Roadside Assistance Program

How To Avoid A Speeding Ticket This Holiday Weekend

images-18.jpgWe’ve all been there.  You’re driving along when all of a sudden you hear sirens blaring behind you.  You realize that you are going to get a speeding ticket and you really don’t have the extra funds to pay for it.  With all of the expenses you’re already paying for your vehicle, such as roadside assistance, maintenance, and loans, the last thing you need is the added cost of a speeding ticket.  Well, never fear because the Trapster just may save you.

Pete Tenereillo of California invented trapster.  Essentially, this is a social network where motorists can use their cell phones to alert other drivers about speed traps that they have encountered.

All you have to do is sign up for a free membership at the website and then download the Trapster software on your cell phone.  Most of the latest cell phones, PDAs and Blackberries can accommodate this software.

After signing up, you’re ready to get out and start driving.  If you come across a state trooper looking for speeders you hit “pound 1” on your cell phone.  This alerts other motorists when they approach the same spot.

This system is ideal because it’s “hands free”, which means it’s safe for drivers.  Also, sophisticated cell phones can allow a map to be displayed where the speed trap is.

What You Can Do To Keep Children Safe In The Car

images-91.jpgWhat is important about age 13 that makes it OK for children to finally ride in the front seat of the car?  Are they finally big enough to withstand the impact of an airbag?  Are they at the age where they can behave in the front seat?

A big part of the problem is behavior.  When kids mess with the radio, and play around, they usually aren’t in a proper position when an airbag deploys.  In injuries and deaths, the proximity to the airbag in the front is a huge issue; in addition, proper positioning in the seat is a factor.  By 13, kids are more able to sit still and behave.

Around ages 11 and 12, children are also bigger physically.  This is an issue because it is hard for children to have their backs against the seatback if their feet don’t touch the floor.  This means that they scrunch down putting them in a bad position for airbag deployment.

Kids under 13 need to ride in the back seat for their safety.  It isn’t worth it to put your child in the front and have them injured by an airbag.  Parents are concerned with many things such as new car warranties, auto loans, maintenance, and roadside assistance, but most important is the safety of their children.

Things To Look For During A Test Drive

images-7.jpgWhen it comes time for you to test-drive a car, you need to be aware of a few things.  After all, this will be one of your most important drives ever, so make sure to get the most out of it.

First, make sure you test-drive the exact model that you’re thinking of buying.  There may be big differences in various models, such as transmissions and engines, tires and suspension, and features in the cabin that will largely affect the way a vehicle handles and feels.

If the salesperson is talking a lot, ask him to please be quiet.  You need quiet to properly evaluate a vehicle.  This will allow you to hear how the vehicle operates.  It might make things easier to tell the salesperson in the showroom that you might need some quiet driving time.

Request a specific test route of your liking if you are familiar with the roads.  You are the only one who knows what kind of driving you will be doing and on what roads.

It is easy to get excited when test-driving a car, but don’t forget these important tips.  They could save your from purchasing a car that might not end up liking.  Also, do your homework to get a good deal.  You’ll need to factor in the price of maintenance costs, an auto warranty, roadside assistance and an auto insurance.

Finding A Roadside Assistance Company You Can Depend On

images-3.jpgThe days are gone when you could do a roadside repair with chewing gum and tights.  In modern vehicles you need professional help for anything more than a puncture.  It’s reassuring to know that help is only a phone call away, but it can be difficult to choose a roadside assistance program.  There have been many new providers to enter the market in recent years.  These companies offer motorists peace of mind through roadside benefits.

The market is very competitive and it can be confusing for consumers to find the right coverage.  There are numerous road service providers that all offer several various levels of service.

Of course price is an important consideration when shopping for roadside benefits.  However, it shouldn’t be the sole issue.  Decide what aspect of the coverage is most important for you first, and afterward you can proceed with your search.

Often you can pick between auto road services that only help on the roadside, or those that will also help you if you’re stuck at home.  It is a good idea to purchase the latter.  After all, you never know where your car will breakdown.

It is also worth inquiring if coverage is for you, regardless of the car that you’re driving, or for the actual car.  The latter is a good idea if you if other people in the family are driving the car, and the former are ideal if you will be driving more than one car.  Also, sometimes discounts can be given for policies that include a husband and wife.

It can be hard to figure out which roadside assistance program is best for you.  Just remember to determine what kind of road service you need, and find a company that will provide you with the most options.

Prepare Yourself For A Roadside Emergency

images-18.jpgAn emergency on the road can occur at any time, whether you have an old or new car.  Any number of problems could cause it, from a flat tire or breakdown, to running out of gas.  There are several things you can do to prepare yourself for a situation such as this.  First, you should sign up for a roadside assistance program.  Also, you should have a basic emergency kit in order to increase your safety and help get you back on the road.

Even with a road service program, you need access to a phone in order to contact them.  You could be on the side of the road waiting for a while, so it is essential to have a few items in a basic emergency kit.

Your emergency kit should first and foremost have a cell phone to call for emergency auto assistance.  Also, you should have flares to warn other drivers that your car is broken down.  A fire extinguisher will keep your vehicle from undergoing a great amount of damage should it catch on fire.  In addition, you need foam tire sealant, a jack and a lug wrench in the event that you have tire punctures. Finally, jumper cables are a must in case of a dead battery.

How To Stay Safe While Driving At Night

images-14.jpgThe riskiest time for car crashes are between midnight and six o’clock in the morning.  This is because there are the fewest drivers at this time of day, yet more accidents.  If you need to drive during these hours it is important to consider some important factors.  Safe driving at night calls for preparation, alertness, as well as common sense.  Here are some tips.

First of all, ensure that your headlights are aimed properly.  You should consult your service manual to determine the proper procedure.

Next, don’t focus on the headlights of oncoming cars.  This can blind you for five seconds until your eyes are able to adjust.

Don’t drive if you are feeling sleepy, instead pull off of the road and get some sleep.  Don’t substitute caffeine, loud music, or putting down the windows for sleep.  These tactics are unreliable and may result in an accident.

Finally, don’t allow yourself to stare at the centerline because it can cause “highway hypnosis,” in which your reaction time is impaired, instead, keep looking around and moving your eyes.

Follow these simple tips to keep yourself safe when driving at night.  Just like you protect yourself with an auto warranty and roadside assistance, you should protect yourself with safe driving habits.

How To Avoid Becoming Stranded In Rush Hour Traffic

images-5.jpgAccording to research, more commuters than ever are experiencing rush hour breakdowns.  These breakdowns occur between 7-9 am and are leaving employees and carpool moms stranded.  Motorists should have a roadside assistance program to protect themselves in this case.

Breakdowns leave drivers stranded and expose them to road dangers.  In a recent survey of motorists who have had a breakdown in the last two years, 15% had children in the car, 20% were in a situation that they felt wasn’t safe to leave their car, and 5% had a passenger who was elderly.  Also, 30% of the women surveyed felt stressed about finding help.

The survey also revealed that there are five main locations for vehicles to breakdown.  The first location is at home.  This means that drivers aren’t even getting out of their driveways.  The second and third locations are on the way to work, and when going to visit family and friends.  The fourth typical breakdown spot is at shops, and work comes in fifth.

To avoid dangerous breakdown situations, make sure you have a roadside assistance program.  Road service will keep you from waiting a long time.  Also, emergency roadside assistance will allow you to get back on the road faster.

Are Independent Repair Shops A Thing Of The Past?

images-2.jpgPeople often try to choose a repair shop that is close to their homes and that they believe to be trustworthy.  However, the time may be coming when motorists aren’t going to have the freedom to pick whichever repair shop they want.

Cars today are operated through computers, therefore to determine what repairs need to be done the computer codes are needed.  Carmakers don’t like to release these codes, which means that independent service shops may not be able to repair cars properly.  This means that motorists are being forced to take their vehicles into dealerships for repairs.  This makes having an auto warranty even more essential because dealerships usually charge more for repairs.

Congress has realized that this is a problem because independent repair shops may be put out of business.  In response to this they are trying to get the Motor Vehicle Owners Right To Repair Act passed.  This bill would make it mandatory for automakers to disclose information with independent repair shops.

Motorists need to be able to have the option of where to get their cars repaired, otherwise people may avoid having repairs done and end up calling for roadside assistance.

Carpools Made Easy

images-17.jpgMany companies have offered ride-sharing sites on the Internet that help fill seats in people’s cars and conserve gas use and greenhouse gasses, however, Avego.com has the big advantage of being affiliated with iPhone.

This downloadable application lets motorists create a social network of vehicles and passengers who are traveling in the same direction.  In this way, its goal is to cut back on the safety concerns and anonymity of ride-sharing.  Rather than riding in a car with a complete stranger, this program tries to put people together and acquaint them in a more reliable way.

In addition, the program’s goal is to have an established network so that Avego users determine points for pickup and drop-off.  Yet, while the idea is certainly intriguing, it will need to be demonstrated in the real world before it will be determined if it is more successful than any other ride-sharing networks online.

Just keep in mind, it always feels safer to be in a car with passengers, but you still need a good roadside assistance program in case of breakdowns.  After all, you don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road, no matter how many people are there to help.

Ford Plans To Expand Graphics To All Of Its Vehicles

images-9.jpgFord just claimed that their exterior graphics have proven so popular that customizable decals will be offered for all of its vehicles by late summer.

Decals include flames, camo, stripes, flowers and dots- the various designs that make people think of their cars as unique.  Ford decided to latch on to this idea when all of the graphics became popular with people test driving the Fiesta.  In fact, 70% of consumers chose graphics for these cars.  Fordcustomgraphics.com, which is Ford’s graphics website, has gotten over 10,000 hits.

Jim Abraham (Ford spokesman), recently said to the Detroit Free Press that he believes this trend is due to many young people wanting to “customize products ranging from iPhones to cars.”

Graphics will initially be offered on the Mustang and F-150 later this month and will then bring out designs for its remaining cars by the end of the summer.  The graphics will range in price from $200 to $1,200 and will be affixed permanently to the body panels.

Consumers are growing more and more concerned with recent trends, but also take security in things that are tried and true, such as an auto warranty and roadside assistance.