AAA: Tech In New Cars Contribute To Rise In Breakdowns

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A report from AAA shows a record number of drivers need help on the road. The company responded to millions of calls for roadside assistance last year - many of them drivers in newer cars.

Every day, Los Angeles tow truck driver Ed Rostamian comes to the rescue of dozens.

"Seventy to 80 calls a day," said Rostamian with Carmel Tow and Transport.

His first call on this shift was a dead battery in a hybrid Toyota.

"Very common…very common," said Rostamian.

AAA rescued a record 32 million drivers in 2015 - commonly with battery or tire issues and its newer vehicles that are having problems.

AAA says about 40 percent of new cars don't come with a spare tire.

When Michelle Stevens got a flat on her way to work last year, she only had an inflator kit in her trunk.

"There was too big of a hole even to use that so I had to call for a tow truck," said Stevens.

AAA says newer technologies in cars are contributing to breakdowns. Keyless ignition systems in some vehicles can put a major strain on the battery.

"That along with all the electronics on cars today will drain the battery more quickly....the life expectancy rate of a battery is only three years and if you have that battery for more than 3 years you're living on borrowed time," said AAA spokesperson John Townsend.

On this call, Ed found his customer's battery was a goner.

"One hundred percent…back to the dealer to get a new battery," said Rostamian.

AAA says regularly checking your tire pressure and testing your battery once it reaches three years old can help ensure you face fewer problems on the road.