Best Roadside Service is an auto club with all calls answered in the US. Get the best service at the best price with Best Roadside Service, serving consumer and commercial needs in the US and Canada since 1985!

How To Ensure Your Vehicle Is Ready For Winter

prepare vehicle for winter

 

Getting your vehicle ready for winter is very important as there are certain situations that you can face that are not a concern during most of the year. Being prepared can literally mean the difference between life and death if the worst of scenarios were to occur. Use the steps below to ensure that you are prepared for whatever may come your way.

The first step is to ensure that your vehicle is in the best possible shape. It is ideal to fill all fluids and change those that are due to be replaced. This will lower the chances that your vehicle will face mechanical issues when it is put through the stresses of low temperatures.

One of the most important fluids to fill is the anti-freeze. If your reservoir is empty you will want to fill through the main line. To do this make sure your vehicle is completely cool to avoid the danger of being seriously burned. Open the cap and fill the reservoir with anti-freeze as high as it allows you to. Leaving the hood open and the cap off the line you can then start your vehicle. You will notice that the fluid is bubbling. This is because of air escaping that was in the line. When the bubbling has stopped you can then turn off your vehicle and add additional fluid up to the appropriate fill line. Additionally, you should always use de-icing windshield wiper fluid in the winter. This greatly improves your visibility during inclement weather.

There are also a number of things that are ideal to have on hand inside your vehicle in case of an emergency during the winter. A snow scraper is important to remove ice and snow during and after a storm to allow for better visibility while driving. Having a shovel on hand is ideal. You can find ones that fold up in a compact fashion to save space. This is great in case you get pulled off the road into deep snow drifts. You can then try to dig yourself out so that you can continue to your destination. If you can not dig out completely you will want to at least dig out the snow near your tail pipe so that you can run your heat without worrying about carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, you should keep a kit in your vehicle that includes road flares and cones. In the event of a breakdown or accident this will allow you to signal other motorists of your presence in the event of inclement weather. Also keep blankets, extra outerwear, and other snow gear are also a good idea to have on hand so that you do not end up stranded in the cold with no way to keep warm.

Finally, make sure to purchasing roadside assistance coverage to protect you in the event of a breakdown or other winter roadside emergency. Emergency roadside assistance plans cover towing, lost keys or lockouts, running out of gas, dead batteries, and all the other things that can go wrong with your vehicle. Purchasing a plan through Best Roadside Service will cover you in the event your car slides off the road during a winter storm, you run out of gas, or you look your keys in your running car while warming it up. In addition, national chains including Meineke, Aamco, and Jiffy Lube offer discounts to Best Roadside Service customers for car repairs and maintenance. Best Roadside Service offer plans for less than $80 a year, much below the average cost of a single tow, which can range from $120 and up.

People do not think much about weather concerns during the warmer months, but between the harsh temperatures and the higher risk of losing control of your vehicle it is crucial to prepare for the winter months. Use the tips above to ensure that no matter what comes your way you will be as prepared as possible.

Top Misconceptions About Roadside Assistance Coverage

Photo of caucasian businesswoman standing next to her car and calling assistance for car problems

In today’s busy world few things can sideline you faster than a vehicle breakdown. The thought of being stranded on the side of a busy highway, paying exorbitant towing and repair fees, locking your keys in your car, or running out of gas can be stressful. Many people do not understand the ins and outs of what is covered by roadside assistance plans and can easily become overwhelmed; and common misconceptions about roadside assistance coverage add to the confusion. When it comes to roadside assistance coverage there are 2 major misconceptions; first, that roadside assistance only covers towing, and second that coverage is only available near big cities and well-populated areas. Debunking these common misconceptions about roadside assistance coverage can help you better understand the value and protection a roadside assistance plan can provide.

Roadside Assistance Only Covers Towing

A common misconception about roadside assistance coverage is that it only provides towing services. When your vehicle breaks down, whether in your driveway or on the side of the road, you will need to have it towed to a mechanic for repair and roadside coverage includes this service; however, while towing service is a fundamental benefit of roadside assistance coverage it is far from the only benefit.  

 

When your vehicle malfunctions, roadside service providers can also help you put your spare tire on or give you a jump start. If you have locked your keys in your car or run out of fuel roadside service providers can help you with that too. Roadside assistance coverage through Best Roadside Service also comes with value added services including national chain discounts on mechanical repairs and rental cars while your vehicle is in the shop, VIP Travel Concierge, and hotel chain discounts. Knowing all of the services available through your plan allows you to get the most value out of your plan.

Roadside Assistance Is Only Available in Cities and Well-Populated Areas

Another common misconception about roadside assistance coverage is that the services are only going to be available in large cities or well-populated areas. The thought of having a vehicle breakdown, flat tire or, running out of gas in a city is unnerving; the thought of it happening in a rural area at night can be downright scary. Roadside assistance plans don’t just cover you when you are sticking close to the trail though, they provide you service and peace of mind when your travels take you off the beaten path.

 

Roadside assistance plans provide coverage by contracting with service providers from many cities and towns. Through a nationwide network of 45,000 service providers, Best Roadside Service is able to provide comprehensive coverage for a wide variety of vehicle issues. This coverage extends to both the United States and Canada, is available with one phone call to a toll-free emergency hotline, and averages a 34-minute response time. Whether you’re close to home or work, sight-seeing in the city, or taking a family road-trip out west roadside assistance plans have you covered.

 

When you experience car problems, roadside assistance coverage can be irreplaceable. Many people have common misconceptions about roadside assistance plans making it hard to understand all of the benefits a plan can offer. Debunking these common misconceptions, and understanding all the services roadside assistance plans offer, helps you to better understand the value and protections purchasing a roadside assistance plan can provide.

 

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Best Roadside Service

We know that there are many roadside assistance companies out there to choose from, so we value and appreciate the customers who choose us. We also happen to think they’ve made the best decision. Here are just ten reasons why our customers chose Best Roadside Assistance and why you should too.

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Best Roadside Service

  1. American Owned, Canada Covered
    Best Roadside Service is an American Owned and Operated company with the goal of providing our customers with the best emergency roadside assistance plans at competitive prices. Our core values have always focused on offering the best customer service standards in the industry. But Americans are not the only ones who can benefit from our services! Canada is a great place to travel and a beautiful place to live, but with such cold weather, it’s critical to have good emergency roadside service. All of our services are available in Canada for the same low price of $65 a year for one vehicle, no matter who is driving.
  2. Free Gas
    Should your covered vehicle run out of gasoline, a technician will deliver three gallons of fuel right to your vehicle at no extra charge. We will get you back on the road in no time and at no fee!
  3. Vacation and travel discounts
    Our members enjoy exclusive discount programs and special rates for vacations, cruises, car and RV rentals, even theme park tickets such as Sea World, Busch Gardens and more! Our discount program gives you a range of options for booking a room for vacation or business. And our concierge service can help you get everything straight so you can sit back and enjoy your trip.
  4. 34 minute response time
    Your safety is our priority. Our state-of-the-art software allows us, with your permission, to find your location using your cell phone, and dispatch service providers while we’re on the phone with you. We can even send you a text message confirming the arrival time of your service provider. Our average response time is just 34 minutes.
  5. American-Owned and Operated Call Center with English, Spanish and French Speakers
    All emergency calls to our 24-hour call center are answered in the United States. You will never be transferred overseas and you will never get a voicemail. We have customer service representatives available at all times who speak English, Spanish and French, so you’re never alone as long as you have Best Roadside Service!
  6. Individual and Vehicle options
    Whether you want to cover a specific vehicle no matter who is driving it, or an individual, no matter what vehicle they are driving, we’ve got coverage for you. Individual and vehicle plans also cover motorcycles and scooters. Plans start at less than $6 a month with the option to add family members at a discounted rate!
  7. Personal and Commercial Options
    Whether you have a car that is used for business or an entire fleet of vehicles for your company employees, we have a plan that will meet your needs. We have been in the emergency roadside business a long time, and we know that when you have a fleet of vehicles, one of them is bound to break down. In fact, about 20% of typical fleets experience mechanical disablement every day. To keep your business running and your customers satisfied, you need to have your employees and drivers covered for any roadside issue they may experience. Our plans provide rescue and support for your employees and your business.
  8. Map Routing and Trip Planning with 24 Hour Directional Assistance
    Going on a trip? You can’t just depend on a cell phone that could die or a GPS that may lose service. Our trip planning and map routing services provide a customized route to wherever you want to go and however you want to get there. If you ever get lost along the way, just call our roadside assistance hotline and we will give you turn-by-turn directions, no matter what time of the day or night.
  9. Motorcycle Coverage
    Whether your bike is your main method of transportation, or just one of the vehicles you or your family use, we have a plan to fit your motorcycle roadside assistance needs. Motorcycle drivers receive six service calls per year along with all the benefits of a regular vehicle plan, starting at just $65/year.
  10. Join Now and Save $10 or $15
    By now we’re sure you’re convinced that Best Roadside Service is the best emergency roadside plan you can buy, but just in case you need one more reason – if you join on our website right now you can save $10 a year on the vehicle plan or $15 a year for the individual plan.

Sign up today and join our many happy customers who enjoyed safety and security on the road and in their vehicles every day with us!

 

Tips for Safe Business Travel: What to do When You Have a Vehicle Breakdown

Even if your company has a good roadside assistance plan, it’s important to be aware of what you should do in case the vehicle breaks down. While many people have emergency roadside assistance coverage for their personal vehicle, when it comes to business, they don’t think about what will happen when driving a commercial vehicle.

It may not always be possible to call your company for immediate assistance. What happens if you’re 100 miles away from the office? Before heading out the door, employees should find out what to do in case of an emergency. Being prepared before trouble strikes is imperative.

If you find yourself broken down on the side of the road, you’ll want to have a plan in place, including a phone number to call for emergency assistance. In the meantime, be sure and follow these tips that will keep you safe while you wait. Knowing what to do if you breakdown can help ensure that the experience is taken care of as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

  • Be aware of your location. Look for street signs, landmarks or mile markers so that you can describe your exact location when calling for assistance.
  • Get out of traffic if possible. The road’s shoulder, a median or an exit ramp are safer than sitting in the middle of the highway. If the vehicle is completely disabled and can’t be moved, do not stay inside. Instead, leave the hood up and turn your emergency lights on. Move out of the way of traffic as quickly and as safely as possible.
  • Alerting other drivers through use of flares and hazard lights in addition to raising the hood will indicate to other drivers that you need help.
  • If you are able to get to the side of the road, it is better to remain in your vehicle until help arrives. If you feel you may be in a dangerous situation at any point, call your local emergency number, such as 911, immediately.
  • When a breakdown occurs, be sure to take precautions to prevent you from personal harm. If you’re in a bad neighborhood, stay in the car and lock the doors. If the vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road and you cannot get it to the side, do not stay in the vehicle.
  • Call for roadside assistance utilizing your company’s provider. If your company does not have a plan in place, call for emergency assistance and speak with your boss or appropriate contact within your company when you return about getting a commercial roadside assistance plan in place as quickly as possible. Being proactive can potentially save the company thousands of dollars over time.

Commercial Roadside Assistance: Who needs it?

When you think of auto clubs or roadside assistance plans you probably think of coverage for your family during summer road trips or for a commute to school or to work; however, these same programs that can be such a lifesaver are also available for vehicles that don’t fall into the private passenger category.

Any business that uses a vehicle for any work activity should be covered through a roadside assistance plan, including business-owned vehicles such as commercial, fleet or construction vehicles.

Just as you don’t want your family member’s safety jeopardized, you shouldn’t put your company or its employees’ lives at risk while using a company vehicle.

If you hadn’t realized roadside assistance is an option for your business-owned vehicles, it is! You should consider enrolling in a commercial roadside assistance program if:

  • Your business uses vehicles to pick up or deliver goods or services. Vehicles might include delivery trucks or vans, maintenance vehicles, or any vehicle used to carry business equipment.
  • Your business employees drivers to operate a fleet of vehicles that provide transportation services which can include, transportation from a nursing home to a hospital or rehab facility, taxicabs, or buses used for transporting students or senior citizens, etc.
  • Your business requires the use of construction vehicles.
  • Your business offers rental vehicles.

Any business that uses a vehicle for business activities can benefit from a commercial roadside assistance plan.

Why it can be even more important for commercial vehicles to be covered

As both construction vehicles and vehicles that have been modified for deliveries or other services, they are more likely to have breakdowns compared to the average private passenger car. While the costs of roadside assistance can be higher, it will also save you and your company more money over the long haul.

If a company vehicle breaks down, in addition to the annoying frustration and inconvenience to yourself and possibly your customer, the loss of business will ultimately cost the company more if you’re not able to get the vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible.

The cost of calling a tow truck or a mechanic out to a stranded driver is typically far more than the cost of a roadside assistance program, and by having this coverage in place you’ll be providing peace of mind to anyone who drives a vehicle for your company.

The Benefits of Having Commercial Roadside Assistance

While many people are well aware of the benefits of a personal roadside assistance program, and wouldn’t think of going on the road without such coverage, when it comes to business owners, many don’t think about covering their company vehicles and employees in the same way.

Why commercial roadside assistance is crucial to your business

Having a commercial roadside assistance plan can be as beneficial, or even more so than your personal roadside assistance plan. Any business that uses a vehicle for any work activity should be covered through a roadside assistance plan, including business-owned vehicles such as commercial, rental, fleet or construction vehicles.

Commercial roadside assistance plans typically cover the vehicles rather than the driver or the specific individual, allowing your company to assign any driver to any vehicle and still receive the coverage and service that you need at any time.

From one car to 1000, both small and large company vehicles can be covered. Roadside service plans are provided to hospitals, banks, insurance companies, high schools, college universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, construction companies, delivery service companies, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and many others.

The specific benefits of commercial roadside assistance

Just some of the benefits of commercial roadside assistance can include minor mechanical repair, battery service, tire changes and emergency fuel and/or water delivery – all services that can get your or your employee back on the road safely and quickly.

Who hasn’t locked their keys in the car at one time or another? With commercial roadside assistance coverage, if you or one of your employees inadvertently lock the keys inside a company vehicle, lockout service is provided using conventional tools to open the vehicle and retrieve the keys.

Employees who have a delivery to make or a scheduled appointment with a client may have difficulty finding a location. Directions and map routing are another valuable tool that can be provided to help a lost employee or to use as a beneficial travel tool to avoid the frustration of locating hard to find destinations.

Commercial roadside assistance is always a valuable resource for any company with a wealth of benefits and services that can often save the company more money than if they were to pay for services separately.