Despite smarter cars, thousands in Carolinas get stranded

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Despite smarter cars, motorists in the Carolinas are being stranded in record numbers.

AAA Carolinas reports a record almost 1 million motorists in the two states called the motor club after their cars broke down last year.

Club CEO Dave Parsons says vehicles less than five years old had a higher proportion of problems with tires and keys.

To reduce weight, spare tires are being eliminated on some newer models although inflator kits they are replaced with only help in some situations.

Keyless ignition systems can leave a driver locked out if key is stored too close to a vehicle and the key battery dies. Parsons says some motorists are running out of gas pushing the limits of electronic readouts telling them how many miles until the tank is empty.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)