When you are on the road, you most likely will have to deal with roadside issues from time to time. Whether it is a flat tire, a mechanical failure, or something more serious like a rollover, you need to be prepared in advance with the top roadside breakdowns and what you should do. There are many different things that can go wrong on the road, and not having the proper parts or supplies for them can be a real problem. Learn some of the top tips to avoid the biggest headaches possible.
Being prepared ahead of time is the most important part of avoiding a breakdown. If you know when you will be experiencing problems, you will be able to address them properly before they become major problems. Make sure that you have a full tank, an emergency blanket, a first aid kit, a spare tire, and plenty of extra fuel. This is the basic stuff you need to survive and function while you are stranded on the side of the road. Some of the top roadside breakdowns and what you should do in some of these situations include:
Don’t let your car be a “jerk car” and run out of gas – If you are running low on gas while you are stranded on the road, you are going to find yourself stopped in a traffic jam. The best thing you can do in this situation is to fill up at a station, then run to a gas station to refill it, then run back to the trunk of your car. Do not attempt to drive another mile while you are in the gas station. Doing so can cause serious problems with your car’s gas pump and you could end up facing the prospect of a roll over. Instead, get some extra gas and head back home.
You will want to get ahead of any repair bills by purchasing some sort of auto extended warranty. Mechanical breakdown insurance or warranty helps pay for the repairs included in your plan. If you happen to experience a mechanical problem, you will feel at peace knowing it won’t cost you thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Not running out of fuel – During the night or when the sun is not shining as well – it is easy for your car to burn itself out. If you are driving through a sand or gravel road on the way to a destination, you might find yourself running out of fuel pretty quickly. In order to avoid an empty gas tank, you will need to make sure you have enough gasoline to get you to your destination. If not, you will need to either make a detour, or find a location where you can refuel your car. If you don’t have any luck finding an empty gas station, you might want to consider stopping for a roadside rest stop.
Trying to drive through the mud or snow – Most drivers will agree that it is most annoying to deal with a stuck vehicle in the middle of nowhere. Whether it is snowing, raining, or windy, there are few roads that can handle driving through anything less than perfect conditions. When you encounter a standing vehicle in the middle of the road, you need to make sure you take time to bring it to a stop. Do not just jump the gun and try to drive through. You may be able to get to your destination, but you may not get to your destination at all.
Not having enough roadside assistance – Having roadside assistance can be the difference between life and death in many cases. The first place you need to check to see if you are eligible for roadside assistance is your auto insurance company. Some people think that all they have to do is call their insurance company and sign up. While this may be the easiest solution, it will often be the least effective. Instead, you should take the time to ask for roadside assistance quotes for your particular vehicle type and insurance company.
Being late to work – Whether you are a teenager, a senior citizen, or someone in the military, it is important to make sure you get to work on time. This can affect your personal life, as well as your job. To avoid these types of roadblocks, consider installing an automatic door mirrors (a very cheap alternative to high priced, sliding overhead door mirror systems). By driving your car to work on time, you can avoid the top roadside breakdowns and why you should always check your fuel tank before leaving the car.
By taking these preventative measures, you can save money on unnecessary repairs and avoid getting into any accidents. If you are interested in receiving roadside assistance, your best bet is to contact your vehicle insurance company to find out what kind of discounts you may qualify for.
If you are already a policyholder, there are ways to receive discounts even without being insured by an insurance company. Make sure you are always aware of the latest developments in vehicle safety to make sure you are never caught off guard when faced with roadside assistance.
