Auto Roadside Assistance Blog

You can get SUVs in a large variety of sizes and prices.  They give you more versatility than any other kind of vehicle.  They allow different options for carrying cargo, will hold up to eight people, and allow people to be higher up off of the road.  Also, they can handle off-road terrain.  SUVs come in car based and truck based options.  Which one is for you?

Car based SUVs are becoming more and more popular.  They are on unibody platforms that are car-like.  Also, they have a completely independent suspension, and feature all-wheel drive.  In addition, they often have better fuel-efficiency and handle and ride comfortably.  Finally, they rate highest in CR testing.

SUVs that are truck-based have a body on frame platform.  They usually have a large towing capacity and can tackle difficult terrain.  However, handling these vehicles can be more difficult and cumbersome.  Also, they can sometimes have a jolting ride.

SUVs are a terrific option if you need a lot of cargo space, a large capacity for passengers, and off road options.  However, a roadside assistance program is always a good idea when driving on difficult terrain.  In addition, used car warranties will give you peace of mind.

Many motorists have been in the situation where an object hits their windshield and a big crack shows up.  Your windshield might even end up bad enough that you have to call your road service program.  However, when do you know if it necessary to replace the windshield or if the crack can just be fixed?

Windshield repair or replacement depends on the location, size and severity of damage.  Windshield shops can usually repair chips the size of a quarter, as well as cracks reaching three inches.  For bigger damage it is recommended that you replace your windshield.

The location of the damage is also a big factor in whether you can keep your windshield.  When a crack is at the edge of your windshield it can affect the structure of the glass.  In this case it is usually best to replace your windshield.

Many facilities won’t repair a chip if it’s in the direct line of the driver’s vision.  The repair process may result in minor glass distortions, which are unsafe for the driver. After all, you don’t want to end up calling for emergency roadside assistance.

Keep in mind, whatever the location or size of the glass damage, it is necessary to have it looked at right away.  Waiting can result in dirt getting in the damaged area, which can affect the repair job.  Make sure you protect yourself with an auto warranty since you never know when you will need repairs made.

When determining the amount of money you can pay for a vehicle you must consider your credit.  Yet, experts say that consumers should shop around at various dealers to make comparisons on special deals on financing.

To help with your car shopping experience, request a copy of your credit report by going through a credit agency.  This will give you knowledge when it comes time to talk to a dealer about your financing.

You can look at some web-based tools for help.  For instance, go to AutoTrader.com to find a credit center designed for people trying to purchase a car with poor credit.  This is one of the few websites that doesn’t require personal, confidential information.  In fact, you are only asked general questions that allow you to have privacy.

After filling out the questionnaire you will receive a credit level of excellent, good, or fair.  Then, you can search the car dealerships in your area that will be able to help you with your needs in regards to financing.

Look to websites to prepare you with information that will help you when you go to the dealership.  You can learn about the prices of cars, credit scores, and roadside assistance.  This will allow you to get the best deal possible.

It may be tempting to go to one of the giant retail chains that seem to be popping up everywhere for auto service, but is it smart?  Well, there’s something to be said for building a relationship with your auto repair facility, and with a large chain, it’s not likely to happen.

Think about it, you go to a mass retailer for a repair, and then after a year the part fails.  Yet, when you go back to the original location for an auto warranty claim, the first thing they ask for is your receipt.  If you don’t have the receipt you’re out of luck.  Chances are they will have no recollection of you or your car from the previous year.

Many people make the mistake of looking for a service shop just on the basis of price.  However, you need to consider other factors when choosing a shop.  Imagine how nice it would be to build a relationship with a shop where the mechanic recognizes you and your car and you feel a loyalty. We’ve all been in an emergency situation where we need a repair done that day.  If you have a relationship with your mechanic, chances are that he will be more likely to squeeze you in.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you when choosing a service shop.  However, keep in mind the benefits of being able to feel loyalty from your mechanic.  And, make sure you have a good road service program to get you there in the case of an emergency.

A lot of people use major vehicle hire companies like Avis, for rental cars on vacation.  Yet, consumers don’t often realize that these firms are a great source to purchase used vehicles.  Avis is in the business of car rentals, but they often sell their vehicles.  Buying a used vehicle from a company such as Avis allows for big savings.  This gives you more money in your pocket to put towards an auto warranty and roadside assistance.

The cars that Avis sells are over a year old.  This allows Avis to make room for new vehicles.  This means that Avis has a current, well maintained fleet.  Popular car models often end up being sold early, after a certain mileage number has been met.

Another bonus of purchasing a used car from Avis is the metallic paint on the exterior.  You usually don’t find this on cars sold by a dealership.  Often, drivers are hesitant to purchase a used car from a rental firm because they are afraid the car has endured a lot of wear and tear.  After all, many people have used the vehicles.  Yet, Avis says that their vehicles for sale are less than six months old and have less than 13,000 miles.  Also key is that many times the vehicles still have a valid auto warranty.

Colorado has a new system that will help prevent road kill along one of the busiest highways in the state.  The system works by using an underground cable running parallel to the highway that is able to sense if an animal is around through an electromagnetic field.  If an animal trips the system, drivers are alerted through electronic road signs.

The system is going to be tested in Colorado on US-160, and radar detectors will be deployed to observe if motorists slow down after receiving the warning.  If it is obvious that the system is working it will most likely proliferate on roadways that have seen a large amount of collisions between cars and animals.

You may think this is a strange idea, or that it’s a waste of money.  And, people have even asked, “Why not just put up a fence?”  Well, if you’ve ever seen a deer jump a fence you would understand why that wouldn’t help the problem.

About seventy percent of collisions on Colorado’s highways involve animals.  With those high numbers something needs to be done about the problem.  The underground cable is a good start, but drivers need to drive more defensively.  In addition, all motorists should have a roadside assistance program in case of an emergency so they don’t end up stranded.

With cars today, professional help is usually required for repairs.  A roadside assistance program brings a great deal of reassurance in case of breakdowns.  However, picking a road service program can be difficult.  Here are some things to consider when trying choosing a program that works for you.

Price is a large factor to consider when shopping for roadside benefits.  Yet, keep in mind that this shouldn’t be the only issue.  Determine what aspect of the coverage you find most important, and then proceed with the search.

A lot of times you have the option to choose between auto road services that just help on the road, or those that will also assist you if your vehicle breaks down at home.  It would be wise to purchase the latter.  After all, you can’t choose where your car will breakdown.

Also, you should inquire if the coverage covers you, or the actual vehicle.  The former is a good idea if you are going to drive more than just one car, and the latter is ideal if there are other family members that are going to drive the car.  Also know that it is possible to get discounts for husband and wife policies.

It can be difficult to determine the roadside assistance program that is ideal for you.  Just determine the kind of road service that will suit your needs, and find a company that can provide you with a lot of options.

Since your car carries precious cargo, you need to be aware of its safety features.  One aspect of safety that people often ignore is the brake system.  That is, until a major problem arises.  Don’t find yourself stuck on the side of the road calling your road service program, look out for the following brake problems.

If you hear grinding or squealing you need to have your brakes looked at.  This often indicates that brake pads are worn or glazed.  Unfortunately, many motorists wait until the grinding sound is heard, which means the brakes have already worn into the rotors.  If you wait for the grinding noise there will be financial consequences.

The cause of the brake pedal pulsating is heat and wear.  Heat and wear will make the brake rotor or drum thin out.  Usually, this means that brakes need to be replaced.

If you hear clicking while braking your brake pads are loose and need to be replaced.  The factory puts “anti-rattle” devices to stop the clicking noise, but they break over time.

Brakes are an important safety feature in your vehicle and shouldn’t be ignored.  Look for these warning signs so that you don’t end up on the side of the road calling for emergency auto assistance.

There is nothing worse that purchasing a car and finding out that it has an ocean of problems, literally.

Why?  The number of cars on the market in the last five years that have been damaged by flooding, hurricanes or rains has doubled.  Certain states have actually reported an increase of six times more than the number recorded five years ago.

A lot of times, vehicles with this problem are moved from regions that experience a lot of flooding to less suspicious areas.  These cars will find themselves back on the pre-owned market, disguised and rebuilt to look clean.

It can be hard to realize if a flood has damaged a car, yet if a car has been underwater it will rot inside and out.  Also, water damage can threaten the mechanical systems and ruin electronics in a vehicle, without even leaving a sign on the outside of the vehicle.

Since sales of used cars are expected to reach 45 million this year, consumers need to be on high alert for any signs of flood damage.  Also, purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself in case you have unforeseen repair costs.  In addition, you should always have a good road service program.

Roads often seem like they are war-zones.  Motorists encounter ruts, potholes, and icy roads that can be dangerous.  Just being aware of bad road conditions can help drivers protect themselves.  Here are a few tips that can help you avoid accidents.

Be on the lookout for nasty potholes.  If you encounter a pothole, slow down and keep your hands on the wheel.  Hitting a pothole hard might put your vehicle out of alignment.  Also, it is common for steel-belted tires to endure damage, due to potholes, that could make the driver lose control.

Luckily, ruts do little damage to vehicles.  However, they do sometimes cause drivers to lose control of the car.  In this event, a car can experience a great deal of damage.

One of the most dangerous road conditions is a sheet of ice.  Many accidents are the result of cars slipping on ice.  If the roads are very icy, it is best to avoid driving.  However, in the event that you must drive, go slow and allow enough distance in between you and the car in front of you.

Sometimes drivers can’t foresee bad road conditions.  All motorists can do is drive defensively and make sure you have a road service program that can assist you in case of an emergency.