According to a new AAA survey, 64 million American drivers would not be able to pay for an unexpected vehicle repair without going into debt, indicating that some drivers may underestimate the full cost of owning and operating a vehicle. Some car repairs are unavoidable, and the average repair bill is between $500 and $600. State AAA spokesman Nick Jarmuscz says drivers should save at least $50 a month for unforeseen expenses, and identify a trusted repair facility before trouble strikes. Jarmuscz says the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle is more than $8,500 a year. 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.
