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Preparing Your Car for Fall

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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.

Preparing Young Drivers For Driving

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Does your family have a new driver?  Before handing them your car keys, be sure to have all of the information you need on what all the legal requirements are for new drivers that must be met before obtaining their first driver’s license.  From getting a driver’s permit to obtaining auto insurance for a young driver, there is so much that your teenager needs to become familiar with before he or she gets behind the wheel and starts driving.

The Learner’s Permit

Most states require that new teen drivers, in particular, obtain a learner’s permit.  The specific age at which a teenager can receive a learner’s permit does vary from one state to the next; however, the minimum age for getting a learner’s permit in most states is 15 years old.  Obtaining a learner’s permit and passing the classroom part of driver’s education go hand in hand.  After your teenager has finished the class, then they can take the written test.  After passing the written test and obtaining a learner’s permit certificate, your son or daughter can then apply at your local DMV office to get their learner’s permit.

Keep in mind that obtaining a learner’s permit is only the first step in a long process of obtaining a driver’s license.  In many states, a teenage driver is required to have their learner’s permit for as long as 6 to 12 months before they are allowed to get their driver’s license.

Supervised Driving Times

Each state will have its requirements that teen drivers have to meet, but once the learner’s permit is obtained, a majority of states require that your teenager achieves a certain amount of supervised driving hours.  Supervised driving is designed to help teens feel more comfortable driving on the roads as well as improve how knowledgeable they are of the various roadway laws.

Applying For A Driver’s License

Once a learner’s permit has been obtained, and enough time has been put behind the wheel, then a teenager can finally apply to get a driver’s license.  Many states, however, have instituted a provisional license program that limits how much access teenagers have to the roads, or there are other restrictions placed on young drivers, like passenger restrictions and nighttime driving.  New drivers may also be required to perform a road test.  Make sure that you check with the local DMV office to find out what is required for your teenager.

Obtaining Insurance

It is of particular importance to have the right car insurance if you have an inexperienced or young driver as a member of your household.  Make sure that you remember to add your teenager to your insurance just as soon as she or he gets her license.  Also, any vehicles that your teenagers might be driving will need to be added to your insurance policy to ensure coverage.  Speak with your auto insurance company to make sure that your vehicles and teenager are covered.

Roadside Assistance

New young drivers, like to enjoy their new found freedom perhaps a little too much.  Make sure you have roadside assistance coverage from Best Roadside Service for your teenager’s vehicle to make sure they are safe and taken care of in the event of a breakdown.

How To Be A Better Backseat Driver

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There’s nothing like packing up some food and filling up your tank and hitting the road with your friends. However, when it comes to driving long distance, a car full of people can make the ride a little bit of a nuisance. Not only that, but there is a study out there that found that backseat drivers are responsible for one in every seven accidents.

It may be fun to be out on the road with friends, but if you are a passenger, then you may be doing things that distract the driver. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that there were three distractions you should be aware of, regardless if you’re the one driving or riding along as the passenger. Those distractions included cognitive, manual and visual.

If you’re a passenger in a car, then you may be distracting the driver or contributing to it. There are a few common scenarios we will discuss. Afterwards, you’ll know how to be a better backseat driver.

1. Let GPS Do Its Job- Don’t be the type of backseat driver that gives directions. We all have been there, driving quietly when all of a sudden someone else in the car tells the driver they are going the wrong way. This can be a major distraction for the driver.

When you’re the passenger, you need to keep in mind that the driver probably knows where they are going. If they ask for help, then go ahead and tell them where you guys are. Other than that, just enjoy the ride and let their GPS do its job.

2. The Passenger That Snacks- Eating is both a manual and visual distraction. In fact, eating and driving increases the chances of an accident happening by up to 80 percent. Not only that, but near-miss crashes caused by drivers eating and driving are quite high.

Sure, your favorite snacks may be small and can fit into the cup holder, but you don’t want to get in the habit of sharing your snacks with others in the car. If you try to feed the driver or toss snacks into their mouth, then this is a recipe for disaster. If you get food and you don’t want it to get cold, then get a seat warmer and place the food on that and not on your lap.

3. The DJ Backseat Driver- Headbanging music may be what you’re used to listening at the gym, but your driver may not be a fan of it. They might not like the volume all the way up. What this means is you want to be mindful of the type of music you turn on and how loud you put it.

One study showed that the driver’s ability to drive can be impacted by the type of music that is being played and how loud it is. When drivers listen to music, then they can become distracted, especially if the music is at a high volume. With that said, you might be wondering exactly what you can do if you’re the passenger.

What you can do is keep the music low and don’t keep changing the channels on the radio. Don’t ask the driver to keep changing the channels because this can make things even more distracting. Play it safe and don’t touch the radio and don’t turn the volume all the way up.

4. The Athlete- Maybe you’ve just been to a game and now you’re all hyped up and for some reason or another you feel necessary to act like an athlete inside the car. This is a horrible idea and don’t even think about tossing around an object in the backseat because these things can make the driver feel anxious. They may end up losing control of the vehicle. With that said, wait until you guys reach your destination before you get into play mode and start acting like an athlete.

5. The Photographer- Are you the type of person who thinks everything and anything is Instagram worthy because if so, then you are probably distracting the driver with all the photos you snap along the way. There’s nothing wrong with taking photos, but just make sure the car ride isn’t affected by it. If possible, try to take photos while being quiet.

What you don’t want to be doing is shouting when you drive by something you want to take a photo of. Don’t jump out of your seat either because these things can cause the driver to panic and suddenly hit the breaks. This can lead to a major accident, so do your best to be mindful and quiet when snapping pictures along the way. If you see something and you want to tell the driver, then feel free to tell them, but don’t shout at them from out of nowhere.

Do you want to be a better backseat driver? Of course you do. All you have to do is keep the above tips in mind the next time you and your friends decide to hit the road.

Road Assistance Tips For The Heat

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As Americans brace themselves for potential record level temperatures across the country during the hottest summer months, drivers are encouraged to prepare their vehicles for the excessive heat.

Six key areas should be addressed by drivers to help ensure that their vehicles survive the summer temperatures:

1. Clean and Secure Auto Batteries

Vibration and heat are your battery’s two worst enemies and can lead to internal breakdown and eventual failure. Although there isn’t much that drivers can do about the temperature, they can ensure that their batteries are mounted securely into place to minimize the vibration. Quickly evaporating battery fluid is another potential problem in the summer, which leads to corrosion on the connections and terminals. Clean off any corrosive build-up of the cable clamps and battery terminals, and make sure the clamps stay tight enough so that they don’t move.

2. Ensure That Your Engine Stays Cool

The job of the cooling system is to prevent the motor from overheating. Also, additives inside of the coolant protect the internal engine components and radiator against corrosion and wear. Improperly maintaining your vehicles cooling system increases the chances of long-term engine damage. Many of the cooling system components are made of rubber and are susceptible to extreme heat. Inspect drive belts and hoses for soft spots and cracking. Replace worn parts as they are more likely to fail when the weather is hot.

3. Minimize Risk Of Blowouts

When you drive with underinflated tires, it not only affects the braking and handling of a car, but it can also result in the tires overheating and increase the chances of a blowout, especially when the road temperatures are hot. Check vehicle tires (especially those on vehicles not driven on a regular basis) for inflation level and inflate them to the air pressure that the vehicle manufacturer recommends not the number that appears on the tire sidewall.

4. Stay Hydrated

Your car’s engine fluids are critical for keeping it running smoothly. A majority of fluids lubricate and acts as coolants through helping to carry away heat from critical components. Whenever there are low fluid levels, the potential for overheating increasing. Check all fluids including; brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and motor oil; and fill to the proper levels if necessary.

5. Keep Cold Air Coming

In the extreme summer heat, having an air conditioning system that operates properly isn’t just a convenience it is a necessity. If the air conditioning on a car isn’t maintaining the proper interior temperature as it did in the past, then it might mean the level of freon in the air conditioner is low, or there could be another issue. Have a certified technician check your air conditioning system.

Air conditioning systems can fail even when properly maintained; therefore, drivers should never leave kids or pets in a car even when it is running. During the intense summer heat temperatures in a car can quickly top 100 degrees leading to tragic results in a matter of minutes. When running errands always take your kids in with you. If you cannot bring your pets into businesses with you, it is better to leave them home then in a vehicle.

6. Be Prepared in Case of a Breakdown

Keep a well-stocked emergency kit inside your vehicles. These kits should include basic repair tools, flashlights and extra batteries, safety cones and road flares, blankets, non-perishable food items, and water.

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, and with an average response time of just 34 minutes get you out of the heat before you have a meltdown.

Five Most Common Reasons Drivers End Up Stranded On The Side Of A Road

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flat tire

As a driver, no one wants to be stranded on the side of the road; however, most of us end up there sooner or later. The following are the top five reasons that drivers end up stranded, and the steps you can take to decrease your chances of ending up there.

Flat Tires 

Drivers often encounter debris on highways and roads in need of repair. Additionally, vehicle owners often wait to do preventative maintenance on their cars. Unmaintained roadways and tires can lead to and increased risk of blowouts and flat tires. To reduce this risk, drivers can take the following steps:

1) Check your tire pressure on a regular basis and keep the proper amount of air in your tires.
2) Rotate your tires so they are kept in top condition.
3) Keep your eyes directly on the road and avoid running over such hazards as road debris and potholes.
4) Keep a spare tire inside of your car.  Also, consider purchasing run-flat tires.  These enable you to drive on a flat for several miles.

Running Out of Gas

It can be inconvenient when you are in a hurry and need to fill up, but it is nothing compared to having to wait on the side of the road if you run out of gas.  In order to avoid running out of gas, keep your tank at least 1/4 full.  When you are traveling, top of your tank when you make a stop; even if you still have plenty of fuel.  If you have an unreliable fuel gauge keep track of your mileage instead of guessing and avoid being left on the side of the road.

Car Battery Problems  

While it is unusual to have a break down due to a battery issue while driving, once you stop your vehicle and turn it off battery problems can leave you stranded. A few simple tips can keep your battery in top shape, and hopefully keep you on the road.

1) Don’t keep your car running when it isn’t necessary, especially if all you are doing is running the radio or air conditioning.
2) Turn your lights off (interior and exterior) each time you leave your vehicle.
3) Change your battery every five years, even if you haven’t had any problems.

Vehicle Overheating

It can be a scary experience when your car overheats, especially if it starts smoking. Check all of your fluid levels regularly and make sure they are at the level recommended in your owner’s manual. If your car starts to overheat, turn on the heat in your car to remove heat from the engine until you are able to safely pull over on the side of the road.

Brake Problems

While being stranded on the side of the road can be a pain, its nothing compared to the risk you take when you drive a car with weak brakes. Brake problems could lead to serious and potentially fatal accidents. Brake pads should be changed according to the dealer’s recommended schedule, and any brake problems you have should be repaired immediately. If your vehicle is braking slowly or won’t brake at all, immediately pull over.  Don’t attempt to drive your car a couple more miles or try to get home, since brakes may give out any time.  You could end up suffering fatal or catastrophic injuries if you are unable to stop, especially on the highway.

Even a well-maintained vehicle can experience an occasional breakdown. Flat tires, mechanical breakdowns, 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.

As a driver, no one wants to be stranded on the side of the road. Following the tips above can go a long way towards decreasing your chances of being stranded, and purchasing emergency roadside assistance coverage will leave you with total protection.

The Benefits of Commercial Roadside Assistance Plans

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commercial vans roadside assistance

If you are a business owner whose business relies on commercial vehicles, a commercial roadside assistance plan is a necessity. Anytime a vehicle becomes stranded it can endanger an employee’s safety and create a financial loss for your company. Commercial roadside service plans reduce these risks by offering a number of benefits.
Mechanical Repairs and Towing

Oftentimes, a breakdown is caused by a mechanical failure. A commercial roadside assistance plan covers many of the issues that result from mechanical breakdowns. Roadside service providers are able to do minor repairs wherever the vehicle breaks down. If more extensive repairs are needed, the vehicle will need to be towed to a mechanic for repairs. Even the most basic commercial roadside plans typically include emergency towing. Most plans cover towing within a five to ten mile range (depending on your plan) free of charge; and will tow further if desired for an additional fee.

Jump Starts

Another common issue that can cause a breakdown is battery failure. Oftentimes, all you need is a jump start. With a commercial roadside service plan, a vehicle will arrive at your location and “give you a jump start.” This jump start will allow you or one of your employees to safely drive to a mechanic and have your battery checked to see if it needs to be replaced.

Flat or Damaged Tires

When a vehicle experiences a flat tire or damaged tire, drivers typically need to put on the spare. If your fleet vehicles have spares roadside service providers can assist your drivers with changing the tire, particularly in areas where safety might be an issue (the side of a highway for example). Oftentimes, commercial vehicles do not have spares and tires can be too large to change on location. If that is the case, commercial roadside assistance plans ensure you have towing coverage to get your fleet vehicles where they need to be to have a replacement tire installed.

Vehicle Lockouts

Nobody is perfect. One of the most common calls for roadside assistance is a vehicle lockout. Commercial roadside assistance plans offer lockout service, to get your employees back on the road quickly. For some commercial roadside companies this is an optional service; check your plan to ensure that it includes this coverage.

Fuel, Oil or Water Delivery Service

Being stuck without oil, fuel, or water can be a dangerous situation for a driver. In fact, it is among the most challenging problems that a driver can encounter during a breakdown. When there is a commercial roadside assistance plan covering a commercial vehicle, service providers deliver emergency supplies of water, oil, or gasoline to get your vehicles up and running.
If you’re a business owner that relies on fleet vehicles keeping them on the road is essential to keeping your business running. The benefits of having a roadside assistance plan for your fleet vehicles keeps your business running smoothly and your employees on the road. Commercial and fleet roadside service plans provide 24/7 coverage and rapid response times. Whether they need a tow, jump start, tire change, or gas delivery service, roadside assistance plans have your employees and customers covered. Additionally, plans through companies like Best Roadside Service are customizable to make sure you’re meeting the specific needs of your employees and customers as well as your business.

Breakdowns can occur at any time. Having a commercial roadside assistance plan can keep you covered in the event of an emergency. If you are a business owner, this coverage is absolutely essential to your business.  You can visit Best Roadside Service and sign your business up today.

Relying on State Provided Roadside Emergency Programs May Leave You Stranded

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No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road but chances are sooner or later it will happen to you. Whether a flat tire, dead battery, mechanical breakdown or other roadside emergency derails you, when your vehicle becomes disabled it can disrupt your entire day by making you late for work or leaving you stranded on the highway while traveling. When vehicle emergencies leave you stranded, roadside assistance services can get you back on track. Many states provide some type of roadside emergency services, however, relying on state sponsored services may leave you stranded.

Just like the services provided by private roadside assistance plans can vary, so can the services offered by states who offer emergency roadside assistance. Some states may offer assistance with only basic needs like changing a spare or providing a gallon of gas when motorists run out. Other states may offer additional benefits including providing a tow in case of mechanical breakdown. No state offers comprehensive emergency roadside assistance plans that will include all of the services available from stand-alone roadside assistance coverage. Motorists relying on state sponsored services and find themselves in need of services not provided by the state are left to fend for themselves.

In addition to providing fewer benefits then roadside assistance coverage, states vary on what locations emergency roadside services cover. While some states may offer large coverage areas, generally, states only offer emergency roadside assistance in certain areas. Most states provide roadside emergency services only on interstates (and in some cases other large highways), and typically even those coverage areas are limited to large cities. If this is the case in your state, you will be left to coordinate roadside services from your cell phone on the side of the road.

Finally, as states continue to seek ways to cut budgets, roadside emergency services have increasingly been put up on the chopping block. Just this month a bill to eliminate roadside services passed in the West Virginia House. If the bill passes the West Virginia Senate and is signed into law by the governor, West Virginia will no longer provide emergency roadside services to motorists. Legislators from other states seeking to balance their budgets may soon follow suit.

The best way to insure you will have emergency roadside service when you need it is to purchase roadside assistance coverage. Best Roadside Service offers a range of emergency roadside assistance plans to fit your individual, family, or commercial needs. Plans provide 24/7/365 coverage anywhere in the USA and Canada. Coverage includes emergency towing service, battery jumpstart service, up to 3 gallons of fuel delivery (gas is free!), lock-put services and emergency personal assistance such as access to trip and routing services and a 24-Hour 800 hotline. Depending on your needs you can choose from vehicles plans which follow the vehicle, regardless of who is driving (the perfect choice for vehicles with multiple drivers), or individual plans which follow the member, no matter what vehicle they’re in (even if they are not driving).

Why You Should Never Drive on Empty

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Many of us continue to drive after the low fuel light comes on even though we shouldn’t.  Whether it’s the price of gas, inconvenience, or just procrastination, some of us wait until the last minute to fill up the tank. Waiting until your gas tank is empty to fill it up could end up costing you far more than the tank of gas though.

A 2015 survey found that every year, more than 827,000 drivers ignore their vehicle’s low fuel warning light and run out of gas. Additionally, 25% of all drivers believe they can make it another 40 miles once the light turns on. The problem? Most driver have no idea how far they will actually make it once the warning light comes on. According to experts, driving around on empty (or almost empty) is a foolish idea. Fuel gauges are not always accurate, and accuracy can vary based on a number of factors including your driving style and your car’s fuel economy. Experts warn motorists to use a fuel gauge as an estimate – rather than an exact measurement – of how far they can make it before running out of fuel.

Running out of fuel isn’t the only concern with driving on empty. In fact, there’s more at stake than many people realize when you let your gas tank run that low. Allowing the level of gas in the tank to run low can damage your car. According to YourMechanic.com, “if you do run out of gas, you can do damage to your catalytic converter, which may then need to be repaired or replaced.” Additionally, the gas in your car functions as a coolant for the fuel-pump. When the fuel runs low, heat can cause permanent damage and/or failure of the fuel pump.

Mechanical breakdowns resulting from consistently driving on an empty tank or running out of fuel can lead to dangerous situations. If your car suddenly stops running, you could be stranded in a deserted area, or in the middle of a busy highway. Moreover, with many cars, airbags do not deploy when the engine is not running, putting you, and any passengers, in an even more dangerous situation. To avoid situations like this you should always keep at least a ¼ tank of fuel in your car.

 

Even when we know we shouldn’t do something, most of us will do it sometimes. Purchasing roadside assistance coverage insures that if your vehicle suffers a breakdown or runs out of fuel you are protected. Coverage includes emergency towing service in the event of breakdown and delivery of up to 3 gallons of fuel (gas is free!). Plans provide 24/7/365 coverage anywhere in the USA and Canada. Additional services including battery jumpstart service, lock-out services and emergency personal assistance such as access to trip and routing services and a 24-Hour 800 hotline are also included. Finally, depending on your needs you can choose from vehicles plans which follow the vehicle, regardless of who is driving (the perfect choice for vehicles with multiple drivers), or individual plans which follow the member, no matter what vehicle they’re in (even if they are not driving).

While most of us want to keep our vehicles in good shape, and know that keeping our fuel tanks off empty is part of good vehicle maintenance, the fact is life gets in the way. We don’t always have the time, patience, or desire to stop for gas. Purchase roadside assistance coverage to protect you in the event your empty tank leaves you on the side of the road.

Parents! Protect Your Spring Breaker

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teenage driver

Spring Break is an annual rite of passage for many college students. While many people think of Cancun or cruises when they think of spring break, tens of thousands of spring breakers opt for the classic road trip. Parents have enough to worry about when their kids are on spring break; vehicle issues shouldn’t be one of them, especially when purchasing emergency roadside assistance coverage can protect your college student.

Whether they are hitting the road for Florida or heading to the mountains to ski, spring breakers are just as likely (if not more likely) to run into the same everyday problems as Mom or Dad. Purchasing emergency roadside assistance coverage can protect your child from common road trip issues including flat tires, mechanical breakdowns, running out of gas, and dead batteries. Flat tires and mechanical breakdowns requiring a tow can ruin a road trip in a flash. This is even more true for relatively new drivers who may have never faced these issues before especially far from home.

Purchasing even a low-cost, basic roadside assistance plan provides assistance with changing a flat or towing a vehicle to the nearest repair center. Many times an experienced provider will be able to fix issues on the spot and get your spring breaker back on the road quickly. On a long road trip, drivers with roadside emergency assistance coverage don’t have to worry about running out of gas; enough to get you to the next gas station is just a phone call and less than about a half hour average wait away. This coverage is even more important if you spring breaker is planning on travel overnight or in an area with extreme weather so that they aren’t stranded or putting themselves at risk by hiking to a gas station.

Everyone who’s been on a spring break road trip remembers blasting the radio, and singing at the top of your lungs, with your friends late at night. Extended radio use along with forgetting your lights on at night (common for fairly new drivers) can lead to a dead battery the next day. Most roadside assistance plans will jump your battery free of charge regardless of whether it’s due to the driver’s fault or simply an old battery.

Purchasing an emergency roadside assistance plan through Best Roadside Service covers everything listed above including; towing, lost keys or lockouts, running out of gas, dead batteries, flat tires, and all the other things that can go wrong with your vehicle. In addition, national chains including Meineke, Aamco, and Jiffy Lube offer discounts to Best Roadside Service customers for car repairs and maintenance. Additionally, Best Roadside Service offers concierge travel services which can help save time and money when planning a spring break trip.

Spring break can be a wonderful college experience and a chance to make lifelong memories for your child. For parents it’s just one more thing to worry about. Purchasing emergency roadside assistance coverage is something you can control and it can give you a little peace of mind and allow you to worry all the things you cannot control.

Best Roadside Service vs. Pay As You Go

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As a fleet manager or owner of company vehicles, you may have come across various “pay as you go” fleet /vehicle services. Some are for consumers as well, such as Honk and Hum.

So, here is the skinny on those plans. Do you want to take 100% risk or do you want your roadside company to take 100% of the risk? Do you like to gamble? Suppose your car or home insurance agent asked you if you wanted to self-insure for your home or car and when a catastrophe or accident happens (and they will—look around at the stranded, broken down vehicles you see next time you’re driving) your insurance agency will send help and then you will get a huge bill that you didn’t budget for. Your house burns down—or you have a fender bender with your car. Do you want to get a bill for that? Of course not, that’s why you get a premium. Same with Best Roadside service, we give you a LOW yearly premium to take all the risk and worry away from you.

Best Roadside Service is exactly like insurance. You give a small premium and with thousands of other companies and small business like yours, we spread the risk all over. Same as car and home insurance. But if you decide to try the pay as you go plan, you will get bigger bills for something that should be less expensive.  For example, commercial and fleet plans, you pay for the vehicle roadside protection up front, typically $79-109 per vehicle per year. This covers the vehicle regardless of who is driving.  10 vehicles, your total out of pocket cost would be around $800. Now let’s figure 3 to 4 tows per year. Add a few flat tires, dead batteries. One 50 mile tow could cost you about $350. Flat tires and dead batteries about $100. You can see that you can quickly exceed your upfront cost, if only you had just purchased Best Roadside Service Commercial/Fleet coverage. Plus you get other coverages, like free gas, concierge services, discount cards and $100 towards lost keys! You say you have a newer fleet that won’t break down? Between 2% and 3% of all vehicles break down all the time. Do you want to take that chance? Flat tires are the most common, followed by general mechanical breakdowns—yes even for new cars. Ever ask yourself why they throw in roadside service for free with some new cars? So you don’t have to worry and they know the odds of breaking down. Best Roadside Service will give you a 10% discount if you have newer vehicles to boot! Also you don’t have to worry about getting bills and invoices every month for services you used. How will that affect your budget?  With Pay as you go—you will have to pay on the spot for the service as it’s rendered, even if you think the price is too high or some companies may offer monthly billing and you will get an even bigger bill, left scratching your head about the embedded costs in the bill. The pay as you go companies have to make their profit ON TOP of the actual service provided by the tow truck service provider, so hidden and embedded costs WILL always be cleverly disguised in your bill. Pay as you go companies try to squeeze 20-30% profit margins ON TOP of the actual bill! You don’t think there doing this free do you?

Why not just make one payment for the whole year, let Best Roadside take 100% of the risk, you don’t get any bills throughout the year, no worries, no additional charges, no fuss, no nothing except peace of mind that you have paid for the BEST roadside insurance and you will not have any other bills, invoices or expenses for a total year.

Best Roadside Service gives generous towing limits of up to 75 miles—an easy $500 benefit once your vehicle breaks down and has to be towed. We give 3 gallons of fuel free if you run out of gas. Your drivers and employees will never worry about paying out of pocket while their stranded on the road. Your Accounts Payable Department won’t get bills every month and have to reconcile to what service happened to which driver and then ask why the bills are so high. That alone is a huge benefit.

To be honest, if you go with pay as you go, you would be better off just calling a local tow truck service, supporting your local economy and take all the risk and be prepared to PAY ON THE SPOT.

Or go with a U.S. employee owned and operated company like Best Roadside Service who will take 100% of the risk for a much lower annual cost to your company.

Ride with the Best, Best Roadside Service. Our dispatching network has handled millions of calls since the 1950’s. We have U.S. based call centers with English Speaking, courteous, caring representatives whose only goal is to get you back on the road again! Let us take the risk and worry for you!