MENU

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!

Learn How To Protect Car Batteries in Cold Weather

by

Batteries in Cold Weather

Starting your ignition in the warmer months is as easy as a summer breeze, but dealing with car batteries in cold weather is a completely different story. Batteries during the winter are subject to much harsher conditions, and are at an increased risk of failing, as a result. Because summer weather really does have a role to play, the drastic change in temperature during winter can cause a multitude of automobile issues that are frustrating to fix. 

To help you avoid these complications, here are some reasons why your battery is more prone to failure in the winter, and some tips that you can implement to protect your car’s engine when the weather gets cold.

Understanding the Relationship Between Cold Weather and Battery Health

Let’s take a closer look at weather and car batteries. Understanding the relationship between the cold weather and your battery starts with understanding the role warm weather plays. Within lead acid batteries are lead plates submerged in electrolyte liquid. This environment creates an electro-chemical reaction that produces a charge to the battery terminals. While summer heat accelerates this chemical activity, it also speeds up the internal corrosion of the cells which in turn reduces the lifespan of your battery.

This heat has a larger role to play when the cold months come around. The warm weather of the summer can actually accelerate internal battery corrosion and evaporate the electrolytes that your battery relies on.

But, just as heat speeds up this reaction, colder temperatures therefore slow it down, and cause your car’s battery to become sluggish and less responsive. So, does cold weather drain car batteries? Slightly, but what this really means is that your car’s battery has less ability to provide sufficient power to start and run the vehicle. However, these complications can be avoided, and knowing how to maintain your car battery is most of the battle.

Maintaining Your Car Battery in Cold Weather

It is highly recommended that car owners start paying close attention to their batteries after three years of installation. The first thing you may notice if your battery is starting to go is that the car sounds sluggish when trying to start, which is a major warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored. This sluggishness doesn’t immediately mean the battery is about to die, and it’s advised to check the wires to make sure they are not broken, disconnected, or corroded. 

Here are some other tips to consider for maintaining your car battery in cold weather:

  • Address Corrosion

    – Corrosion in your battery can deplete its charge, and also inhibit the electrical conduction that is responsible for starting your vehicle. By having a mechanic clean or remove the corrosion entirely, you can save the lifespan of your battery.

  • Oil Changes

    – It’s important to keep up with your scheduled oil changes, as this oil plays a huge part in keeping your battery and engine protected, particularly in the winter.

  • Protect Battery in Summer

    – Since much of the failure in the winter is a result of the summer heat, it’s hugely important to have regular checkups if something feels off, and to protect your battery when it’s warm.

  • Protect Your Car

    – Whether it’s using a car cover to avoid ice or snow, parking it in a garage, or minimizing battery usage overall, protecting your car goes a long way in its fight against the elements.

  • Give Battery Time to Recharge

    – Short drives and trips with frequent stopping doesn’t allow your car’s battery to recharge as it should. Going on a longer drive occasionally can do just that.

Best Roadside Service

Whether it’s charging a dead battery, a tire change, unlocking your car, or any roadside breakdown, Best Roadside Service has you covered for all your automobile needs on the road. Our emergency roadside assistance plans for consumers can get you back on the road and where you want to go, no matter the weather.

Our plans are filled with benefits that go further than convenient assistance. Our mission is to serve our members by providing the peace of mind and security that comes from having comprehensive roadside insurance coverage, and becoming a member is easy.

To learn more about our services, or to receive a free quote, please contact us today.

The 5 Best Roadside Assistance Companies

by

Roadside assistance is something most of us have, but never hope to use. As with other types of insurance, you’re paying for the “what if” moment. That slight chance some kind of incident strikes on the road, and now you’re in need of help. It’s money well spent, trust us on that. But, how are you supposed to know whether or not your roadside assistance plan is right for you? Which companies even offer the best, most comprehensive programs? Many vehicle owners are asking the same questions. The answer, however, isn’t always so straightforward.

Best Roadside Assistance Companies

You’ll want the more obvious perks included, like towing, locksmith services, battery changes, jump-starts, tire changes, and fuel/oil delivery. But, you’ll also want to consider your personal needs, as well. Some providers may not have exactly what you need. To help you better understand, we’ve put together a quick list of roadside assistance companies and the sort of services, benefits and incentives they offer.

A Look at Some of the Best Roadside Assistance Plans 

When aiming to compare roadside assistance programs, it’s best to evaluate your specific needs and find the right match. Since many plans these days are customizable in some way, you’ll have many options, so knowing your exact situation can help tremendously. For example, choosing either an individual or family plan can significantly change how the services work.

Here are five top roadside assistance providers you should consider when shopping around for a plan:

  • Allstate Motor Club – Allstate is regarded as having some of the most flexible roadside assistance options. Services include towing, jump-start, fuel delivery, lockout service, flat tire change, and trip planning, with a limit of 3–5 service calls per year, depending on package. The average cost of these packages ranges from $86–$144, with $150–$250 benefit per tow, depending on the package. Additionally, any driver can buy roadside assistance as an add-on to an Allstate policy, purchase a subscription plan, or use Allstate’s mobile app to access pay-per-use roadside assistance, regardless of insurer.
  • Progressive – While Progressive only offers one roadside assistance plan, it is extremely inexpensive and reliable at $16. Aside from services such as towing, jump-start, fuel delivery, battery change, lockout service, flat tire change, and on-scene labor, they also provide winching a car out of snow, sand, mud, or water, up to 100 feet from a road or highway.
  • AAA – The average plan cost for AAA ranges from $38–$164, and includes all previously stated services as well as identity theft protection, passport photos, and towing to the nearest gas station, AAA-approved repair facility, or preferred mechanic. With a limit of 4 service calls per membership year, AAA is a reliable service that hosts a diverse range of plan options to meet proper needs.
  • Better World Club – Services from Better World Club include battery jump-start, flat tire change, lockout service, fuel delivery, trip routing, discounts on hotels, rental cars, and more, making it a versatile option. Plans range from $58-$98, with a limit of 4 service calls per year. As opposed to some of the other top roadside assistance options, Better World Club is a subscription-based service that markets itself as the only eco-friendly auto club.
  • Best Roadside Service – With top roadside assistance plan options for both commercial fleets and consumers, Best Roadside Service is a fantastic choice that offers versatility and reliability. Consumer plans include tow services up to 75 miles, 3-gallon fuel delivery service, $100 reimbursement for lost keys, winching, 24-hour repair & rescue, as well as VIP discounts for travel & hotels. Commercial services include everything from the consumer option, as well as up to 6 service calls a year, no monthly service fees, direct emergency toll-free number, and a fully customizable plan option at less than $8 a month.

Choose the Best Roadside Service

When you ride with Best Roadside Service, you’re riding with the best. There’s no better protection for you and your loved ones on the road than a maintained vehicle and the auto club that can be there for you no matter what you need or when you need it. Our consumer and commercial plan options are guaranteed to provide all the flexibility you need in your roadside assistance package at the most affordable rates.

We value our customers and provide a variety of benefits for using our Best Roadside Service plan options, including discount programs, special pricing, and savings on activities, vacations, destinations, and services that you will use even when they’re not on the road!

We’ve serviced over 15 million customers since 1962, providing reliability and convenience when it matters most. Feel free to learn more about our comprehensive roadside service plans for consumers, our vehicle and individual plans, and commercial truck and fleet packages. For any questions or comments, please contact us today.

The Importance of Flat Tire Roadside Assistance

by

Flat Tire Roadside Assistance

There is arguably nothing more frustrating than getting a flat tire on the road, but being aware of some flat tire roadside assistance options can alleviate much of the stress and hassle that goes into these situations. Some people may still be unsure of what these providers do, and an all too common question includes, “does roadside assistance change tires?” Not only do these providers change tires, but most of these roadside assistance plans will have someone come to your location, and completely replace the tire for you.

Who to Call When You Have a Flat Tire

Flat tire roadside assistance providers should be the first choice for who to call when you have a flat tire. These providers specialize in these situations, bringing with them the necessary tools and expertise to make sure the job gets done correctly. Truth is, there are plenty of factors that go into changing a flat tire, and doing them wrong can cause further damage to your vehicle, so it’s important to leave it in the hands of a professional. Still, even when contacting a roadside assistance provider, there are still protocols you should follow to ensure that the process goes smoothly and efficiently.

What to Do When You Get a Flat Tire

Preparation is key when knowing what to do when you get a flat tire. Certain steps should be taken even before the circumstance arises, including knowing where your spare tire or donut is located in your vehicle, and making sure that your spare tire or donut has enough air, which is usually 60 PSI. Roadside assistance services aren’t going to bring a brand new tire to your location. They are going to remove the damaged tire and put on the spare. Therefore, making sure this spare is ready to go is absolutely crucial.

When a flat tire does strike, the first thing to do is slowly and carefully get to the side of the road, or in a safe spot away from oncoming traffic, and park. A good thing to remember is that a roadside assistance provider will need some space to work, so just because you’re on the shoulder, doesn’t mean the person helping you will be as well. If no spot seems like a good place to stop, it is not in your best interest to continue driving on the flat, as this can ruin your rims and cause structural damage. Put on your hazards and get to the safest spot you can.

Once you’re in a safe place, call for roadside assistance. Keeping this number in a reliable place is also important, either in your glove box or saved on your phone. After you’ve contacted the service, chances are you’ll be waiting for a little bit of time, and that’s fine. Once the service has arrived, they’ll be able to identify the cause of the flat if you haven’t already done so, and can tell you the correct procedure to fix the issue. Sometimes if a small nail or screw caused the flat, these providers can even plug it, letting you ride away on that very same tire. Other times, they’ll simply put the spare on. Either way, an immediate course of action is to either schedule or visit your nearest mechanic shop to look into getting a new tire.

Best Roadside Service

For over 50 years, Best Roadside Service has been providing roadside assistance services to both commercial and fleet customers. At Best Roadside Service, we offer two different types of commercial roadside assistance plans to fit the individual needs of you and your household. Whether you have multiple people sharing one or more vehicles, or you need coverage no matter what vehicle you’re in, our roadside services can help in the case of flat tires, breakdowns, and more.

Contact us for any questions or comments regarding our services and plans, or to request a quote today.

What Information Should You Have Ready When In Need Of Roadside Breakdown Cover

by

Roadside Breakdown Cover

If you own a vehicle, having some form of roadside breakdown cover is essential in the case of an emergency while on the road. Aside from the peace of mind this service can offer, having a support system in place will help you properly manage a roadside emergency.

When experiencing a vehicular issue, roadside assistance insurance and coverage will ensure help reaches you, but there are some steps you can take to help expedite the process. Breakdowns can be frustrating experiences, but the importance of knowing what you should do in these events is paramount. When calling a roadside assistance service, there is a fair amount of information that you should be ready to provide that can help save you time and stress.

What to Have Ready When Calling Your Roadside Assistance Service

When an emergency strikes, and you need to call your roadside assistance number, some of the most important details you should know include:

  • Your location – The first thing your roadside assistance provider will typically want to know is your current location. Luckily, this is made a lot easier with technology, and the easiest way is to simply check the GPS on a mobile device. However, in situations where that option is unavailable, finding the nearest street intersection can provide the necessary information. In cases where you might be on the highway, look for markers along the side of the road. They are usually placed every 1/10th of a mile and many have a decimal number corresponding to an exact location on the road.
  • Model and condition of car – To more easily identify your vehicle, knowing the exact make and model is crucial. This information may also include year, color, and other manufacturing details that can usually be found in your car. The condition is also important to know. Informing your roadside assistance provider the exact cause of your breakdown can help a lot, whether it’s an engine issue or a flat tire. This way your provider can dispatch the appropriate response.
  • Repair location – Another very helpful piece of information to know is an automobile repair shop location where you usually service your vehicle. Knowing the address can help the service bring your car to a preferred location in the fastest time possible, and even calling them ahead of time can expedite the repair process if necessary. If you’re unsure where you usually service a vehicle, you can always find the nearest spot to your current location, or your home.

Call Best Roadside Service 

Best Roadside Service is the #1 authority in emergency roadside service and breakdown cover. We provide consumer plans to assist you in the event that your vehicle becomes disabled due to unforeseen circumstances. With two different types of roadside assistance plans, we cover cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and even motorcycles and scooters.

Our plans include services such as:

  • Tow services up to 75 miles
  • 3-gallon fuel delivery service
  • 24 hour repair and rescue service
  • 24 hour trip and routing service
  • $100 reimbursement for lost keys

Whether it’s for an individual or a company fleet, our plans are made to fit your unique needs while on the road. Our two most popular plans are the Vehicle Roadside Assistance Plan and the Individual Roadside Assistance Plan. Vehicle Roadside Assistance Plans cover the vehicle, regardless of who is driving, making it the perfect choice for commercial entities, with coverage starting at just $6 per month. Our Individual Roadside Assistance Plans follow the member, no matter what vehicle they’re in, even if they are not driving.

Learn more about our exceptional services today to find out what makes us the leading roadside assistance service, or contact us today for questions or to receive a quote.

The Two Most Common Roadside Emergencies And How You Can Be Prepared

by

Car Emergencies

The Two Most Common Roadside Emergencies And How You Can Be Prepared 

When it comes to roadside emergencies, you can never be too prepared. While there are many, possible unexpected circumstances you can experience on the road, there are two common emergencies we should always be prepared for: a flat tire and a dead battery.

Keep reading to learn some helpful tips for roadside emergencies and what you should do when dealing with either of these two situations.

How to Handle the 2 Most Common Roadside Car Emergencies

Two of the most common car emergencies include:

  • Changing a Flat Tire

Even though flat tires don’t seem that bad compared to other emergencies, they can lead to potentially dangerous situations.

Prevention is key to avoiding a flat tire, however, sometimes it just happens. Make sure to have these items in your car if you ever have a flat tire:

  • A jack
  • Lug wrench
  • Fully inflated spare tire
  • Vehicle owner’s manual

Instructions for changing a flat tire:

  1. Locate the spare tire: Spare tires are usually under the trunk or on the back of the vehicle. Place on the ground near the flat tire.
  2. Remove hubcap: Use the lug wrench from the jack and use it to loosen the hubcap and remove it from the flat tire.
  3. Lift wheel: Use the jack to lift the wheel off the ground
  4. Loosen lug nuts: Use jack to loosen lug nuts from tire, but don’t remove yet
  5. Raise vehicle: Use the jack to lift the vehicle
  6. Remove lug nuts: Finish removing lug nuts
  7. Remove tire: Remove and place somewhere safe
  8. Place spare tire: Line up the holes with the bolts
  9. Place lug nuts: Put back the lug nuts onto the bolts and turn counterclockwise until secure\
  10. Lower vehicle: Lower vehicle and remove jack

2. Dead Battery

To prevent a dead battery, make sure to always turn off lights in a car, close doors all the way, and turn off the radio when it’s not in use.

If you have a dead battery, you can try jump-starting it. Be extra careful when jump-starting any vehicle and do not attempt to jump-start your car if the battery is cracked or leaking.

To jump-start a dead battery:

  1. Park the car nose-to-nose or directly next to another car.
  2. Take the red, positive jump clamp and connect to the good vehicle first, and then the one with the dead battery.
  3. Repeat this step with the black, negative cable.
  4. Start the engine of the good vehicle and allow it to charge the battery for around 10 minutes.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Never hit the road without a roadside emergency kit, which should include:

  • Jumper cables
  • Flares or triangle reflectors
  • A quart or more of motor oil
  • First-aid kit
  • Blanket or space blanket
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Paper towels
  • Spray bottle with washer fluid
  • Dry or canned food
  • Bottled water

Best Roadside Service Can Assist You With All Your Car Emergencies 

Consider signing up for a roadside service program like Best Roadside Service, an American-owned and operated company providing customers with the best individual and commercial vehicle roadside assistance plans available at competitive prices. Our service works in any location throughout the United States and Canada.

We offer some of the best services in the roadside assistance industry including towing, lockout and lost key services, flat tire services, fuel delivery, and dead battery services.

How Can Commercial Fleet Roadside Assistance Benefit Your Business?

by

Commercial Fleet Roadside Assistance

Commercial fleet roadside assistance plans are essential for both small and large businesses seeking cost-efficient methods of protecting their fleets. For business owners who may heavily rely on transportation, keeping your vehicles, and therefore your drivers, safe is sometimes the most important factor in maintaining overall efficiency.

[Read more…]

Protect Your Drivers With Roadside Insurance Coverage

by

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.

[Read more…]

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?

by

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.

[Read more…]

How to Change a Flat Tire

by

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.

[Read more…]