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!

Should You Tip Roadside Assistance?

by

Should You Tip Roadside Assistance

Unforeseen flats, breakdowns, and lockouts are huge inconveniences, though they happen more often than anyone would like. Fortunately, roadside assistance providers remain at the ready when you need them, working around the clock so unexpected vehicular issues are tended to quickly and efficiently.

Should you tip roadside assistance providers? It’s a pretty common question, and when you’re stuck on the side of the road you might feel tempted to throw in something extra for those who come to help you. But, is this behavior normal, or expected? And, how much is enough?

Below we’ll give you an idea of how roadside assistance operators work, and when and why it may be appropriate to show your appreciation.

When to Tip Roadside Assistance

You are in no way obligated to tip roadside assistance, be it a tow truck driver, mechanic, or locksmith who comes to your aid. However, you should consider tipping them if you are happy with the services provided, especially for more intensive situations where a service provider drops you off at a shop or works tirelessly to get you out of a ditch in the middle of the night, for example. And while there’s no guide to tell you what amount of work warrants a tip, a good point to remember is that dispatched providers often go above and beyond basic contracted services.

As stated, offering roadside emergency services is not easy. These individuals have to work long hours under various conditions, ready to assist at a moment’s notice. And even if the cost of the service and mileage are included in your bill, you should consider offering a tip if you feel that the person did a commendable job throughout the process. Whether you do or do not tip, always remember an alternative way to show your appreciation is to submit a favorable online review.

At the end of the day, any reputable roadside assistance provider should respect whatever decision you make, and you should never feel like you’re forced or guilted into giving a tip, no matter the circumstances.

Do You Tip Roadside Assistance For Flat Tires?

Flat tires are one of the most common reasons for calling a roadside assistance provider. As a result, the question, “Do you tip roadside assistance for a flat tire?” is often pondered.

A flat tire should be treated in the same way you’d treat another issue on the road in that it’s still your decision to make in the end. Some people feel a tip is warranted, and others feel flat tire services come with the cost of roadside assistance overall. If you’re not sure, consider where you are, how far the individual had to travel, the time of day, the amount of work needed to help, and how they treated you to make your decision easier.

How Much Do You Tip Roadside Assistance?

Wondering how much to tip roadside assistance? Well, that decision is also entirely up to you. There’s no set amount, no starting point, and no wrong answer. If you have some extra cash on you and feel like your provider did a great job on your vehicle, give them what you believe is an accurate compensation for what they provided. No matter the individual or service, they will feel grateful for the act of recognition.

For additional help deciding, know that many people agree a good tip ranges anywhere between $5 – $20, with $20 considered a great tip.

Best Roadside Service is Ready Whenever You Are

Service-oriented roadside assistance companies work hard to secure reputable service providers and response vehicles that insure that you receive quality service and fast response times. Best Roadside Service has more than 45,000 service providers nationwide. Paired with a direct emergency toll-free hotline, open 24 hours-a-day and 365 days-a-year, Best Roadside Service is able to offer an average response time of just 58 minutes. We also maintain an A Rating w the BBB rating by contracting with reliable and friendly service professionals who go above and beyond to help you on the road and get you on your way quickly and safely.

We offer a variety of roadside assistance plans so you can get the exact coverage you need. Members also receive numerous benefits, from travel and hotels to theme parks and more. Learn more about what makes us the Best Roadside Service, or contact us today for any additional questions or comments.

New Cars Are Lacking A Spare Tire

by

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.

Getting Your Money’s Worth from Your Vehicle

by

Cars used to be made to last. Nowadays it seems like the second the warranty expires so does the car. While your vehicle won’t last forever, it can still have a good long life if properly maintained. Regular preventative maintenance is crucial to keeping your car in good working order. Following basic service guidelines prevents small issues from turning into big problems over time and ensures that you and your family are safe.

Basic car maintenance starts with regular oil changes according to the intervals recommended in your car manual. Oil lubricates your engine and allows metal to press against metal without causing damage. Without oil, the metal-on-metal friction creates so much heat that eventually the surfaces weld themselves together and the engine seizes. Getting regular oil changes for your car can also serve as a reminder to inspect all the working parts. Certain parts of your car, like the tires and breaks, wear down over time. It is important to keep an eye on them to make sure they are working properly. As parts start to wear down they can affect the way your car runs, and waiting until a part is completely worn out can cause headaches and unnecessary breakdowns. Replacing worn out part regularly will help extend the life of your car significantly.

In addition to regular oil changes, following the recommended maintenance schedule in your vehicles owner’s manual will help stretch out the life of your car. While it is easy to discount the need for service when your car is running fine, preventative maintenance can help find small problems before they become big problems.

Typically, vehicles are due for a regular service appointment around every 30,000 miles; however, keep in mind that your vehicle may have a different service schedule from another car (check your vehicles owner’s manual for the recommended service schedule). Actual services vary based on the make/model of your vehicle and mileage on your car but some maintenance services are standard. At the 30,000-mile service appointment the fuel filter will be checked/swapped out and the coolant flushed and replaced. Additionally, the transmission fluid and power steering fluid is replaced; and the chassis and suspension will be inspected and lubricated. At the 60,000-mile mark, the spark plugs and ignition system are inspected, brake fluid is replaced, the wheel bearings are examined, and the battery is changed. The 90,000-mile service appointment usually involves similar services from previous appointments, along with inspection of the steering linkage, accessory drive belts, heat shields and exhaust system.

At all service appointments, service technicians will inspect your vehicle’s oil filter, engine oil, brake pads, tires, and windshield wipers.

Even a well-maintained vehicle can experience an occasional breakdown. Mechanical breakdowns, lock outs, 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.

In a world where it seems like everything is made to be replaced, a vehicle is still a large investment. Protecting that investment with regularly scheduled preventative maintenance ensures that you keep your family safe, and that get your investment back by extending the life of your car.

When to Use Tire Chains on Your Vehicle

by

Winter is officially here, and along with it comes snowstorms, black ice, and other dangerous driving conditions. While experienced drivers in regions that regularly experience winter weather generally know how to deal with winter driving conditions, new drivers and those who live in areas not typically affected with extreme winter weather may not know how to with poor road conditions. Losing traction in the snow can be a driver’s worst nightmare and tire chains can be an effective solution; however, it is important to know when and how tire chains should be used.

The use of tire chains may be regulated by law and different states have different laws regulating their usage. Before purchasing or installing chains on your tires be sure to check whether they are legal in your state. Additionally, some states may require tire chains in order to drive in certain areas. If you are new to a state, or plan on traveling in a state that experiences extreme winter weather, check to see if you will be required to carry/install tire chains to pass checkpoints.

Additionally, when purchasing tire chains for your vehicle, it is important to make sure that they properly fit the tires as well as the vehicle. While tire chains are available for most tire sizes, it is important that there is sufficient clearance for them to fit without damaging the body, brakes, or undercarriage of the vehicle. To find this information check the owner’s manual for specifications and allowances.

It is important that you know how to install and use your tire chains before bad weather hits. Practice putting the chains on and taking them off several times before you actually need them. Getting the hang of this now means you are not stuck fumbling around and trying to get them installed in icy, soggy, or snowy conditions with freezing fingers. Also, remember to keep a safety vest, flares, and safety cones in your vehicle; this way if you have to install or adjust the chains on the side of the road in low visibility conditions you can alert other drivers.

Finally, know what road and weather conditions call for tire chains. You should only use tire chains on your vehicle when there is a layer of snow or ice on the road. Tire chains should not be used on bare pavement as it can damage both your tires and the road itself. If you get to a road that is clearly plowed and salted, pull over and remove the chains. Additionally, when your tires have chains on you should not drive above 30mph.

Make sure tire chains are properly installed. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle chains should be installed on all four tires. If you have a two-wheel drive vehicle, ideally, you should still have chains on all four tires. However, if you only install chains on two tires on a two-wheel drive vehicle, make sure they are installed on the drive axle.

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

Tire chains can make a real difference during the winter months. Extreme road conditions can make it almost impossible to drive. When used safely and appropriately, tire chains can help you get where you need to be all winter long.

The Unofficial End of Summer Driving Season

by

Roadside assistance providers

Labor day, the unofficial end of summer driving season, is just a few days away. Millions of us took the “Great American Road Trip” this summer, and many of us will head out for one last road trip before the lazy days of summer fade away. The busy holiday season quickly follows Labor Day and many of us will travel to visit family. Before hitting the road, and especially if you have already put some wear on your car this summer, make sure you follow a couple of quick tips to make sure you and your vehicle are ready to go.

Preventative Maintenance

Making sure your vehicle is in good working order is a must before any road trip. Before you head out make sure that basic maintenance tasks are up to date. Refer to your vehicle’s owners-manual for basic guidelines on checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and tread depth. Follow the guidelines for having your engine oil changed; if you have a professional do it they can check your tires at the same time. Additionally, make sure your spare (if your car has one) is in good condition. If your car doesn’t have a spare (many newer cars do not) following the next step is even more important.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Unexpected emergencies often arise while traveling. Preparing in advance will save you time, money, and stress. Mechanical breakdowns, lock outs, lost keys, and accidents are all common vehicle emergencies people run into while traveling. Purchasing a roadside assistance plan ensures that you have help when you need it.

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.

Roadside assistance plans can provide more than just emergency services. Plans from Best Roadside Service offer discounts on car repairs and maintenance through national retailers including, Meineke, Aamco, and Jiffy Lube. Plans also include; Travel Concierge services to help plan your next trip and VIP discounts including savings and free upgrades at nationally known rental car companies Enterprise, National, and Thrifty.

Before heading out for any road trip making sure your and your vehicle are ready is essential. It’s also important to make sure that you take care of your vehicle after returning from a road trip. By performing a few quick preventative maintenance tasks and preparing for the unexpected you can make sure that you won’t wind up stranded during this trip or the next.

New Cars Need Roadside Coverage Too

by

new_car_roadside_assistance

Roadside coverage isn’t just for older model cars. Many people think a new car is more reliable and won’t break down. However, advancements in automotive technology and design come with a whole new set of problems that make roadside assistance coverage a necessity.

According to Consumer Affairs tens of millions of roadside calls required assistance in 2015 with one company alone responding to 32 million calls. Some of the most frequent calls related to automakers removing spare tires, a common design advancement in newer model vehicles. In fact, one-third of all vehicles sold come with no spare tire. Automakers have replaced the traditional spare tire with inflator kits, and equip cars with run-flat tires in an effort to maximize space and reduce vehicle weight. More storage space sounds great, however, run-flat tires and inflator kits are only effective in certain situations. As a result, drivers may need a tow in the event they get a flat. While adding a spare tire as an optional feature is one solution, covering your vehicle with a roadside assistance package will give you peace of mind and allow you to keep all that extra space.

Another advancement leaving drivers stranded is keyless ignition. Remote keys “communicate” with the vehicle whenever they are in close proximity to it. When the key is communicating with the vehicle it is prevented from entering “sleep” mode resulting in a dead battery in the key fob. Additionally, leaving a key fob in the car while it is running can lead to accidental lock-out. Dead key batteries and lock-outs can leave drivers unable to start, or access, their cars. While changing the battery according to the manufacturer’s suggested cycle may help, having roadside coverage assures aid if your key fob stops working or leaves you locked out of your car.

New car drivers aren’t just relying on technology to start their cars they are also counting on warning systems to tell them when they are low on fuel or if their tires are properly inflated. This can leave you out of gas and far from the nearest fuel station.

Purchasing roadside assistance coverage for your new (or old) vehicle eliminates provides peace of mind. Emergency roadside assistance plans cover towing, lost keys or lockouts, running out of gas, dead batteries, and all the other things that can go wrong with your car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle. 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. In addition, national chains including Meineke, Aamco, and Jiffy Lube offer discounts to Best Roadside Service customers for car repairs and maintenance. Best Roadside Service offer plans for less than $80 a year, much below the average cost of a single tow, which can range from $120 and up.

Automotive technological and design advancement have greatly improved vehicle quality and safety creating very reliable cars. But like anything else utilizing technology things can unexpectedly go wrong. Roadside coverage is a necessity for when the unexpected happens.

Preparing for Summer Motorcycle Riding Season

by

 

Motorcycle Roadside Assistance

For many motorcycle riders, winter means storing your motorcycle away while you wait for warmer temperatures and better riding conditions. Now that summer has arrived so has the time to take the bike out of storage and head back out onto the road. Before you strap on your helmet and hit the road there are some basic tips to getting your motorcycle, and you, ready to ride.

Perform Routine Maintenance

Before taking your first ride you need to make sure your motorcycle is in top shape. If you stored your motorcycle away properly for the winter it should be easy to getting it running right again. If not? You may need to be prepared to put some time and effort in to getting your bike road worthy.

Your motorcycle owner’s manual should layout the appropriate summer maintenance tasks that need attention after storing your bike. Basic tasks that need to be performed include; flushing the fuel system (if you failed to add a fuel stabilizer before storing your bike), checking and replacing air filters, inspecting tire tread and pressure, checking fluid levels, inspecting brakes, making sure your battery is charged, and inspecting all lights and cables. Performing these routine maintenance tasks helps insure that your first ride of the summer goes smoothly.

Are you Ready to Ride?

Once your motorcycle is ready to ride you need to make sure you are ready to ride as well. After a long winter driving a car you can become oblivious to motorcycle issues like visibility or road surface hazards. For relatively new riders, and for experienced riders, it may be a good idea to take a refresher course with a local motorcycle-training program. At the very least you should practice your emergency skills in a parking lot. Regardless of whether you take a refresher course or practice on your own, every rider should practice critical skills by performing some cornering and braking drills.

Be Aware of Damaged Roads and Inattentive Drivers

Even though you and your bike are ready for the summer riding season, remember that the roads may not be. Roadways take a lot of abuse during the winter. Between damage from snowplows scraping the surface and repeated freezing and thawing of snow and ice, there is the potential for surface hazards until road crews can make repairs.

Additionally, you need to remember that drivers may not be used to seeing motorcycles on the road after a long winter. You need to be extra vigilant when riding in traffic and make sure you are driving defensively.

Purchase Roadside Assistance Coverage for Emergencies

Regardless of how well you maintain your motorcycle mechanical emergencies can still happen. Having roadside assistance coverage for your motorcycle insures that you will never be left stranded on the side of the road. Best Roadside Service is one of the few TOP RATED providers of Motorcycle roadside assistance.  The motorcycle roadside assistance plans offered from Best Roadside Service  provide all the traditional roadside assistance benefits for your motorcycle including; 24/7 coverage anywhere in the USA and Canada, emergency towing service via flatbed, battery jumpstart service,  up to 3 gallons of fuel delivery ( gas is free!), and emergency personal assistance such as access to trip and routing services, VIP discounts for travel services and hotels, and concierge service to help you plan your next summer ride.

Perform these routine maintenance tasks, practice critical riding skills, and carefully evaluate road conditions before venturing out. Also, be sure to purchase a roadside plan for your motorcycle to provide you with peace of mind. By taking the time to prepare for the summer riding season you can ensure it is a safe and enjoyable one.

 

Most People Need To Rent A Car Eventually

by

 

Big Red Rent a Car Neon Sign

Most people need to rent a car eventually. Whether your vehicle has a mechanical failure, you’re in an automobile accident, or it’s time for your annual family vacation, a rental car can help you get where you need to go when you cannot, or do not want to, use your own vehicle. When you approach the rental car counter, knowing whether you need to purchase the car rental company’s roadside assistance plan can save you a lot of money.

 

When you rent a car, the company you choose will offer you a variety of coverage products to protect you in the event the car is damaged. A renter is responsible for damage to the vehicle including damage that occurs as a result of an accident, as well as, damages that result from a roadside assistance emergency. While you will not be responsible for things like transmission or engine trouble unless they are caused directly by you or your negligence, you are responsible for flat tires, lost keys or lockout service, jump starts, towing, and fuel and fluid delivery. You will also be at the mercy of the rental car company and may need to wait long hours for service providers to help you.

 

Car rental companies offer coverage to offset the cost of repair in the event a renter is responsible for a roadside assistance emergency. While the cost varies by location and company it averages about $6.99 per day according to www.best-car-rental-tips.com. Each time you rent a car you would need this coverage if you do not want to be responsible out of pocket. Covering a rental car for just roadside assistance during a two-week family vacation will cost you an additional $97 plus taxes and fees.

 

Paying these extra fees is not always necessary. Your own personal roadside assistance plan may cover you when you rent a vehicle and eliminate the need to spend additional money. When you purchase a roadside assistance plan you typically have the option of purchasing a plan that either follows a specific vehicle(s) or follows a specific driver(s). Best Roadside Service offers individual plans that will follow covered drivers in any vehicle they drive including rental cars. By purchasing an individual plan, you can avoid paying the extra price every time you rent a car and instead use the savings for something else.

 

An advantage to having your own personal roadside assistance coverage, instead of relying on purchasing one through a rental car company, is that you can save money on the car rental fee itself. When you purchase a roadside assistance plan through Best Roadside Service you will receive access to VIP discounts including savings and free upgrades at nationally known rental car companies Enterprise, National, and Thrifty. Additionally, you will have access to more than 45,000 service providers and an average response time of 34 minutes.

 

Next time you rent a car make sure you’re covered by purchasing an individual roadside assistance plan first. This will save you money on the car rental fee, eliminate the need for purchasing costly daily coverage through a car rental company, and will provide you peace of mind in your own vehicle the rest of the year.

Top Misconceptions About Roadside Assistance Coverage

by

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

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

Roadside Assistance Only Covers Towing

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

5 Steps to Take When You Break Down

by

roadside assistance plan

Breaking down on the side of the road or running into an emergency issue such as a flat tire can be dangerous. Whether you’re in the middle of a busy highway or on a deserted stretch of road, there are safety precautions that you should always take when dealing with roadside car trouble. Being prepared for these situations in advance can drastically reduce the potential dangers to you and your passengers, so read on for the steps you should take before, during and after a roadside emergency.

Get off the road
The first step to safely dealing with car trouble is to get out of the path of traffic. The biggest dangers to you in this situation are other cars, so get off the road, onto a shoulder or off the highway in a safe place. If you absolutely cannot get out of the road and are broken down in a driving lane, turn your flashers on until your roadside assistance company, the police or a tow truck is there to help.

Exit Safely
Staying in the vehicle increases your chance of being in a crash. If possible, exit the vehicle and stand safely  off the road until help has arrived. When exiting your vehicle, exit on the passenger side of the car – the side closest to the shoulder, so that you are not exiting your car into the flow the traffic. Before you leave the car, remember to turn the wheel away from the road and put your emergency break on, especially if you are on any kind of incline. However, use your best judgement here. If it seems too risky to exit your car because of traffic or space, then stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened and flashers on until help has arrived. 

Be prepared with flares
Once you’ve safely removed your vehicle from the roadway, use road flares to alert other drivers and emergency or assistance vehicles of your location. Road flares help other drivers see your vehicle on the side of the road so they can safely avoid you by changing lanes or giving you more room on the shoulder. Use two flares to prepare drivers for your car’s presence. Place one a couple hundred feet behind your car in the shoulder or hazard lane, then another one closer to the back of your vehicle. By being prepared and having road flares in your car’s emergency pack, you can help other drivers stay safe, as well as you and your passengers. 

Call for Help
Once you are safely off the road and have done your best to alert other drivers of your presence, call your emergency roadside assistance service immediately. Roadside assistance can provide a tow truck, someone to change out a flat tire, or in the case of a service such as Best Roadside Service, technicians will even deliver fluids or gasoline, depending on what is needed. The best way to be prepared for a roadside emergency is to invest in roadside assistance.

In addition to helping you get out of a bind, purchasing an emergency roadside service plan can actually save you money in the long term, as tow trucks or repair companies may charge more for one service call than you would pay for an entire year of roadside assistance. 

Let the Professionals Take it From There
Once the roadside technician has arrived, don’t attempt to help them. They are professionals and they know what they are doing and how to safely maneuver around a vehicle with traffic and other impediments. “Helping” them will slow down the process and potentially get you hurt. Once they have arrived, they can either get your car back up and running or safely deliver you and your vehicle to the closest repair shop.

Breaking down is never convenient and always stressful, but if you follow these steps and are prepared with flares and a roadside assistance service, a breakdown doesn’t have to ruin your day or worse – cause you or your family any harm.