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!

Protect Your Drivers With Roadside Insurance Coverage

Roadside Insurance Coverage

Roadside insurance coverage helps businesses ensure that their drivers always have the support they need in case of an emergency, or a vehicle breakdown. The best coverage plans can provide drivers with towing, assistance with electrical issues, jumpstart services, fuel delivery, and so much more.

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What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover So, what does roadside assistance cover? Regardless if you’re a business owner or an individual, emergency roadside assistance can and will save you in a bind. It can cover everything from motorcycles and trucks to your mother’s ancient station wagon. Did you know that for every year you own your car, the chances of it breaking down increase dramatically? Incidents like tire blowouts, running out of gas, and breaking down on a highway miles from an exit are dangerous, but you can eliminate that danger with one of the roadside plans from Best Roadside Service. Since 1962, we have provided outstanding roadside services to over 15 million members across the United States and Canada.

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How to Change a Flat Tire

How to Change a Flat Tire

Knowing how to change a flat tire is an important skill for all drivers. While hopefully, you’ll never be in the situation of having to do it on your own (that’s what roadside tire service is for, after all), it’s still smart to know the ins and outs of changing a flat tire — just in case you find yourself in a real bind.

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Winter Isn’t Coming, It’s Already Here

Many Games of Thrones fans are disappointed this week when HBO confirmed the final season of the hit show won’t arrive until sometime in 2019. However, If you look at the cold weather and the snow across much of the United States this week, you will see that winter is already here. The team at Best Roadside Service is urging its motorists to make sure their vehicles are road-ready for the cold weather.

Approximately 22 percent of all motorists who live in colder climates across the United States are worried about whether or not their vehicles will break down while out driving in winter weather. Many are worried that their cars won’t start. Over half of them won’t have any vehicle maintenance done prior to the winter weather.

However, planning ahead and taking the time to prepare your car and being ready for winter weather can not only save time, it can save lives.

Here are 10 tips from Best Roadside Service to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter.

1. Test the battery. Ensure that it’s fully charged and in peak maintenance.

2. Ensure that the brakes are working properly. Apply them smoothly to ensure that the wheels won’t lock up on slick surfaces.

3. Rotate the tires prior to winter and make sure that the tire pressure is at the right levels. Remember that your air pressure will decrease for every 10-degree drop in the temperature.

4. Use the proper tire size for your vehicle. Tires that are too wide will float on the snow thus, reducing the grip.

5. Most cars in colder climates require engine coolant that will offer anti-freeze protection down to the lower temperatures for the region. -34 degrees is a good guideline.

6. Change wiper blades. Newer blades work better on slushy snow.

7. Get the oil changed, check windshield washer solvent and make sure all fluid levels are properly set.

8. Keep the gas tank filled at least halfway to help reduce condensation that can lead to the gas line freezing up. If your fuel doesn’t already have alcohol, use a line “dryer” additive every few tanks to ensure that it won’t freeze up.

9. If you’re traveling great distances, carry a winter driving kit with you in the car. It should include some sand or cat litter for traction, a small snow shovel, traction mats, snow brush, basic car repair kit, washer solvent for the windshield, ice scraper, a flashlight with fresh batteries, a roll of paper toweling or a few towels, blankets, extra clothing, warning devices such as flares or triangles, jumper cables, snacks and drinking water.

10. Keep in mind that you should also have a cell phone and a car charger. Make sure that important numbers are all programmed into the cell phone. You’ll want to include family members, your insurance agency number and any other important numbers including Best Roadside Service emergency road services at 1-800-480-2812 x 3.

Common Vehicle Maintenace Mistakes

car maintenance

Proper vehicle maintenance is a combination of professional mechanical work as well as small and consistent DIY pest practices on the part of the owner. Nevertheless, both sides can still be responsible for some of the most common errors made when maintaining cars.

Car owners are advised consistently to practice good maintenance skills in the light that cars are one of the most valuable investments anyone can make. It can still be expected that mistakes will happen eventually.

To ensure that your car is not a bad investment and big regret, it is essential that you practice a stringent ritual of maintenance and attention to detail. The following article will highlight some of the most common maintenance errors and provide crucial solutions to avoiding these issues.

1. Overlooking the finer details

Never forget that the smallest things can really add up in the future when it comes to addressing the details of car maintenance. From the correct startup to the way you replace the wipers on the car, the small and seemingly mundane will affect the whole in the long run. This is the main reason motorist begin having problems with their cars, simply neglecting the smallest aspects of maintenance.

2. Neglecting the air filter

Never assume that the important air filter can simply be cleaned and the task of addressing this component is done. Replacing the car’s air filter is something that must be done on a regular basis. Once the level of dirt begins to obstruct air flow, a change of filter is essential. These are fairly generic features and available in just about any auto parts store? With this in mind, anyone who suffers a choked engine can know that this negligence could easily have been avoided.

3. Skipping on inspecting car fluids

Motorists can do a serious disservice by simply not attending to the correct adding of essential motor fluids. The motor oils are one of the essential fluids that should be changed and the damage caused by engines running with no oils is always detrimental. To make sure your car is in the best working condition keep your engine’s oil at the proper levels and changed regularly. To ensure your car never suffers any of these malfunctions, keep your engines fluids at their proper levels.

4. Overlooking brake pads

Suffering from worn and old brake pads can be a problem for a careless motorist. A good portion of the time, improper brake pads can contribute to the poor performance of a car’s steering system. Not replacing brake pads can place your car at an extreme risk and can be the cause of a severe accident. To avoid all this upset, have your brake pads checked and changed at the first signs of wear and tear.

5. Overlooking tire conditions

Many different things can happen when you neglect the tires of your car. The first and most critical result can be a blowout or other vehicular catastrophes. Tires that are not rotated frequently and those that are not kept to the correct tire pressure can also become a hazard to the smooth running of the car. The consequences for ignoring the tire’s and their conditions are serious. Make sure these tires are in excellent conditions before you attempt to head out on the roads.

6. Driving with an overheated engine

Why a driver would insist on getting to their destination when the car is obviously in a bad way is almost incredible. If an engine is showing signs of overheating it should be taken off the road and out of motion immediately or flirt with the disaster of a flaming engine barreling down the road. Yes, you will be out of commission for some time, but you will also be back on your way as soon as the issue has been addressed.

7. Proceeding with DIY without proper knowledge

Proper maintenance is a DIY thing. By the same measure, if this maintenance is applied without care, attention to detail or know-how, the results can be as bad as if no maintenance were applied at all. If you are unsure about what to do, you should always rely on professional help and care if you come to a halt in some inconvenient location.

8. Ignoring your windshield wipers

It is important to address every small aspect of car maintenance to ensure that nothing goes unchecked. The windshield wipers of your car are a good example of something that should be taken care of regularly. With the passage of time these wipers tend to become more brittle and then they can lead to a scratched windshield and larger more expensive repairs. It pays to take the time to avoid these issues with a little replacement now and then.

9. Neglecting your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light

The TPMS light is an important indication of impending disaster if you are not fast with an effective response. Unless you want hands on experience in dealing with a tire blowout, be sure you always keep your tires at the correct pressure indicated in your car owner’s manual or the tire’s indications. You can also take your car to the nearest tire service center and have your tire aligned and adjusted to perfection which will improve the overall functionality of your vehicle.

10. Disregarding the Check Engine warning light

Go ahead speed on down the road totally ignoring the “check engine” light frantically bleeping it’s warning of impending doom. This act of complacency may seem to go unpunished in the short time but, you can also find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a car heading  to the junkyard if not the mechanical ICU. The check engine light may be a serious problem, or something very minor, but it is important to act quickly to avoid all sorts of damage.

Following this checklist can help ensure that you’re not stuck on the side of the road. However, accidents do happen. Emergency roadside assistance plans can eliminate costly tows and cover expenses for lost keys or lockouts, running out of gas, and dead batteries. Purchasing a plan through Best Roadside Service includes benefits such as fluid top offs, fuel delivery, flat tire service, and lost key and lockout service. Additionally, with a quick call to our emergency hotline all your service provider needs can be located in one place, and with the right plan, fast response times will eliminate wait time. One call to Best Roadside Service will have help on the way quickly with an average response time of just 34 minutes.

New Cars Are Lacking A Spare Tire

roadside assistance spare tire

As part of their push to boost fuel economy and lower overall weight, a number of automakers have resorted to removing spare tires from their latest model offerings. According to Consumer Reports, almost 28% of the vehicles sold in 2017 don’t come with spare tires. The result is a significant burden and added cost to those who own those vehicles.

In many cases, vehicle owners were actually unaware of the fact that they were not carrying a spare tire in their new car. Best Roadside Service recommends that drivers take a look in the back of their cars to determine if a spare exists. If there is no spare, they should consider purchasing one.

There are some car makers who have begun adding tire inflating kits as a substitute for traditional spare tires. However, not that many drivers understand how to operate them. It is far too common for drivers to develop a flat tire only to be forced to struggle with an inflator kit that is totally foreign to them. It is also worth noting that inflator kits are substantially more expensive than simply repairing a flat, and they are only effective for a period of between four and eight years.

To prevent unpleasant surprises on the side of the freeway, Best Roadside Service recommends that all vehicle owners check into whether they have a spare tire. Routine tire maintenance is also essential, such as regularly checking tire pressures. If a vehicle does come with an inflator kit, the owner needs to learn how it is used and whether it is still within its functional time frame. Most importantly, make sure you own roadside assistance coverage with Best Roadside Service. Our towing contractors, have the experience with tire inflator kits and can get you back on the road in no time. In the event, a tire inflator kit cannot fix your tire, Best Roadside Service will tow your vehicle up to 75 miles to the nearest repair facility.

What To Do If You Run Out Of Gas

What To Do If You Run Out Of Gas

Do you know what to do if you run out of gas? 

One of the biggest fears that drivers have is running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. However, this is also one of the simplest mechanical breakdowns to avoid.

At Best Roadside Service, we know how to deal with an empty gas tank. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being out of gas, the tips below could be the difference between you having to cancel your plans or making it to your destination fashionably late.

Get Yourself To A Safe Area

If you feel like there is a problem with your vehicle you should immediately try to pull over in a safe area. However, it is not always possible to get your car off the road the moment you hear your vehicle making the typical out-of-gas sputtering sound. The first thing you should do if your car has run out of gas on the road is to put your hazard lights on. Although this is more important at night, even during the day, the hazard lights will inform other drivers that you are stuck.

Put your vehicle into neutral and step out of the vehicle once you know it is safe to do so. Next, on the driver’s side, push your car until it is safely on the shoulder of the road. To help you guide your vehicle maintain a grip on the steering wheel. When you have the car in a safe spot apply your emergency brake and don’t switch off the hazard light; remember they are called ‘hazard’ lights for a reason!

Conserve Your Phone Battery

It never fails, when you need your phone the most, the battery is usually almost dead. If you run out of gas, you will likely need to use your phone for calls and online searches. You might need to find gas stations using online maps. Also, you may need to make calls to various locations to see who can send help. You may also need to call a tow truck if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere, as well as receive a host of return calls to check your location, and so on.

If you find yourself stuck or waiting for help to arrive, don’t use your phone to watch videos or other unnecessary activities just to pass the time. It would be silly to let a few cute animal videos or social media apps stand in the way of your rescue.  Also, put your alerts on the ringer and not vibrate as this uses up less battery life.

Identify Exactly Where You Are

If you are on a back road, or another remote area, and don’t know where the nearest gas station is you will need to identify your exact location so that help can find you. Look out for road signs or if it is already dark check whether there are any lights nearby which could lead to a gas station. If you have run out of gas in the city, you should easily be able to ask someone where the nearest gas station is.

Will Roadside Assistance Bring You Gas?

Roadside assistance gas delivery is just a phone call away if you have a coverage plan. Purchasing a commercial or individual plan through Best Roadside Service includes fuel delivery in the event you run out of gas. One quick call to a 24/7 emergency hotline will have a service provider ready to assist you, and with an average response time of just 34 minutes, you will be back on the road in no time.

Preparing Your Car for Fall

Roadside assistance plan

Pumpkin-themed foods and back to school are in, and summer is officially coming to an end.  Pretty soon the weather will be going from the comfortable post-summer season to a more icky and brisk one.  During the fall months being a safe driver requires more discipline and attention.  However, first, your car needs a little TLC.

10 Tips For Preparing Your Car For Autumn’s Falling Leaves and Cold Winds:

Check the tires and brakes: 

Your vehicle needs enough stopping power to deal with the inclement weather and the road conditions as well as other hazards associated with fall and winter.  That means having good tires and brakes.  If wear bars are showing on your tires, they need replacing. Most reliable tire and brake shops will inspect your tires and brakes free of charge. Your summer tires need to be changed over to all season tires since the sportier summer ones might only work well on slightly chilled roads.  The tire pressure also needs to be checked, since the tire pressure will go down when the temperature drops.  Keep the pressure of your tires at the level that your vehicle manufacturer recommends.

Check the lights on your car:      

Walk around the exterior of your vehicle and check out all of the lamps: emergency flashers, brake lights, parking lights, taillights, and headlights. Replace any bulbs damaged or non-functioning lights.  Also, make sure all of the lights are clean.  You might want to buy halogen lamps for safer driving and improved visibility if you have an older car with sealed-beam headlamps.

Check and Replace your wiper blades: 

The job of your car’s wiper blades is to clear the windshield completely.  Worn or cracked edges will not do a good enough job.  Check the rubber on the blades to make sure they are flexible and then turn on the wipers to ensure your blades clean the glass.  Replace any blades that are worn.

Make sure the defroster and heater work: 

It isn’t safe or fun to drive with a car heater that isn’t functioning properly.  Trying to drive with fogged-up windows is an accident waiting to happen.  Make sure to check your rear and front window defrosters to ensure they are working properly.  Have your defroster and heater systems repaired, if necessary.

Have your car battery checked: 

A fully charged battery is required to start your vehicle during cold weather.  Have a trained technician inspect your charging system and battery.  If necessary, have them replaced.  If the battery cable ends or terminals have any signs of corrosion or there are any loose connections, then your battery needs some care.  A majority of auto parts stores like O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and AutoZone will diagnose your battery issues and test it for free!

Check under the hood of your car:   

Checking under the hood lets you identify any clear signs of wear as well as components that need to be fixed or replaced. Check for loose clamps, cracks, and leaks in your car’s cooling system.  Also, squeeze the hoses.  Replace any that feel brittle or spongy.  Check the underside of your vehicle’s drive belts to see if there is any fraying.  Replace them as needed.  If you have engine problems like sputtering or other noises coming from the motor, get a licensed mechanic to inspect the engine thoroughly and have any repairs made that are necessary.

Change air and oil filters: 

If it is time to replace the oil or the oil in your car is dirty, then you should have the oil changed. Check your air filter also to make sure it is clean enough to operate your vehicle properly.  If you are unable to see the light through the filter when it is held up to a 60-watt bulb, then it needs to be replaced.

Refill cooling system:

Experts recommend checking the coolant level inside of the overflow tank when the engine in your car is cold.  Add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water if the level is low for the appropriate antifreeze capabilities.  The cooling system might need periodic replacing.

Check all of your car’s fluid levels: 

That includes power steering, brake, transmission and washer fluids.  Make sure all of them are above or at the minimum safe levels, and then refill any of them as needed.

Have your car washed and detailed: 

It might sound strange, but getting your car all spiffy by giving it a thorough cleaning can make it easier to find potential problems.

Preparing for the new season is just half the battle.  You must also pay careful attention to driving conditions.  Additionally, even a well-maintained vehicle can experience an occasional breakdown. Flat tires, mechanical failures, lockouts, lost keys, and accidents can happen no matter how old, or new, your car is. Emergency roadside assistance plans can eliminate costly tows and cover expenses for lost keys or lockouts, running out of gas, and dead batteries. Purchasing a plan through Best Roadside Service includes benefits such as fluid top offs, fuel delivery, flat tire service, and lost key and lockout service. Additionally, with a quick call to an emergency hotline all your service provider needs can be located in one place, and with the right plan, fast response times will eliminate wait time. One call to Best Roadside Service will have help on the way quickly with an average response time of just 34 minutes.