Auto Roadside Assistance Blog

Should You Pay More For Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic Mobil 1 OilMany people are unsure whether or not they should be using synthetic or regular oil in their vehicles. It depends on the recommendations of the carmaker, the mileage, and the age of the car.

Cars that are older and have higher mileage usually have a large amount of engine wear that can cause oil to leak internally. Synthetic oil is not usually recommended for these cars because it flows freely and is thinner than regular oil. Using it often can cause internal oil combustion.

A lot of carmakers today use synthetic oil in their engines. Usually it is used when the car has a high-performance engine with high compression, engine tolerances that are tight, and high temperatures for operating. If you are considering making the switch to synthetic oil and your car is still under an auto warranty, be sure to talk to your dealer first.

In the correct car, synthetic oil can be a smart idea. However, be sure to consult your owner’s manual first. Even though synthetic oil is twice as expensive as regular oil, it is worth it because it lasts longer and will help your engine last longer as well. Also, it can help you avoid needing to make road service calls.

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Is It Smart To Buy Your Teenager A New Car?

Teen DrivingA lot of parents have a tough time deciding whether or not to buy their teenager a car. Some parents can afford a new car, but they are worried about indulging their kids in this way.

If parents spend too little money on a car for their teenager they may end up buying a junker that is not a reliable car. In addition, their teenager might wind up working so hard to support the vehicle that they will be less focused on their studies.

However, if parents spend too much money on a car for their teenager, the teen may gain a sense of entitlement that is not healthy. They may end up having a distorted idea of how much money things actually cost.

Teenagers do not really learn the value of money if they are just given a car. Many teenagers whose parents buy them luxury vehicle end up totaling it within a few months of ownership. In this situation, the only thing that parents can do is be certain that their teenager is signed up with a roadside assistance program if they get stuck on the road.

Therefore, if you are going to buy your teenager a car, be sure that they also put some of their own money towards the car.

Safe Driving At Night

Driving At NightThe most risky time for car accidents to occur are between midnight and six o’clock in the morning. If you have to drive during these times it is important to know how to do so as safely as possible. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Make sure that your headlights are aimed correctly. Look at your service manual to figure out what the proper procedure for your car is.

2. Do not keep your focus on the headlights of oncoming vehicles because it can blind you for up to five seconds before your eyes can adjust to the light.

3. Do not drive if you are drowsy. If you are feeling too tired, pull over and get some sleep. Do not use caffeine, putting down the windows, or loud music as an alternative to sleep. These are unreliable tactics and can result in you getting into an accident.

4. Do not just stare at the centerline because it can cause “highway hypnosis.” This can cause your reaction time to be impaired so it is important to keep moving your eyes and look around.

Keeping these tips in mind can help keep you safe on the road at night. Also, be signed up with a roadside assistance program in case you find yourself with car troubles and being stranded on the side of the road.

What To Do After Getting Into A Car Accident

Car AccidentCar accidents always happen without warning and they are very frightening. Accidents leave drivers with a feeling of shock and will not know what they should do. These are some important things to do after an accident occurs:

1. Make certain that everybody is okay. If not, be sure to call 911. Always be sure to make a call to the police and to emergency auto assistance.

2. Make a call to your insurance agent. They will be able to tell you what information you should exchange with the other driver. Also, they will be able to help you to examine the scene. Also, make sure that you don’t admit fault while at the scene of the accident. The insurance companies will be the ones to determine who is at fault.

3. Make certain that you read the information that is in your insurance policy, this way you file a claim within the particular time limit. Often times, if the damage to the vehicle exceeds $750 you will need to file an SR1 form. This form can be found on the website of your state’s DMV.

It is terrifying when you get into a car accident, but unfortunately it usually happens to all drivers at some point in time. Therefore, it is extremely important that we know what steps to take when an accident occurs. To ease some of the stress, be sure to have the all of the important and needed documents readily available. Such documents include your auto warranty and your insurance policy.

Don’t Purchase A Used Car Without An Inspection

Car InspectionIt is important to not purchase a used vehicle without having it inspected by your mechanic first. You can never be sure of the true state of a used car without having a professional inspection done.

A dealership will not say no to you getting a private inspection done as long as you leave them a photo I.D. If the dealership tells you that the car was already inspected, be assertive and tell them that you want the car to be inspected by a shop that you select.

The technician will place the car onto a lift in order to inspect the car’s undercarriage. The cost of a meticulous inspection will be approximately $100, but ask how much it will cost in advance. Also, ask for a written report that will state the details of the condition that the car is in. This may come in handy when attempting to negotiate with the seller of the car.

If you do not know of any good and reliable repair shops, you should ask someone that you trust to refer you somewhere. Also, you could ask for a good mechanic at a local auto-parts store. Do not just pick a random mechanic from the phone book. Pick a mechanic that you is familiar to you.

Purchasing is a good way to help you save money. However, you should be certain that you are getting a good deal. Some extra time and money used to get an inspection from a mechanic can help save you from car problems and the need to call for road service in the future.

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Taking Care Of Your Battery Will Help Keep You Off Of The Side Of The Road

Car BatteryOne of the biggest inconveniences a driver can have is a dead car battery. When your battery is dead your only solution is to get a jump-start by calling a friend, a family member, or your roadside assistance program. However, there are some things you can do to prevent a dead battery.

No matter what type of battery you have in your car, you must inspect the terminal connections from time to time. You should be look to make sure that there is no tightness or corrosion.

If your terminals are corroded, you can clean them with a small brush and a combination of baking soda and water.

In addition, you can do a visual inspection of the battery to make certain that there are no cracks, leaks, or damage. If you see any of these things, it is important to get the battery replaced right away.

The time for you to save your battery is before there are signs of wear and tear. If your starter turns slow, your clock is running slower, or your headlights brighten when you rev the engine, you should check your battery.

Roadside Assistance Is Important

Vehicle BreakdownMany drivers worry that their car will break down at one time or another while they are traveling alone. Drivers are spending more time in their cars due to long commutes to and from work and running errands. It is very likely that all drivers will experience a vehicle breakdown at some point. Both men and women dread the day that their car breaks down.

A survey done by Britannia Rescue showed that about two-thirds of both the male and female drivers that were interviewed are in fear of being by themselves when a breakdown occurs. This was true for ninety-three percent of women and forty-five percent of men. The survey also showed that people are more scared when someone stops to help. Seventy percent of women said that they would not want a man to stop and offer to help.

In order to help ease the fear of vehicle breakdowns, drivers should become a member of a good and reliable roadside assistance program that will be able to provide help when it is needed.

Drivers Who Are Drowsy Are A Danger On The Road

Drowsy DriverThere are many people who have been drowsy while driving. Sometimes you are the one who is feeling sleepy behind the wheel or you were in the car with someone who was having trouble staying awake. There are many car accidents that occur as a result of drowsy drivers. Here are some ways to identify that a driver is too drowsy to drive:

1. Drivers who are weaving in and out of the lane are often drowsy drivers. Drivers who are tired tend to make less steering corrections and therefore when corrections are made, they are harsh and jerky movements.

2. Usually drivers who are feeling sleepy need conversation in order to keep them awake at the wheel. If you realize that the conversation is not making sense, you should not continue to drive.

3. If a driver drifts off to the side of the road and drive on the rumble strips, they should make sure to pull over and rest for a bit. Driving over the rumble strips usually indicates that the driver has fallen asleep momentarily and cannot keep the car on the road because they are too tired.

4. If you see a driver jerk their neck, it usually indicates that the driver has fallen asleep and the jerk is what wakes them up.

Overall, you should not get into the car with a driver who is drowsy. Also, you should not drive if you feel you are just too tired. Avoiding unsafe drivers on the road is an easy way to avoid an accident and the need to call for emergency auto assistance.

Have An Emergency Kit In Your Car

Emergency Car KitNewer vehicles are designed with safety features to help keep you and your passengers safe in the event of an accident. Most cars these days come with factory installed emergency roadside kits. These kits include important objects such as jumper cables, flashlights, and reflective markers. Emergency kits help you in the event of vehicle breakdowns and accidents.

Cars today deal with all sorts of conditions. They deal with a variety of natural disasters as well as accidents, mechanical breakdowns, and storms. All of these things leave drivers at risk to get stuck on the side of the road.

Such events require the use of emergency kits. That is why it is extremely important to have them. Also, you should be sure to sign yourself up with a good and reliable roadside assistance program so that you can call for help when you are stranded on the side of the road.

Tips To Consider When Buying Tires

Car TireThough buying tires may not be fun, it is important to do so to help keep you safe on the road. Here are some tips to consider when buying tires:

1. It is important to buy new tires. Though they may be more expensive, saving a little bit of money is not worth the risk of purchasing tires that lack good traction and performance. Safety is the most important thing, therefore purchasing used tires is not a smart idea.

2. Be sure you know what size tires are required for your car. You can check to see the factory size of your tires on the inside of the door hinge on the door on the side of the driver.

3. Do some research and look around to find the best deals on tires. You can compare prices of tires online. Just keep in mind there will be different shipping and installation costs.

4. Make certain you also research different types of tires before buying them. Just because one type of tires may cost more money, it does not mean that they are necessarily the best ones you can find.

Tire shopping is extremely important because having good tires can help keep you safer when driving. Having good tires can help you avoid getting stuck on the side of the road and needing to call for emergency auto assistance.