Emergency Roadside Assistance
When your car breaks down, safety should be your top priority. Pull your vehicle off the travel portion of the road, turn on hazard lights and stay inside with your doors locked until help arrives.
Many drivers have roadside assistance coverage through their car insurance provider or credit card. Learn more about Emergency Roadside here and be prepared for any breakdown on the road.
The most common roadside problem is a flat tire. While tires can be damaged by a variety of things from hitting a pothole or curb to driving on an object that punctures the tire, most are due to low tire pressure. Maintaining a regular schedule of checking your tire pressure and having an emergency kit with tools and supplies to change a tire can dramatically reduce your chances of getting stranded on the side of the road with an unexpected flat.
A standard roadside emergency kit should include a spare tire, jack, lug wrench and owner’s manual. It is also a good idea to keep a tire pressure gauge in the trunk of your car so you can check your tire pressure regularly and prevent a flat from happening in the first place.
If you find yourself with a flat tire, turn on your hazard lights and pull off to the side of the road as quickly as possible. Never drive on a flat tire for more than a few miles. Doing so will damage the tire and possibly the rim.
It is a good idea to have a tire repair kit in your emergency roadside supply, as well as a pair of work gloves and a headlamp for working on the car in poor lighting. You can buy a tire plug kit at your local auto parts store or at many big box stores. Some kits are more extensive and will include pliers to remove foreign objects, a knife for trimming off the excess plug, and a tire patch for larger punctures.
Some vehicles are designed to have a run-flat feature that will allow you to travel on a flat tire for a limited distance. If you have one of these, follow the instructions on the vehicle to determine how much farther you can go before it’s time to call for roadside assistance.
If you don’t have a tire repair kit or you feel that you would be safer with a professional, an emergency roadside service can handle your flat tire for a small fee. Some newer cars come with this option as part of the warranty and some insurance policies have the option to add it for an additional charge.
Locked Out
Getting locked out of your car is one of the most frustrating roadside emergencies. It can put a major damper on your day and your travel plans. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to fix the problem. First, stay safe by remaining inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and turning on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Afterward, contact your roadside assistance company for help. Encore Protection’s on-demand emergency roadside assistance service (coming soon!) can also provide a helping hand.
Dead Battery
A flat battery lacks the charge required to power vehicle components, such as lights and electronics. This condition commonly occurs due to excessive use without recharging, prolonged inactivity with little to no recharging, or a significant malfunction within the battery itself. A flat battery is often inconvenient and can be dangerous if not addressed quickly. A flat battery may result in slow cranking or no response from the engine, accompanied by dim or non-functional lights.
A dead battery can occur in various ways, but most frequently happens as a result of user error. Leaving a light or accessory on while the car is turned off drains the battery, as does excessive use of accessories and electrical components when the engine isn’t running. Similarly, extended storage or exposure to cold temperatures slows down the chemical reactions inside batteries that produce energy. Finally, a dead battery can also happen as the result of a physical defect or aging beyond its useful life.
In many cases, a dead battery can be revived by jump-starting or recharging the battery. However, once a battery dies completely, it can’t be repaired and must be replaced.
If your battery is still charged, the best way to determine whether it’s dead or not is by measuring its voltage. A fully charged battery will register around 12.7 volts, and a low reading indicates that the battery is close to death.
Other signs of a dying battery include an erratic electrical system, a swollen case, or evidence of corrosion on the outside of the battery. When you see these signs, take the battery to a shop for a replacement or recharging.
To jump-start a car with a bad battery, position the two vehicles close enough for the cables to reach but do not let them touch. Connect the positive cable (red) from the good battery to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Connect the negative cable (black) to the negative terminal of the good battery and the other end to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the car with the dead battery. Power on the jump starter and start the engine of the car with the dead battery. Once the car starts, remove the jumper cables in reverse order and allow the vehicle to run for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery.
Fuel Delivery
A fuel delivery service is a roadside assistance option that helps drivers who have run out of gas. These services are typically available 24/7 and can be accessed through mobile apps, phone calls, or online requests. They can also provide guidance and support beyond refueling. They help drivers navigate tricky situations like traffic or poor weather conditions that could prevent them from finding a safe spot to stop for gas.
The fuel delivery process begins at large tanks and depots, which are strategically located to facilitate efficient distribution. From there, fuel is loaded onto transport vehicles, including tanker trucks and pipelines. The transport process itself requires strict safety standards to avoid leaks, spills, and fires. This ensures that end-users are provided with a steady supply of fuel to keep their operations running smoothly.
When choosing a fuel delivery company, look for one that has a positive reputation in the industry. You can check online reviews, testimonials, or referrals to get a sense of their reliability. Also, ask about their business model and pricing structure. A subscription model may suit businesses or individuals who need regular deliveries and cost-savings, while an on-demand model suits those with unpredictable needs.
Another thing to consider when choosing a fuel delivery company is their environmental impact. Look for a green business that uses alternative fuels, carbon offset programs, and sustainable transportation practices. Ask about their training and certifications for their fuel delivery drivers as well.
Mobile fuel delivery services are popular because of their extreme convenience. With the right fuel delivery app, you can refuel your car without having to leave the comfort of your home or office. Some of these apps offer other benefits as well, including flexible payment options, easy-to-use interfaces, and effective customer support.
Preventative measures like regularly checking the fuel gauge and refueling before the needle reaches E can reduce stress and anxiety associated with running out of gas. It’s also a good idea to plan your routes on longer trips and make stops along the way to refuel proactively. This will help you save time and money in the long run and prevent accidents caused by rushing to the nearest gas station.