November 13th, 2006 by admin
Not knowing the specifics of what is covered may find you stranded.
Some new cars and even cell phone plans come with some type of gratis auto road service. However, many drivers find that these services are free or included because they cover the bare minimum of benefits. Here are a few reasons why you will want complete coverage from our motor club.
- You don’t want to get stranded just because you’re short of cash.
With our service, we pay for covered services, you sign and drive.
- You don’t want to be restricted by limited coverage.
We offer coverage for clients in the United States and Canada.
- You want to be able to get live service, 24 hours a day.
When you call us, you can speak to a live agent, toll free.
- You want affordable coverage for your spouse.
Standard coverage includes you and one other person with our service.
- You want to be covered in any vehicle.
With Auto Advantage Inc., you are covered – that means your coverage is not dependent on the the car you’re in. So you have peace of mind whether you’re going to work in your car, or on a road trip with friend who is driving.
Read more about our special benefits on our FAQ page or apply today.
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November 10th, 2006 by admin
Most trips we make are so short, a call can wait. When they can’t there are safety guidelines you can follow.
Driving during a cell phone conversation is not only dangerous, in many states it is also illegal. If you can’t pull over where it is safe to answer the phone, then it’s probably a good idea to let them leave a message.
If you’re going on a longer trip and cell phone communication is essential, there are really only two safe alternatives if driving while engaged in a cellular phone conversation is permitted.
With the first option, you’ll want to get a hands-free system in your car, with features such as speed dial, voice dial and even a timer. In this way, you’d be able to drive without needing to look away from the road during the converation.
The only other safe option is to have someone else drive. Even the most versitile, mult-tasking road warrior increase their chances of having an accident greatly if talking on a hand-held mobile device while driving. And, of course, if it’s illegal in your state, you don’t have a choice anyway.
November 8th, 2006 by admin
Be ready for an unplanned call for emergency roadside assistance, just in case.
At some point, your car could break down on the side of the road. Hopefully it will be a simple repair, such as a quick tire replacement, or getting some gas. But whether it’s that or something that requires a short tow, it’s a good rule of thumb to hope for the best, yet be prepared for the worst.
You’ll need to know what to have on hand when you call for emergency roadside assistance, as well what information to give to the operator.
Before You Leave
- Make sure you have your membership information.
- Check that you have the toll free number handy. Carry it in your wallet, and in your car.
- Check your car for anything that may become a hazard or a problem once you’re on the road.
- Make a mental note to keep track of where you are as you are driving.
Before You Call
- What is your location? Make note of signs, or if there are none, those you’ve recently passed. Street addresses are best.
- Keep yourself safe. Get your car off the main road if you can. Be careful not to step out into traffic.
- Keep your car visible. Turn on hazard lights, open your hood or set flares as needed.
- If you have a cell phone and can call for help while safely staying with your car, that is best. If you need to go to a nearby phone and call, wait with your car afterwards if possible.
November 6th, 2006 by admin
Final part of a series about driving in winter weather.
You can drive as safely as possible in winter weather and still get stuck in the snow somehow. If you do get stuck, the best thing to do is to call roadside assistance before taking any additional steps. This way if you are unable to get yourself out, help is already on the way.
Until help arrives, here’s a few things you might try on your own to attempt to free your vehicle.
- It can help to turn your steering to the left, then to the right just a few times to clear some snow away from the path.
- If you know your car won’t be damanged, (see the manual), you can attempt to rock your car. Going into reverse and then drive in several cycles may build enough momentum to push you free.
- Instead of flooring the gas, try tapping it gently. If you’re rocking your car, press the gas pedal just a little after you change gears each time.
- Avoid letting your wheels just spin. If you think about it logically, you’ll realize that the rotation of your tires is only digging you further in.
- In another post, we suggested driving with kitty litter, sand or salt. Putting these grainy substances in the path of the wheels can reduce the slippage and increase traction.
Sometimes, not much will seem to help. There may be something caught underneath your car that you can’t see, that could potentially damage the vehicle. Or you just might need the extra power of another vehicle.
No matter what reason, if you can’t seem to get your car free, it’s best to sit and wait for help to come.
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November 3rd, 2006 by admin
Part three of a series about driving in winter weather.
Snow, standing water or ice on the roads can cause your car to skid out of control. The difference between having an acccident and avoiding one is largely up to how you respond when this happens. Knowing what experts suggest that you do is key.
Here is the process, according to the National Safety Council.
If your rear wheels skid, you can simply ease off the accelerator completely and shift your car into neutral. Don’t attempt to steer immediately.
Wait until the traction returns in your wheels, and steer in the direction you want the car to move in. Then you can return your car to drive, and slowly begin to accelerate again.
It’s a bit more complex if you feel your front wheels begin to skid.
You still will want to take your foot off the gas, but you can immediately steer to where you want the front wheels to go. With standard brakes, you can slowly pump the brakes. However, if you have anti-lock brakes, they will do the work for you, and all you’ll need to do is apply slow, even pressure to the brakes.
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November 1st, 2006 by admin
Part two of series about driving in winter weather.
Under poor driving conditions, there are additional precautions you will need to take when driving. Doing so can help you avoid accidents and minor traffic mishaps. The following tips, continued from the last series, will help arm you with the knowledge to drive defensively against the elements.
- Avoid using overdrive on icy roads.
- Don’t use cruise control either.
- Bridges and overpasses freeze first. Be paricularly careful if the weather starts to turn while you’re out.
- Don’t pass sanding trucks or snow plows. Not only are they often unable to see you, you run the risk of driving into what they are clearing off the streets.
- Even with front wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicles, do not presume that your vehicle is equipped to handle all conditions. There may be additional problems under snow or ice that you aren’t able to see.
Being extra vigilant during rough weather protects you, your passenger, your car and other drivers.
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November 1st, 2006 by admin
If you must drive in inclement winter weather conditions, know how to handle your car.
When the condition of the roads are poor, or course the best policy is to stay off the roads. Once the streets have been cleared, there are still several steps you can take to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
- Drive slower – leave early rather than being tempted to speed.
- Be gentle with your brakes. This will help you avoid skidding.
- If your wheels lock, remove your foot slowly from the brake.
- Give yourself at least three times more room for slowing down and braking.
- Clear your lights and windows before driving.
- Drive with your lights on so other drivers can see you better
We’ll continue with more tips in the next part of the series.
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October 27th, 2006 by admin
What if you get stranded during a snowstorm? Tips for safety until you are located.
In many parts of the United States and Canada this time of year, becoming stranded during severe winter weather is a distinct possibility.
What should you do if you get stranded? The following tips can help keep you safe until roadside assistance arrives.
- Call for help immediately.
It’s better to call your motor club and cancel the call because someone comes along than to wait and see, at the risk of being stranded longer as the weather continues to worsen.
- Stay with your car.
Experts advise that you stay with your vehicle, with the following exceptions. If you know exactly how far it is to get help and you’re sure you can make it, and that help is actually available at that location, it’s still risky, but under those conditions, you may be reasonably able to improve your condition. If any of those variables are not certain, staying with your car is best.
And of course, if you are part of a motor club and have a cell phone with you to call, even in the most optimal situation, during winter weather, staying with your car is safest.
- Make your car more noticeable.
In order to draw notice from other drivers and state troopers on patrol, hang a brightly colored piece of cloth from your attenna. Also light flares both in back and in front of your car a safe distance away from your vehicle.
- Stay Warm.
If your exhaust pipe is clear, run the heat ten minutes every hour, and use extra blankets and winter gear to keep warm.
- Keep Your Car Windows Accessible
Open one window slightly to keep the windows from getting sealed shut by show or ice.
October 23rd, 2006 by admin
How can you be prepared for a winter roadside breakdown until help comes?
In the case of a roadside emergency in winter, being a part of our motor club will guarantee that you’re back on your way in the shortest amount of time. But what can you do to be prepared until help gets to you?
In a recent discussion, we talked about making sure your car is winterized. You will always want to be extra careful to keep your tank filled when the weather is getting rough. Also make sure there is fresh anti-freeze in your car. The following equipment and supplies also need to be at the ready:
- Jumper cables
- Flash light (with fresh batteries)
- Compass
- Tow and tire chains
- First aid kit
- Road flares
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Scissors and cord
- Reflective tires and bright cloth
- Bag of salt or cat litter
- Tool kit
- Blanket (and warm, dry spare clothes if you travel long distances or in heavy snow frequently)
- Inflated spare tire
- Shovel, ice scraper, and snow brush
- Some non-perishable food items like dried nuts and raisins
Hopefully, you won’t need to use your emergency winter traveling supplies. Still, you never know when or where you’ll break down, and it’s better to be extra prepared in the winter
October 23rd, 2006 by admin
Inclement weather affects driving conditions. Here are a few things to check for winter weather.
Even the parts of the United States that don’t start to get snow or cold weather until late in the fall are going to begin to be affected by at least a temperature change soon, usually during the weekend after Halloween. For some parts of the country, such as the Southwest, this may just mean milder temperatures. Yet for much of the Northeast, Northwest, Midwest, parts of the South, and Canada, this means at minimum, temperatures that are cold enough for ice, or even snowfall.
Here is a short list of questions about winter weather preparations.
- How are your anti-freeze levels?
- When was the last time you checked your brakes and brake pads? The hoses, belts, wiring, and ignition need a look too.
- What is the condition of your tires? Do the need to be rotated or replaced?
- Have your spark plugs been adjusted lately?
- Do you need to check all your PCV valve, and filters (including emission, air and fuel)
- Is your battery charged, and does it hold a charge?
- How often should you be having a tune-up?
Many of the items on this list can be checked during, or in addition to, a tune-up by a mechanic. If you haven’t had your tune-ups, it’s critical that you have one as soon as you can before winter weather sets in.
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