New AAA Repair Shop Opens In Baltimore County

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ)—Anyone with a car will tell you there comes a time when you need to find a mechanic you can trust.

Mike Schuh reports a well trusted name has decided to enter the auto repair field here in Baltimore.

When you think of AAA, towing and travel may come to mind.

But now they can tow you to a brand new repair facility in Towson, where they can even fix windshield chips or change the whole sheet of glass.

Car repair is an evolution for the 100-year-old nonprofit. Its 50 million members already have a strong identification with the auto club.

AAA has a real trustworthy name. To what degree does that influence customers' decision to use its services?

"Due to all the years I've been dealing with them it wasn't a second thought about it," said Earl Kellum, AAA member/customer.

"The trust members have with the brand was a large factor in determining that we wanted to get into the car repair business," said Don Gagnon, AAA Mid-Atlantic CEO.

Car repair has proved profitable and popular for other clubs, and it generates money for the nonprofit.

"So when we get into related services like travel, insurance, car, it helps to keep our membership rates low," Gagnon said.

This service is open to all, but members like Kellum get a 10 percent discount.

Right now there's the store in Towson, but if their expansion plans prove out, they are going to put in six to eight more in the next year.

At the Towson location at 1019 York Road, they are offering free glass chip repair Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., first come, first served.