18 October 2024
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.
“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.”
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.”
* 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.