‘What customers often overlook’: Mechanic reveals the ‘reality’ behind AAA

AAA markets itself as a reliable and convenient option for roadside assistance, but an employee from the car service industry is raising concerns about its battery replacement program.

In a viral TikTok with over 96,000 views since Jan. 12, Gary Pace (@elitevoicetv), who often shares car-related content, claims AAA technicians sometimes install incompatible batteries during roadside service calls.

Pace mentions in the clip, "Many customers may not realize, but those of us in the know understand that with AAA—when you pay that monthly fee of $20 or so for roadside assistance—they actually come out and replace your battery if needed."

He goes on to say, “It really depends on the type of car you own… often, they’ll just load whatever they have available onto that truck. It might not even be suitable for your vehicle. It could be the wrong size entirely.”

Pace recounts a story about a customer who claimed that their electronic power steering rack failed because AAA had installed an incorrectly sized battery.

"In the video, he asserts, 'It's not supplying the correct voltage to the modules and other components. You need to realize that when they install that battery, it's only a temporary solution.'"

Nonetheless, many commenters promptly noted that all conventional car batteries deliver 12 volts, with the key distinction lying in the amperage or cranking amps. "Every automotive battery is 12v; it's the amperage that impacts the components," one user remarked.

AAA offers a variety of battery types, primarily focusing on automotive batteries for vehicles. They provide lead-acid batteries, including conventional flooded batteries and maintenance-free options. Additionally, AAA may offer other types of batteries for different applications, such as rechargeable batteries for electronics and portable power sources. It’s best to check with your local AAA service center for specific battery offerings and availability.

According to AAA’s website, the organization “makes sure you get the right battery for your car – one that meets or beats your vehicle’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery specifications.” 

Currently, the primary manufacturer for AAA-branded car batteries is reportedly East Penn Manufacturing, and AAA typically offers a 3-year warranty on their batteries. Although some consumers claim exact brands may vary by location.

Other users added that they primarily rely on AAA for towing services instead of battery assistance. “Believe me, I didn’t sign up for AAA for the ‘battery’ perks; the cost of the first tow pays for itself,” remarked one commenter.

A TikTok user, who identified as a former AAA driver, proposed that the problem could have stemmed from a third-party contractor instead of an official AAA technician.

"Apologies, buddy. That's a third-party AAA service," they explained. "Real AAA trucks need to contact another truck to deliver the right battery if the one on-site is depleted."

@elitevoicetv What customers don’t know about AAA. Just be mindful and pay attention so that way you know for the future. #mechanic #mechaniclife #automotivetechnician #technician #automotive ♬ original sound – EliteVoiceTV

The Daily Dot has contacted Gary Pace through email and has also sent an inquiry to AAA via their press email for a response.