several times.

[retiredguy123]

I'm from Dayton & had AAA Plus because that pays for a tow up to 100 miles from home. When I moved down here in 2007, I kept that plan because my sister lives near Orlando. Don't travel out of The Villages except to doctors' appts now so I downgraded to Classic. I just got my renewal notice for Feb 2021: $57. It's been money well spent as I found out that a car sitting in a very hot garage all day drains the battery. I have had to get one every 2-3 years vs 3-4 in Ohio. They send a pickup truck. I have been at home twice & once at Lowe's. I started buying their batteries because of the warranty, which I had to use once. BTW, you'll be transferring to the AAA South Club. Call the office in LSL to check prices for different levels. Their ph# is (352) 751-1888 :welcome:
The inside of a garage rarely gets any hotter than the outside air temperature. Millions of cars around the world are continually exposed to higher temperatures than Florida garages. So, I think your reasoning about why your battery died is flawed.

[Dahabs]

I'm from Dayton & had AAA Plus because that pays for a tow up to 100 miles from home. When I moved down here in 2007, I kept that plan because my sister lives near Orlando. Don't travel out of The Villages except to doctors' appts now so I downgraded to Classic. I just got my renewal notice for Feb 2021: $57. It's been money well spent as I found out that a car sitting in a very hot garage all day drains the battery. I have had to get one every 2-3 years vs 3-4 in Ohio. They send a pickup truck. I have been at home twice & once at Lowe's. I started buying their batteries because of the warranty, which I had to use once. BTW, you'll be transferring to the AAA South Club. Call the office in LSL to check prices for different levels. Their ph# is (352) 751-1888 :welcome:

Replacing a battery every 2-3 years seems a bit much. If lack of use is truly the reason I would suggest battery tender to maintain the charge.

[Keninches]

We have Florida Farm Bureau car insurance and roadside help is included. Best Ever.
No you don’t have to be a farmer to have their insurance.

[jbrown132]

The inside of a garage rarely gets any hotter than the outside air temperature. Millions of cars around the world are continually exposed to higher temperatures than Florida garages. So, I think your reasoning about why your battery died is flawed.

I don’t think his reasoning is flawed. I have have bee in Fl for 10 years now and have replaced my battery on the average of every 2.5 years. Up north I replaced my battery about every 4 years. I have always used the same type of batteries so the only variable is the heat.

[richs631]

The inside of a garage rarely gets any hotter than the outside air temperature. Millions of cars around the world are continually exposed to higher temperatures than Florida garages. So, I think your reasoning about why your battery died is flawed.

It is absolutely true, batteries in a hot weather climate go quicker than cold weather. A good brand new battery will last 12-18 months shorter in Florida as opposed to the same battery in NY

[matandch]

Road Rangers patrol Florida interstate highways and give FREE roadside assistance. I had a blowout on I75 and was told by AAA 2 hr wait. RR found my in 30 minutes and changed my tire absolutely free of charge. Here’s a link: Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.fdot.gov/traffic/roadrangers/faq.htm)

[retiredguy123]

It is absolutely true, batteries in a hot weather climate go quicker than cold weather. A good brand new battery will last 12-18 months shorter in Florida as opposed to the same battery in NY
You could be correct about the hot vs cold weather climates. But, I don't think that parking the car in a garage vs outside has much affect on the life of the battery in Florida. My garage does not get hotter than the outside temperature. However, I think that using a garage in a cold climate will extend the battery life because you will reduce cold starts.

[Girlcopper]

Hi, I'm establishing residency here. My car roadside service in Ohio cost $55 a year, but I hear it is more expensive in Florida. Any suggestions as to service providers to check out? I used AAA up north. Thanks!
Buy a Lincoln. They provide free road service

[Singerlady]

Hi, I'm establishing residency here. My car roadside service in Ohio cost $55 a year, but I hear it is more expensive in Florida. Any suggestions as to service providers to check out? I used AAA up north. Thanks!

...and AAA covers your golf cart ‘road’ service, too. If you’re on the golf course, the club tows your cart to the parking lot ( private property to public property), and then AAA picks you up there. No extra fee.

[Ken D.]

I think wait time (AAA) for golf coverage is poor. Better sticking with KartAide, or another golf tow service.

[pcacace]

Join AAA. Use another member as a referral and get $20 off of your renewal and theirs also. I’ve been a member over 50 years. Other benefits included. There’s a large office next door to Perkins or one in Sumter landing.

[loufromnewjersey]

Stay with AAA it's the best deal here, plus AAA also tows your golf cart as part of their membership

[Dgodin]

Hi, I'm establishing residency here. My car roadside service in Ohio cost $55 a year, but I hear it is more expensive in Florida. Any suggestions as to service providers to check out? I used AAA up north. Thanks!
Florida AAA will tow(pick up) a stranded golf cart. We used it when we got a flat tire. They took it to the dealer.

[Smilingfeelsgood]

The inside of a garage rarely gets any hotter than the outside air temperature. Millions of cars around the world are continually exposed to higher temperatures than Florida garages. So, I think your reasoning about why your battery died is flawed.
My Forester has given me battery trouble since day one. Subaru tells me I don't drive enough and because of all the functions that run off the battery, it will do dead in 3-5 days. Just had to replace the battery (not under warranty). Have been advised by Subaru that maybe beginning in 2022 Forester will have two batteries. yes two! One for the normal car starting and one to run the auxiliary functions. Makes sense to me! I am currently looking at Volvo XC40 or 60 as a replacement. The heated garage is doubtful!

[Neils]

Up north you likely drove your car every day to commute for miles to work. Down here most cars sit in garage for several days at a time then go on very short trips.
Constant sitting for several days and short trips reduce battery life.

[Neils]

Buy a Lincoln. They provide free road service

Just wonder - Does a new Lincoln need it?

[seoulbrooks]

Might want to look and see what organizations are supported by AAA. I will never join AAA.

[biker1]

I suggest you take the car back to the Subaru dealer and have them diagnose, and fix, where the excessive parasitic drain is coming from. There is no way that the battery should be drained in 3-5 days in a properly functioning car. Ask the dealer if they are starting every new car on their lot every few days.


My Forester has given me battery trouble since day one. Subaru tells me I don't drive enough and because of all the functions that run off the battery, it will do dead in 3-5 days. Just had to replace the battery (not under warranty). Have been advised by Subaru that maybe beginning in 2022 Forester will have two batteries. yes two! One for the normal car starting and one to run the auxiliary functions. Makes sense to me! I am currently looking at Volvo XC40 or 60 as a replacement. The heated garage is doubtful!

[Dlbonivich]

Air conditioning is the reason fir short term battery life, many cars now also have many more electronics.

[Worldseries27]

stay up north and you can keep your inexpensive roadside
service.
i see some diamonds are really pieces of coal

[KRM0614]

I pay $258 per year with AAA for their Plus coverage, so it averages out to ~$22 per month. It covers us plus two of our children. Not a bad deal.
What is AAA plus in detail ?
What about if you drive a lot in other states ?

[KRM0614]

The inside of a garage rarely gets any hotter than the outside air temperature. Millions of cars around the world are continually exposed to higher temperatures than Florida garages. So, I think your reasoning about why your battery died is flawed.
It is very flawed. My Audi is 7 years old it sat for months undriven and no problem with the battery. I drive very little and don’t have a good cart and do not have that issue.

[KRM0614]

No the problem is either wiring or the battery.

[Red Rose]

Many people here are snowbirds, so their cars are in the garage all summer. It would be worse if you left your car in the driveway with the hot sun pounding on it. In the garage, you have shade. Either way, though, would probably affect your battery in the same way.

[chas39]

Hi, I'm establishing residency here. My car roadside service in Ohio cost $55 a year, but I hear it is more expensive in Florida. Any suggestions as to service providers to check out? I used AAA up north. Thanks!
I have AAA here is good plus you get 10% off the restaurant’s with it.

[John_W]

My Yamaha gas cart sits in the garage all day, in fact I only drive it one day a week, when I play a championship course. My first battery died at 4-1/2 years and my second battery I replaced at 4-1/2 years, it was still good but I didn't want to chance it. It uses 24F battery which I buy from Rural King in Leesburg for $55 plus tax. Heat hasn't really effected my golf cart battery.

https://www.ruralking.com/media/catalog/product/b/d/bd837d699b5fbb0366eb9a67ef05d2eb3eed19c2_65240779_ 65240779_image_65240779.jpg?quality=80&bg-color=255,255,255&fit=bounds&height=560&width=700&canvas=700:560

BTW I have Kart Aide for $60 every two years, which is reasonable. I also have AAA at $66 a year from SS office. Good peace of mind.

[charlieboy]

I'm from Dayton & had AAA Plus because that pays for a tow up to 100 miles from home. When I moved down here in 2007, I kept that plan because my sister lives near Orlando. Don't travel out of The Villages except to doctors' appts now so I downgraded to Classic. I just got my renewal notice for Feb 2021: $57. It's been money well spent as I found out that a car sitting in a very hot garage all day drains the battery. I have had to get one every 2-3 years vs 3-4 in Ohio. They send a pickup truck. I have been at home twice & once at Lowe's. I started buying their batteries because of the warranty, which I had to use once. BTW, you'll be transferring to the AAA South Club. Call the office in LSL to check prices for different levels. Their ph# is (352) 751-1888 :welcome:

Modern cars have several computers that are drawing on your battery all the time, even when the car is off (ABS, Ignition system, etc.). This is because there isn't time for them to boot up when you start your car and drive away. The result for a lot of Villagers is that the battery discharges more than usual because we drive our carts in place of the car a lot. A quick trip to the grocery store doesn't charge the battery to full. Lead acid batteries like to be fully charged as much as possible. This is a contributing factor to shorter battery life. Like another person posted; a battery tender may help.

[Nordhagen]

Have it on my auto policy,Nationwide, costs $1.90 for 6 months.

[logdog]

If you have a VISA credit card, you probably have roadside assistance as a card benefit. Service calls are usually under $70 with no annual fee. Check with your card provider.

[CocoPuff]

You might want to check with your other providers. We have Geico and they have great roadside service included. My credit card as well as our cell phone plan have roadside assist included as well.

[paulat585]

Road Rangers patrol Florida interstate highways and give FREE roadside assistance. I had a blowout on I75 and was told by AAA 2 hr wait. RR found my in 30 minutes and changed my tire absolutely free of charge. Here’s a link: Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.fdot.gov/traffic/roadrangers/faq.htm)
Great info. Just put it in my phone. Thanks!

[Gulfcoast]

We get roadside assistance through our auto insurance policy but if we didn't we would definitely get AAA.

[KittyKat]

The inside of a garage rarely gets any hotter than the outside air temperature. Millions of cars around the world are continually exposed to higher temperatures than Florida garages. So, I think your reasoning about why your battery died is flawed.

That's what I was told by AAA when I questioned why my battery needed replacing the first time after living here only 2 years. I told him I thought cold weather was harder on batteries. Part of the problem might be because I drive the car so seldom here since I have a golf cart. Back in Ohio, I drove more, esp on I-75.

So, are you saying that changing batteries every 2-3 years is unusual for Florida?

[red tail]

If you have onstar you're probably covered.

[davem4616]

we've used AAA down here for 20 years.... batteries don't last as long down here in the summer heat, drove to the grocery store once in a 3 year old car, battery was dead as a door knob when we tried to leave