Auto Roadside Assistance Blog

Preparing Your Car For The Winter Season

Winter is on its way and though you may be prepared, your car may not. There are certain things you can do to help your car perform better when the weather gets harsh and that might also keep you safer in the case of a roadside assistance emergency.

1. You want to make sure that your car has been properly serviced and that all of the fluids are at their correct levels. Obviously the coolant level is one of the most important. Also, be sure to make certain that you are what you washer fluid has a deicing agent.

2. Make sure to check your tire pressure as when the weather changes it often needs to be adjusted to compensate for the difference in temperature.

3. Make sure your battery is up to date and in excellent condition. Be sure to check the terminals to make sure that they are clear of any debris and are making good connections.

4. Make sure that you wiper blades are in good shape and preferably designed to handle icy or winter like conditions. It is also a good idea to stand them up if you know storm is coming so that they don’t get kicked into the ice and snow. It will also be easier to clear your car of snow if they are not plastered to the windshield.

5. It is a good idea to keep your fuel tank full to prevent icing of the fuel lines.

6. You wouldn’t normally think of it, but waxing your vehicle prior to the arrival of inclement weather will make it much easier to clean off when spring comes. It will also prevent salt and road debris from adhering to the paint and causing damage.

7. Cleaning the cars underbody with freshwater periodically will also prevent it from corroding.

8. Lastly, make sure to keep emergency supplies in the car as it is always best to be prepared for any emergencies. These supplies should include a first aid kit, blanket, extra warm clothing and gloves, and perhaps even an extra battery for your phone. Other things you might find handy would be sand or kitty litter and a shovel.

It may seem obvious, but having roadside assistance coverage is essential as there are some gems you simply won’t be able to get out of yourself. There are numerous providers, some reputable, and some not, but one of the best and most reliable is Auto Advantage Inc. They have been providing a roadside assistance and auto warranties throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico since 1979. They are A+ rated and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Their pricing is also some of the most competitive for a full range auto road services in the industry. For further information visit their website at www.autoroadservice.com. Have a safe winter!

 

Roadside Assistance Company Response Times

When you join a roadside assistance club there are a variety of things to consider when choosing the right club for you. Auto road service providers offer a variety of pricing and coverage levels but that is not the only thing to consider. Length of time in business, reputation or rating with the Better Business Bureau, and response time are equally as important.

Response times can vary considerably from provider to provider. Some roadside assistance programs have response times that on average are just over 30 minutes and some have an average of 45-60 minutes. This has a lot to do with how many service response vehicles they have in your area. Some of the larger name companies have reduced their fleets to 15,000-18,000 vehicles nationally to stay more profitable. Other more service-oriented companies have fleets of 50,000 vehicles or more. As a consumer you will never really know how many vehicles a company truly has as they are not required to disclose this information. They are however obligated to disclose their average response time if asked. Ideally you want a company that has a response time of his close to 30 minutes as possible.

Auto Advantage’s Auto Road Service program has an average response time of approximately 34 minutes which is among the fastest in the industry. They have also been in business since 1979, are A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau, and are an actual Accredited Roadside Assistance Provided with the BBB.

For more information or to obtain roadside assistance visit Auto Advantage Inc. or call 800-419-3499.

How Many Towing Miles Do I Actually Need From My Roadside Assistance Provider?

When your vehicle breaks down it is important to belong to a highly rated roadside assistance program so that you are not left stranded on the side of the road somewhere. It will also prevent you from incurring an expensive towing a roadside assistance bill.

An auto road service membership typically covers a variety of roadside assistance needs such as battery jump start, minor roadside adjustments, flat tire assistance, fuel delivery, vehicle winching & extraction, lockout service, and of course towing. This seems to be a debate on how many miles of towing a member might need. Various companies offer towing programs from as little as 5 miles to as much as 150 miles. While 5 miles would often be too few to get the vehicle where it needs to go, 150 miles is quite excessive. Auto Advantage’s roadside assistance program allows for a generous 35 mile tow which is almost always more than what is needed. Actually, of all the tows provided by Auto Advantage, less than 1% (actually about 0.6% of the tows exceed the 35 mile allowance). If the 35 mile limit is exceeded the member would simply need to pay the additional mileage at whatever prevailing industry wholesale per mile rate exists in that region.

In conclusion, anywhere from 25-35 miles will generally suffice for a roadside assistance member’s needs.

If you are in need of a quality roadside assistance plan be sure to check out Auto Advantage who have been A+ rated and accredited by the BBB since 1979.

When It Comes To Roadside Safety, You Come First

What the car has stalled, you have a flat, or have been in a collision, most people experience some type of roadside emergency a regular basis. Many times this occurs on a busy highway or street where an unsafe situation can rapidly become worse.

Based on Federal Highway Administration statistics, there are approximately 4,000 fatalities and almost 60,000 injuries from roadside crashes. Knowing how to keep yourself safe is a priority to keep you from becoming one of these statistics.

During any roadside emergency your personal safety has to come first. Here are some tips to avoid a problem…

Make sure to turn on your hazard lights.

Make sure your vehicle is in a safe location before getting out to examine any damage or problem the vehicle may have. It is generally advisable to signal the other driver, if there is one involved to do the same. It may seem obvious but if you have a flat for blowout make sure the vehicle is in a safe location off the road before performing any repair or replacement.

Make a call for assistance. It may seem obvious but if your vehicle is disabled or cannot be driven for any reason, stay in the vehicle and use your phone to call for assistance. It is generally best to call local law enforcement first but your next call should be to your roadside assistance provider.

Be ready for anything. You want to have a selection of roadside assistance supplies in your vehicle in case they are needed. These might include jumper cables, a tire inflating device, a blanket for inclement weather breakdowns, first aid supplies, flares or reflective devices, and perhaps some heavy-duty rope or cable.

And of course if you are a member of Auto Advantage’s roadside assistance program call our toll-free claims line for prompt assistance 24 hour today, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

Picking A Reliable Roadside Assistance Plan

While it is impossible to predict when your vehicle will breakdown and will be in need of roadside assistance, if you have a membership with a reliable roadside assistance company will have peace of mind knowing you’re protected if it should happen.

Or when going through the decision process of what roadside assistance plan is right for your family, you need to do a comparison of the different plans reputations and average response times. It is important to purchase only through a company that is A+ rated an accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has been in business many years. You also need to make sure that the membership covers the full cost of the service and does not ask you to pay and wait for reimbursement. You want to see if the roadside assistance coverage will cover accidents or just mechanical failures. You also want to find out how often you can use the coverage and how far they will tow your vehicle.

Even if you have a warranty or insurance plan that includes roadside assistance you may find it to be insufficient for your family’s needs. Once you decide to purchase roadside assistance make sure each person that is covered as the toll-free service number programmed into their phone or is easily accessible in each of your vehicles.

With Roadside Assistance Comes Peace Of Mind

Roadside assistance will dispatch help to motorists when their car breaks down, leaving them stuck on the side of the road. A roadside assistance program will come to your aid 24/7, 365 days a year. They will come to you no matter where your car breaks down, and no matter what caused the breakdown. Help is just a phone call away. Just pick up the phone and call the number provided to you on your membership card and professional help will be sent to you right away.

In addition, roadside assistance comes with peace of mind for motorists. The programs offer important roadside benefits and services like towing, flat tire assistance, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. Don’t wait for your car to breakdown. Be prepared and sign up with a roadside assistance program today.

A Roadside Assistance Program Membership Is A Worthwhile Investment

Vehicle breakdowns can leave you stuck on the side of the road. This can be very frustrating for both the driver and any passengers in the car. If you happen to encounter this situation, having a membership with a roadside assistance program is useful in order to receive professional help in a timely manner. There are many different companies and dealers that provide roadside assistance in the event that your experience a vehicular breakdown. The program offers the necessary services to get you to back on the road or to a repair shop that is close by.

There are many roadside benefits provided to you in a roadside assistance program. One benefit is that the services on provided on site with no charge to you. The roadside benefits that are offered to you are different in each program provided by all different companies. It is very important to research before picking a program that is right for you. A roadside assistance program membership is a worthwhile investment since it reduces the frustration and stress that come along with a vehicular breakdown.

Roadside Assistance Eases The Minds Of Motorists Who Are On The Road

Roadside assistance comes to the aid of motorists who find themselves stranded on the side of the road as a result of their car breaking down. A roadside assistance program will have help available to you 24/7, 365 days a year, no matter what caused your car to break down. Help is just a phone call away. You will be provided a number to call for help on your membership card. A professional will then be dispatched to your location.

In addition, roadside assistance provides motorists with many roadside benefits that include useful services such as flat tire assistance, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery. Don’t wait for a breakdown to happen. Prepare yourself and sign up for a membership with a roadside assistance program today.

Poor Road Conditions Make Having Roadside Assistance A Necessity

When motorists are out on the road, they will often come in contact with poor and hazardous road conditions. Such conditions include potholes, ruts, and icy roads. It is important to always be alert when driving and follow these helpful tips:

  1. Potholes are dangerous. If you see a pothole, place both of your hands firmly on the wheel and slow down as much as you can. If you hit a pothole too hard, it can throw your car out of alignment. Also, potholes can cause major damage to steel-belted tires and can cause a driver to lose control of the car.
  2. Ruts do not generally cause a large amount of damage to a car, but if you hit them too hard they can make you lose control. If you lose control your chances of crashing are much higher. Crashes can cause severe damage to a driver and to a car.
  3. Icy roads are extremely hazardous. Many auto accidents occur due to cars slipping on icy roads. If the roads are icy, the best thing you can do is to avoid driving altogether. However, if it essential that you drive, be sure to drive slowly and with caution by maintaining a great deal of distance between your car and the car that is in front of you.

It is not always possible to predict when you will encounter poor road conditions. Therefore, it is extremely important that you drive defensively and sign up with a roadside assistance program that can aid you in the event of an emergency situation.

Emergency Kits And Roadside Assistance Are Essential

Newer cars usually come equipped with a wide variety of safety features that protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident. The most current cars will even come equipped with factory-installed emergency kits that hold important items like jumper cables, reflective markers, and flashlights. Emergency kits come in handy if your car breaks down or if you get into an accident.

Our cars endure a variety of incidents and conditions such as natural disasters, mechanical breakdowns, and accidents. Any of these occurrences can leave motorists stranded out on the road with a feeling of helplessness.

If you find yourself in any of the above situations, it is essential to prepare yourself with an emergency kit in the car. If your car is older and does not have a factory-installed kit, be sure to buy one and keep it in your car. Also, be sure to sign up with a roadside assistance program that can help you if you are stuck on the side of the road somewhere.