You’ll never be confused in your new tow car again with the release of the AA app
With a number of caravanners looking to buy new tow cars as we enter the new caravan season, the AA has released an app that is certain to help motorists decipher the warning signs in their new vehicles along with so much more.
The dread of seeing an unfamiliar symbol appear while driving is a feeling all too familiar with drivers around the world – and it’s even more worrying when we’re towing our caravan along. Now, with just one click, motorists will be able to identify what these symbols mean and supply themselves with the right information to take the appropriate action.
Among being able to decode these warning signs, the app also allows you to both report and track your breakdown so you know when the patrol will arrive. Other conveniences include the popular AA route planner, traffic updates, vehicle reminders for MOT, tax, insurance, and service dates, a fuel price checker, and parking space finder.
Details on around 1,000 warning lights are available on the app, so nothing will ever escape your notice again.
The AA averages around 17,000 warning light related call-outs a month, including more than 4,600 red lights. These numbers peak in the weeks following the new car registrations in March and September when users change vehicles.
In an AA-Populus survey of 21,201 AA members, the results found that more than half of drivers (53 per cent) would stop to check their handbook if a red warning light came on.
The results also found that over a quarter of drivers (26 per cent) would call their breakdown provider for assistance, men were more likely (9 per cent) than women (6 per cent) to turn the ignition off and on in the hope that the light clears, and women (13 per cent) were more likely to phone a friend or family member for advice than men were (2 per cent).
The most worrying fact from all of this is that four per cent of those surveyed would continue to drive before getting the light checked at a garage, thus risking their own safety and further damage to their vehicle. One per cent of those surveyed said they would ignore it flat out.
To make matters worse, more than 1 in 8 (13 per cent) respondents either don’t carry the handbook in the car or didn’t get one when they bought it. Used cars usually don’t have a handbook, either, so the app is the most practical option for all motorists.
AA breakdown patrol of the year, Max Holdstock said: “We often find that used cars don’t have a handbook and even if there is one many drivers never look at it. The AA app is a quicker and smarter way for drivers to check what their warning lights mean.
“Although most warning light symbols are standardised, many are not, and with some car dashboards resembling the Starship Enterprise, it’s no wonder that some drivers are left bewildered.
“If it’s a new vehicle, it’s often that they’re not familiar with a warning light; and, it it’s a second-hand car, sometimes because the handbook is missing.
“As a rule, red warning lights indicate a potentially serious problem, so stop the car as soon as it’s safe; and amber or yellow mean it’s ok to proceed but some action – servicing or repair – is required, so you should contact a garage as soon as possible.
“The free AA app or your car’s handbook can help decipher the warning light hieroglyphs, potentially preventing the cost and headache of a breakdown but, if you’re in any doubt, call for assistance,” he concluded.
The AA app is available for all iPhone users via iTunes and Android users on Google Play. What are your thoughts on the app? Do you think this will come in handy for your travels?
