Whether you’re an AAA member, have roadside assistance through your car manufacturer or insurance provider, or pay for this service separately, it can provide peace of mind on the road. Bankrate explains what to look for when choosing this coverage.
While it’s impossible to prevent all roadside emergencies, preparation is key. Keeping a well-stocked emergency kit, following a preventive maintenance schedule, and teaching your family about safe driving can help minimize the likelihood of an accident. Contact Emergency Roadside for more information.
Flat tires are the most common reason for roadside assistance calls. The good news is that flat tires are fairly easy to avoid if you are proactive with your maintenance.
The most common cause of a flat tire is a puncture or a screw stuck in the tread of the tire. It is important to carry a tire repair kit that includes a plug and reamer to quickly fix on the spot. A can of Fix-a-Flat can also help temporarily seal a flat tire, but it should be followed by professional repairs or replacement as soon as possible.
Another common cause of a flat tire is when the rubber separates from the metal rim. This can be caused by hitting a large object or even just normal wear and tear. If this occurs, it is usually very obvious since the flat tire will be very low in air and the metal rim will have a shiny appearance. The best way to prevent this from happening is to regularly inspect your tires for wear and damage, especially on the side walls.
If you do find that your tire has become flat, pull over as far from the road as possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you have pulled over and are not moving. It is also a good idea to set up a reflective sign and flares if it is dark out or you are in an area with little traffic.
Once you have pulled over, remove the tire and examine the hole. If there is a nail or screw embedded in the tread, you can remove it using the end of a long screwdriver. If there is a separation between the tire and rim, you can use a tire lever to slowly pry the tire off the wheel. Be very careful when doing this since a loose tire can fall off the rim and roll down the road.
If you don’t feel comfortable changing a flat tire or don’t have the tools, it is a good idea to switch over to run-flat tires. These types of tires are designed to allow you to drive a certain distance on a flat tire without the need for roadside assistance or replacement.
Fuel Delivery
Most drivers know that if they run out of gas, it is best to stop and call for roadside assistance. However, some forget or simply cannot afford to do so and end up stuck on the side of the road in a stranded vehicle. When this happens, many people turn to emergency fuel delivery services. These services offer a safe, fast way to refuel and get back on the road.
Emergency fuel delivery is typically offered by car insurance providers, auto clubs, or through other membership programs. Generally, these programs will deliver a few gallons of fuel to the driver. The cost of the fuel is not included in most plans, though. Check with your provider for details.
Alternatively, a driver can ask friends or family members to drop by with a few gallons of gas to help out. This can be expensive, however, especially if the person has to drive several miles out of their way to do so.
The State Department of Transportation also offers emergency fuel delivery services. It is launching an Interstate Petroleum Transport Team to ensure the fastest possible movement of fuel to affected states. The team will help to remove barriers that may be hindering the flow of fuel, such as state registration, certification, or tax requirements.
When your car runs out of gas, maneuver it to the side of the road safely and shut off your engine. Turn on your hazard lights and make sure the interior light is on so that dispatch can locate you quickly. Once a service provider is on their way, stay in your vehicle if it is safe to do so and provide any landmarks that can help them find your location.
Lockout
If you’ve ever been locked out of your vehicle, you know it can be a stressful experience. But with the right approach and help from a roadside assistance provider, you can be back on the road in no time.
Modern vehicles use electronic keys and locks, which means that even if you’re not able to open your car with the key, it might still be possible to enter with the help of an expert. In some cases, roadside assistance providers will be able to offer you locksmith services to unlock your vehicle. They may also be able to tow your vehicle to a repair shop for more specialized work.
A lockout caused by an ignition interlock device is one of the most common reasons for roadside assistance calls. These devices are installed in the vehicle to ensure that the driver is not driving while intoxicated. They require the driver to blow into the device before starting the car, and they also perform random retests while the vehicle is in motion. A failed test, or a missed rolling retest, can cause the device to lock, preventing the driver from starting their vehicle.
Getting locked out of your vehicle isn’t just an inconvenience, but it can also be dangerous. For this reason, it’s important to understand the causes of car lockouts and how you can prevent them.
Many people get locked out of their cars because they forget their keys or lock them inside the vehicle. This is a common mistake, especially when you’re in a hurry or distracted by an event like an important meeting or dropping off your kids at school. It’s also easy to lose your keys or accidentally lock them in the trunk of your vehicle if you’re loading groceries, going shopping, or cleaning out the garage.
Fortunately, this is a very common problem that’s often easy to resolve. Just make sure to stay safe while you wait for a service provider to arrive. For example, if you’re in a public area like a parking lot, be sure to keep an eye out for suspicious people who might try to take advantage of your situation.
Towing
Whether your car breaks down in the middle of the road or in your driveway, emergency roadside assistance can help. This type of coverage is typically offered through credit card companies, auto manufacturers or through a membership organization. These services can range from changing a flat tire to towing your vehicle to the nearest repair shop. Bankrate has a comprehensive guide to emergency roadside assistance, including how much this type of coverage costs and what types of services are included.
If your car battery dies, emergency roadside assistance will send someone to give it a jump. Some plans may also pay for towing your car to a service center or garage if it is too damaged to be repaired on the spot.
Accidentally locking your keys in the car is another common reason to call roadside assistance. Some plans will dispatch a locksmith to unlock your car. Others may cover the cost of replacing your lost keys. Some policies offer fuel delivery, while others will not.
Sometimes, you run out of gas on your way to the store and can’t make it back home without refueling. Emergency roadside assistance can get you up to two gallons of gas delivered to your car. Some plans will even pay for towing if you need to be taken to a gas station.
Before you call roadside assistance, it is important to know your exact location. This will make it easier for a service technician to find your car and help you. You can use your cell phone to determine the location of your car by tapping on a map app. It is also helpful to have your insurance information and policy number handy when you call. This will make it easy for the service technician to verify your identity and confirm the details of your policy. The service technician will then be able to schedule an appointment for you and notify your car insurer of the breakdown. Some service providers can provide roadside assistance for a variety of vehicles, such as trucks, motorcycles, boats and RVs.