Emergency Auto Assistance

We’ve all been there.  You’re driving your vehicle when suddenly your check engine light comes on.  If you’re like the majority of motorists, you aren’t really sure what the light is telling you.  This could be the most misunderstood light on your dashboard because it can mean many different things.  If your check engine light comes on you don’t have to immediately pull over and call for road service, but there are several tips that you should follow.

First, you should check for serious problems that would require immediate attention.  Look at your gauges to see if there is overheating or low oil pressure.  If they are apparent you should pull over and shut off your engine.

Next, tighten your gas cap.  Many times this will solve your problem.  Know that it might take a few trips before your check engine light resets.

It might help to reduce your speed.  If your light is blinking or your car is performing poorly reducing your speed will help.  Have your car checked as soon as possible.

If your check engine light comes on, remember not to panic.  Just follow these simple tips to deal with the problem.  Make sure that you have an emergency roadside assistance program for situations such as this.  You don’t want to end up stranded on the side of the road.

Motorists traveling on their own fear that at some point they might have car problems.  This isn’t surprising since drivers are spending more and more time in their car.  People are driving long distances to and from work, and have more errands than ever, so it is inevitable that drivers will experience a breakdown at one point or another.  Male and female drivers alike are fearful of this occurrence.

According to a recent survey conducted by Britannia Rescue, approximately two-thirds of the male and female motorists who were interviewed are scared of being alone and breaking down.

The figures break down into ninety three percent of women and forty five percent of men.  The survey also revealed that people become more fearful of someone stopping to help.  In fact, seventy percent of women wouldn’t want a man to stop and offer assistance.

The one thing that motorists can do to avoid being fearful of a breakdown is have an emergency roadside assistance program that will assist them in case they get into trouble.  After all, it can be scary to have a random stranger stop and offer you help.

With the increase in gas prices around the nation, consumers are finding themselves wondering what fuel-efficient alternatives there are. In fact, more and more drivers are putting off getting to the gas pump and finding themselves stuck on the side of the road calling for emergency auto assistance. Gas-electric hybrids have received a large amount of attention recently, yet, diesel powered cars may be the answer.

Diesel cars have gained a lot of popularity around the world.  They account for approximately 50% of new cars in Europe; however, U.S. car shoppers have been slow to gain interest.

Even though fuel mileage levels can be around 40% higher with diesels than gas powered cars, diesels only account for 2% of the new cars in the U.S.

There is a whole new generation of diesels that are clean, quiet and much more powerful than in the past.  The Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec sedan will prove that this recent diesel technology can be luxurious in addition to giving you 37-mpg.

Diesels have come very far and are becoming a great option for drivers.  Also, there are becoming more and more models for consumers to choose from.  Of course, drivers should protect themselves with a good auto warranty to avoid unnecessary repair costs.

Two laws that have been in place since 1988 in all 50 states are receiving new acclaim for lessening fatalities due to drunken-driving.

A recent study in Accident Analysis and Prevention in July has recognized that the drinking age increase to age 21 has reduced the ratio of deaths due to drunken-driving by at least 11%.  Also, making fake ID possession illegal and suspending the person’s driver’s license has lessened fatalities by an additional 7%.

While in all 50 states it’s illegal for people to use a fake ID to buy alcohol, a driver’s-license sanction isn’t always the punishment.  This study suggests that if a law such as this were to be national and linked to highway funds, which are done with the designated drinking age being 21, deaths would decline even more.

Occasionally, there has been talk of making the legal drinking age 18, because soldiers have fought in the Iraq war, but can’t drink a beer.  However, according to the AAP study, making the drinking age 21 has reduced drunken driving deaths drastically.

According to the AAP study, making the drinking age 21 has been a crucial step in reducing accidents and emergency roadside assistance calls due to drunk drivers.  Also apparent is that national driver’s license sanctions would lower deaths even more.

Why is it so hard to bring a popular vehicle in Europe to the U.S?  Many people wonder why carmakers sell different models overseas than in the U.S.

The main reason is differing standards in safety.  What is acceptable in Europe doesn’t always pass the test with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  U.S. law has a requirement for crash protection for car passengers that don’t wear seat belts, however, this isn’t a priority in Europe.  Even small details, such as the color of the turn signals in the rear are a major obstacle when trying to take a car from one market to another.

A study was conducted by Ford of 43 regulations in Europe and the U.S. and discovered that there were only 11 that matched.  So, it gets to be very expensive to make an all-new version of a vehicle in order to meet different safety standards.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American consumers have strict safety standards.  Motorists put safety at the top of their list, which is why they are buying safer cars and signing up for roadside assistance programs.  For this reason, cars in Europe aren’t always introduced to the U.S.

In the last few years drivers over 70 years old have managed to lower the number of fatal car crashes they were occupied in.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that there has been a 21% decline in accidents that proved fatal for this age group.  This is a complete reversal of what seemed to be a trend moving steadily upward.

This occurred despite the fact that the amount of elderly people in the country is increasing by 10% in this time period.  Their significant decline in accidents that are fatal outpaced their younger counterparts, even though they added 2 million more drivers and greatly increased the number of miles they traveled.

IIHS suspected that the exact opposite would happen.  Past accidents and fatalities that elderly drivers were responsible for were growing, which made it necessary for there to be laws allowing elderly impairments to be monitored.

There have been several justifications have been given for this new trend, including elderly people keeping themselves more fit and cars that are being made safer.

Unfortunately, you never know when you will be involved in an accident, so it is important to protect yourself by purchasing cars that are rated high for safety and signing up for an emergency roadside assistance program.

Never buy a used vehicle without having it scrutinized by an independent mechanic.  You never know the true state of a used vehicle until a professional has examined it.  Failure to do this could have you calling for emergency roadside assistance.

A dealership shouldn’t object to you having a private inspection if you leave a photo I.D.  If they tell you an inspection has already been done, insist that you would like the car looked at by a shop of your choice.

The technician should put the car on a lift to inspect the undercarriage.  The cost of a thorough diagnostic should run you about $100, but ask in advance.  You can request a written report that will give you details of the vehicle’s condition.  The negotiation may come in handy when you negotiate with the seller.

If you’re unsure of a good repair shop, try to find a referral from someone you trust.  You could also go to your local auto-parts store to ask for a good mechanic.  Try not to just pick a name out of a phone book; it’s better to use someone you are familiar with.

Buying a used vehicle is a great way to save money, however, you want to make sure you aren’t getting a lemon.  Putting in the extra time to take the car to a mechanic may save you numerous road service calls down the road.

Families consider the safety of their children a top priority.  Unfortunately, among children age’s 3-14, car accidents are the number one cause of death.  Parents need to take extra precautions in order to help their children stay safe.  They can do this by properly restraining children by using car seats correctly.

More than 1,500 children under the age of 14 were killed in car accidents in 2003.  In addition, 220,000 injuries occurred.  However, using a car seat effectively can reduce these incidents drastically.  In facts, studies show that deaths are reduced by approximately 70%.  Alarmingly, about 75% of car seats aren’t installed properly.  Also scary is that half of the deaths are children who aren’t restrained at all.

General Motors has recognized this problem by creating a program called Safe Kids Buckle Up.  This program helps parents understand how important it is to restrain children correctly.  The program has inspected over 900,000 car seats around the nation.

Parents need to take extra precautions to keep their children safe on the road.  To do this, parents should use car seats correctly, drive defensively, and have a good emergency roadside assistance program.  After all, children are precious cargo.

Unfortunately, drunk driving is a common practice that is responsible for thousands of car accidents and calls for emergency roadside assistance every year.  Ideally, motorists should take responsibility and not get behind the wheel after drinking, but this doesn’t always happen.

Toyota has taken this matter seriously.  Currently, they are in the process of developing a system for vehicles in which cars are able to detect if a driver is drunk.  If the vehicle detects that the motorist is trying to drive while intoxicated it will shut down the car automatically.

Vehicles that have this detection system will have sweat sensors on the steering wheel, which detect abnormal alcohol levels in a person’s bloodstream.  The car won’t even start if there are high alcohol levels in the driver.

This system will also become affective if abnormal steering is detected, or if a camera determines that the pupils of the driver’s eyes aren’t focused.  The vehicle will then slowly come to a stop.

Nissan Motor has also experimented with devices similar to breathalyzers that can detect drunken drivers.  Other technologies that are similar, like alcohol ignition interlocks, are already being used in the U.S. and other countries.

Toyota and Nissan have taken a step in the right direction.  Hopefully, these new car safety features will cut down on auto accidents and road service calls.

Many drivers are leery about buying a used car because they are afraid of inheriting old problems that a vehicle may have.  Unfortunately, this instinct is sometimes correct.  If you were considering buying a used car, it would be worth your while to place a call to the Better Business Bureau.

The Better Business Bureau claims they get tons of complaints from drivers who have purchased used cars, just to discover that their car breaks down three weeks later.  Placing this call can keep you from having to call for emergency roadside assistance.

The large amount of consumer complaints has led the Better Business Bureau to make a buyer beware packet and a presentation that will explain things you should know before you buy a car.  Things on the list include buyers’ rights, things you should check out, and things to ask for in writing.  Also, fuel-efficiency should be a consideration when purchasing a pre-owned car because of high fuel prices.

It’s unfortunate that some people experience breakdowns not long after buying a used car.  In order to protect yourself, it is essential that you have a road service program in case of breakdowns.