Three in 10 (30%*) drivers are unsure how to check their tyres
properly, so that they are turning to The AA's new 'wellness for
cars' app Vixa to determine if they are safe to
run.
Analysis from nearly 11,000 users found that drivers were using
Vixa's AI tyre checking tool where photos can analyse tyre tread,
age and wear as well as tears and bulges.
Once photos are uploaded, drivers get a tyre health report,
advice on whether their tyres need replacing and if so, are given
recommended garages and prices so they can change their tyres
with confidence. One driver was shocked to discover their new
tyres were more than a decade old.
Tyres aren't the only thing that Vixa covers. It also uses AI to
monitor engines and batteries, enabling drivers to take
preventative steps on around three quarters of breakdowns The AA
attends.
By actively monitoring engine and battery health, Vixa alerts
drivers to potential issues before they escalate. It then
simplifies the maintenance process should the car need a repair
or scheduled service, by offering upfront pricing and easy
booking at AA-approved garages or with mobile mechanic and drives
efficiency. The technology has already informed someone on
holiday in Spain that the battery in their car parked at a UK
airport was about to die and sent an AA patrol to fix the problem
before they landed.
Wellness for cars
A cursory look at the fit tech market shows a breadth of options
available to people. From watches to bracelets, there are several
options for people to monitor how healthy they are and flag any
potential issues such as blood pressure concerns and heart
conditions.
Now the car can wear something similar, so it can tell drivers
it's feeling unwell before it actually breaks down. According to
a 11,453 strong poll, half (50%**) of drivers said that avoiding
a breakdown was their top priority.
The AA established AA X to investigate automotive innovation and
Vixa is the first output. Vixa, from The AA, is the first
groundbreaking innovation from AA X, with a connected-car
platform and app that redefines how drivers care for their
vehicles.
Born from extensive user testing and research, it disrupts the
traditional model of reactive car maintenance by leveraging the
power of AI and The AA's 119 years of automotive expertise.
Vixa works with a car monitoring device - a small plug-in unit
that connects to the OBD port (onboard diagnostics) enabling it
to run diagnostics. The plug-in device collects data from the car
and sends it to AA X who then use this to understand the car's
health and offer proactive solutions.
Vixa is a standalone product which doesn't require AA membership.
From just £3.99 a month for AA members (non-members £5.99),
drivers can sign up via https://vixa.co.uk/ with
no lock-in monthly rolling contract, and free cancellation at any
time.
Tom Fawcett, CEO AA X, said: “Vixa is possibly
the biggest change in how The AA can help give confidence to
drivers now and in the future. It represents a new era of car
care that uses connected car insights while putting drivers in
control.
“With each car rolling off the factory floor, the levels of
technology and data embedded into the car are mind blowing.
Rather than thinking about cars as an engine and wheels, we
consider them to be software on wheels – data with a bit of metal
around it. We have built a dedicated team of engineers, data
scientists, research, design and brand experts to help us
understand the data and present it to drivers in a clear and
concise way.
“Much like wearable fit tech, Vixa provides a health check for
your car. Forever being ‘Always Ahead', The AA knows how
connected car technology can help drivers save money, reduce the
hassle of car maintenance, keep safer cars on the road and reduce
the environmental impact of motoring.
“The fact that almost a third of Vixa customers are using our AI
tyre checking tool shows the potential road safety benefits as
tyres are the only things that connect the car to the road.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Analysis of 10,983 users using Vixa's in-app tyre checking tool
** Yonder received 11,453 responses from AA members to its online
poll between the 12th to 19th August 2024 Yonder is a member of
the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
