No matter where you’re going, it’s always good advice to plan ahead.
Roadside assistance is another way to add to your peace of mind. If you don’t have roadside assistance now, let’s talk about what it is and why you can benefit from it.
If you’ve ever been stranded on the side of the highway because of a problem, you’re like most drivers. If you haven’t, lucky you!
Now, imagine that your significant other—or your spouse and kids—are with you in the car. You’re on the way to an important event and, suddenly, you’re out of gas.
What do you do now?
What is Roadside Assistance?
If you purchased a used vehicle with a service contract, or if your buyer’s agreement includes roadside assistance, it can help you out in numerous ways. In addition to car repair benefits, your provider may help you out if you’ve got a flat tire or you need some gas.
Roadside assistance is a valuable benefit. It’s like owning a fire extinguisher. You may not need it but, when you do, you’re so thrilled it’s there.
How Do Roadside Assistance Plans Help?
A used vehicle service contract covers certain repairs when a vehicle malfunction occurs. Some service contracts also provide benefits and features like roadside assistance.
Let’s go back to the driver whose car ran out of gas with the family in tow. If the driver didn’t think ahead and didn’t have roadside assistance, he or she would need to contact a service provider to get roadside assistance.
- Who would the driver call?
We hope the driver doesn’t need to leave the vehicle to contact the service provider. - How long would the driver wait?
If the driver doesn’t have a service readily available, this could take hours. - What would the driver need to pay for enough gas to get to a gas station?
We don’t know, but it’s not unreasonable to assume the service provider will charge $50-$100 in greater Houston.
Roadside assistance is a great benefit. Whether the driver needs gas, assistance in jump-starting the battery or getting a tow to a local repair shop, a roadside assistance plan is there when it’s needed.
When you consider time, stress, and expensive roadside emergency calls, investing in a used car vehicle service contract makes great financial sense.
Roadside Assistance Service Types
Not all roadside assistance service plans are created equal. Know what services you need before buying a used vehicle service package.
Roadside assistance services included in your used vehicle service contract may include:
- Battery charge/jump or battery replacement: If your gas-powered vehicle battery is dead, the roadside assistance technician will try to start your vehicle with a jump-start to the battery (unless the manufacturer advises otherwise). Refer to the owner’s manual if you’re driving an electric car. If you’re driving a hybrid, your vehicle may use the electric motor battery to start the gas engine. You might not need a jump start.
- Winching or extrication service: When your vehicle is stuck or constrained in some manner, you need roadside assistance. It may take multiple professionals and service trucks to dislodge your vehicle. In that case, the provider may assess a surcharge.
- Towing service: You may need roadside assistance to tow your car to a local mechanic, usually up to a certain number of miles from your current location. If you need the vehicle to be towed above the limit, the roadside assistance provider may charge an additional fee. You’ll never be left stranded.
- Tire services, e.g. flat tires, tire changes, tire patch: Most drivers have had a flat tire. Roadside assistance can help you out when a flat tire happens. A roadside service professional will arrive after you report the location of your vehicle. Your flat tire will be replaced with your vehicle spare. Note: roadside assistance probably won’t cover a motorcycle flat tire or a flat on any two/three-wheel vehicle.
- Fuel delivery: Drivers who run out of gas on the road need roadside assistance. A service pro will arrive at your vehicle location with fuel to get you to the nearest pumping station. Your roadside assistance service may charge for this fuel.
- Lockout service: You may need lockout service or locksmith service if you can’t get into your vehicle. There’s a difference between lockout and locksmith services. If the roadside assistance service helps you open the vehicle, this is lockout service. They may gain entry to the vehicle using a long reach tool or a pump wedge. If the roadside assistance pro can’t get into the vehicle using these tools, he or she will call a locksmith service.
- And more
You may also have rental car coverage, trip interruption coverage or reimbursement fees included in your used vehicle service package.
When you consider these added bonuses, your vehicle service contract is a sound financial decision. It’s there to protect you and your family when you’re on the road.
There are so many unknowns each and every time you get behind the wheel. With so many features and benefits available in your used car service contract, it’s risky to leave home without it.
Before you plan for a long trip, make sure you have roadside assistance. You’ll have peace of mind because there’s no need to worry “What happens if something goes wrong? Who do I call? How long will it take them to reach me? What will it cost?”
Do You Need Roadside Assistance?
The answer to this question is almost always yes.
If you need to pay for roadside assistance coverage, consider your commuting range, desired convenience, or vehicle age:
- Commuting distance or range: If you’re like most drivers in Houston, you have a daily commute. If you’re a parent who works at home, you may have errands each day. If you’re driving commute is within a short distance of your home, you might have the option to directly call a local car repair shop on your cell phone when you need help. However, if you’re like most drivers, you may take weekend trips or longer vacations that aren’t as close to home. Roadside assistance is a really good idea for you.
- Convenience: Most people value convenience. Roadside assistance means you’ve got much less to worry about when you get behind the wheel. This means you don’t need to locate or contact a service provider when an emergency happens. Your mobile provider might offer you some form of directory assistance, but it’s not as simple as calling your roadside assistance provider. When you have a problem on the road, your roadside assistance provider’s existing network of technicians and professionals are there for you—whether you’re stranded in inclement weather or stuck on a dark and unfamiliar road. Roadside assistance is the ultimate in convenience.
- Vehicle Age: If you drive a recent year model, your car or truck might not have any mechanical issues looming in the near future—but it’s difficult to know for sure. Your roadside assistance benefits can help you if you’re stuck in a ditch, locked out of your car, or get a flat after driving through a pot hole. If you drive an older car, roadside assistance is a must.
Roadside Assistance and Better Driving
Drivers can’t always plan for what’s ahead on the road. You don’t know what you’ll encounter.
Roadside assistance can help you out on the worst day of your life. It can give you more confidence because you’re prepared for whatever the road sends your way.
If you lock your keys in the car, if you experience a sudden tire blowout, if your truck overheats, or if your car stops without warning, you can call for roadside assistance.
If your car battery is dead, if your tire is punctured, if you need gas, you can call for roadside assistance. Knowing that you have roadside assistance can add more enjoyment to your driving.
Shabana Motors provides roadside assistance with every vehicle we sell! Check out our extensive used car inventory today.
