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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?

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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.

Getting Your Money’s Worth from Your Vehicle

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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

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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.

New Cars Need Roadside Coverage Too

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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.

Roadside Assistance and the Importance of Response Times

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Roadside assistance plans and providers are not one-size fits all. When choosing a roadside plan that is right right for you and your family, or your business, you need to consider more than who is driving and what vehicles need to be covered. A top factor to consider is the provider’s average response time. Knowing this information will help you choose a provider, and plan, that gives you the coverage you need when you need it.

Whether you are an individual on vacation with your family or a business owner managing a fleet of vehicles, roadside emergencies can be expensive and waste valuable time. Having a roadside service plan is the best way to minimize costs and save valuable time. However, not all roadside service plans are created equal, and some will have considerably longer response times than others. When choosing a roadside service provider, you need to consider the provider’s average response time to make sure you are getting back on the road as quickly as possible.

Average response time vary significantly depending on the service provider you choose. Response times can range from about a low of about 30 minutes to 60 minutes or more. While many elements can impact response time, the most significant determining factor is how many service response vehicles a company has in a particular area. The greater the number of service response vehicles the faster the response time.

Service-oriented roadside assistance companies will work to have as many providers and response vehicles as possible to lower average 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 34 minutes.

When deciding which roadside assistance program is right for you, you need to consider a multitude of factors. Price and covered benefits are important considerations. Just as important is the average response time of the company you choose. Finding a roadside assistance provider with a fast average response time will minimize costs and and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Why Millennials Need Roadside Assistance

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Why Millennials Need Roadside Assistance

“Millennials” is the term used for people born between 1980 to 2000. As of right now, this puts millennials anywhere from 15 to 34, but the term is generally used to describe young adults today. This group of people are just starting professional careers, moving out on their own, and becoming responsible for themselves. Things like rent, budgets, insurance and more are now not just terms heard around the dinner table, but important aspects of everyday life.

If you’re a millennial just going out on your own, it can be scary, overwhelming and expensive. Especially in tough economic times, you may worry about what happens if you get sick or if your car breaks down. You’ve probably purchased health insurance, car insurance and maybe even rental or home owners insurance in case something happens. Another way to protect yourself against unwanted expenses is to purchase roadside assistance.

Roadside assistance is an inexpensive way to ensure that you and your vehicle are always safe on the road. Breakdowns, running out of gas, locking your keys in your car – those are all inevitable things, but if you’re not prepared, they can also be expensive and budget-busting inconveniences. Roadside assistance allows you to pay a low monthly fee for assistance in these and many other situations.

What We Offer

Best Roadside Service offers plans that either cover you as an individual – no matter what car you are driving or that cover your car- no matter who is driving it. Either plan will cost less than your monthly cable bill, but is a much better investment.

Best Roadside Service has a US-owned and operated call center and our average response time is just 34 minutes, so you’ll never be stranded by the side of the road with a flat tire, dead battery or any other mechanical issue. We will also cover a replacement key up to $100 if your car key is lost or destroyed. If you run out of gas, we’ll deliver three gallons to you wherever you are for free! Any of these situations could cost you hundreds of dollars without roadside assistance.

And it’s not all serious business – in addition to our emergency roadside assistance benefits, we also offer discounts for travel and entertainment, hotels, theme parks, restaurants and more. So if you’re going on a road trip, we can provide customized mapping, turn by turn directions and savings on the fun when you get there.

We know you’re on a budget, but making roadside assistance a priority will save you money in the long run. And you can save $10 right now, just by purchasing your plan online. Make mom and dad proud and sign up for roadside assistance plan today.

 

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Best Roadside Service

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We know that there are many roadside assistance companies out there to choose from, so we value and appreciate the customers who choose us. We also happen to think they’ve made the best decision. Here are just ten reasons why our customers chose Best Roadside Assistance and why you should too.

Top Ten Reasons to Choose Best Roadside Service

  1. American Owned, Canada Covered
    Best Roadside Service is an American Owned and Operated company with the goal of providing our customers with the best emergency roadside assistance plans at competitive prices. Our core values have always focused on offering the best customer service standards in the industry. But Americans are not the only ones who can benefit from our services! Canada is a great place to travel and a beautiful place to live, but with such cold weather, it’s critical to have good emergency roadside service. All of our services are available in Canada for the same low price of $65 a year for one vehicle, no matter who is driving.
  2. Free Gas
    Should your covered vehicle run out of gasoline, a technician will deliver three gallons of fuel right to your vehicle at no extra charge. We will get you back on the road in no time and at no fee!
  3. Vacation and travel discounts
    Our members enjoy exclusive discount programs and special rates for vacations, cruises, car and RV rentals, even theme park tickets such as Sea World, Busch Gardens and more! Our discount program gives you a range of options for booking a room for vacation or business. And our concierge service can help you get everything straight so you can sit back and enjoy your trip.
  4. 34 minute response time
    Your safety is our priority. Our state-of-the-art software allows us, with your permission, to find your location using your cell phone, and dispatch service providers while we’re on the phone with you. We can even send you a text message confirming the arrival time of your service provider. Our average response time is just 34 minutes.
  5. American-Owned and Operated Call Center with English, Spanish and French Speakers
    All emergency calls to our 24-hour call center are answered in the United States. You will never be transferred overseas and you will never get a voicemail. We have customer service representatives available at all times who speak English, Spanish and French, so you’re never alone as long as you have Best Roadside Service!
  6. Individual and Vehicle options
    Whether you want to cover a specific vehicle no matter who is driving it, or an individual, no matter what vehicle they are driving, we’ve got coverage for you. Individual and vehicle plans also cover motorcycles and scooters. Plans start at less than $6 a month with the option to add family members at a discounted rate!

  7. Personal and Commercial Options
    Whether you have a car that is used for business or an entire fleet of vehicles for your company employees, we have a plan that will meet your needs. We have been in the emergency roadside business a long time, and we know that when you have a fleet of vehicles, one of them is bound to break down. In fact, about 20% of typical fleets experience mechanical disablement every day. To keep your business running and your customers satisfied, you need to have your employees and drivers covered for any roadside issue they may experience. Our plans provide rescue and support for your employees and your business.
  8. Map Routing and Trip Planning with 24 Hour Directional Assistance
    Going on a trip? You can’t just depend on a cell phone that could die or a GPS that may lose service. Our trip planning and map routing services provide a customized route to wherever you want to go and however you want to get there. If you ever get lost along the way, just call our roadside assistance hotline and we will give you turn-by-turn directions, no matter what time of the day or night.
  9. Motorcycle Coverage
    Whether your bike is your main method of transportation, or just one of the vehicles you or your family use, we have a plan to fit your motorcycle roadside assistance needs. Motorcycle drivers receive six service calls per year along with all the benefits of a regular vehicle plan, starting at just $65/year.
  10. Join Now and Save $10 or $15
    By now we’re sure you’re convinced that Best Roadside Service is the best emergency roadside plan you can buy, but just in case you need one more reason – if you join on our website right now you can save $10 a year on the vehicle plan or $15 a year for the individual plan.

Sign up today and join our many happy customers who enjoyed safety and security on the road and in their vehicles every day with us!

 

Finding Quality Cheap Roadside Assistance

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Did you know that cheap roadside assistance does not have to mean cheap quality? When selecting a roadside assistance program, it’s important to choose one that meets your needs properly. Different people will have different needs from the program so you need to determine what your needs are in order to help you choose the right program. With a little research, you can get started on the right foot and choose just what you need in a roadside assistance plan.

Roadside assistance is basically the same as a motor club/motoring club that will require you to pay a little each month or an annual fee in order to receive benefits if your car should break down or if you run into other troubles on the road. This is similar to insurance but is actually a service that you can request when you need it.

Here are some tips and ideas to help you in finding quality cheap roadside assistance:

Choose Your Coverage

One of the first steps you need to make is to choose the type of coverage you need for your vehicle. There are service plans that cover you as a driver no matter what vehicle you are in. Then there are also plans that cover you on the specific vehicle that you drive. If you only drive one vehicle, then the latter is probably going to be the best deal for you.

You will need to research, check out your options and determine your needs in order to get the best cheap quality roadside assistance plan for your vehicle and driving needs. What works for one person may not work for another.

Know What You Need in Your Coverage

There are many different services that can come with a roadside assistance plan but you might not need them all. It’s important that you first research what services are available and determine which ones you really need. If you don’t need a full service coverage plan then you might be able to save some money by choosing an alternate plan without all the extras. A very basic plan can cost you less but still give you what you need.

Compare Prices

Still another way to get cheap roadside assistance that meets your needs and has the quality you desire is to compare prices on different plans. Comparison shopping has always been a great way to get better deals on the things you purchase anyway. So when you compare the different places of plans with what you get for those plans as well, it will help you get the best deal for you. Taking just a little time to compare before signing up with a specific plan can help you save a lot of money over time.

With these tips, you can find cheap roadside assistance that still includes a quality plan. You can get the services you need at rates you can afford and that’s something that everyone can feel good about.