Whether you only drive to work or you take numerous trips throughout the year, a lot of miles are put on your vehicle.  Add in poor road conditions, debris, and weather-related issues and your vehicle can take quite the beating.  Beyond these external factors, your vehicle has many moving parts that must be properly maintained so that it is always ready to roll.  Would a roadside assistance program be wise?

But even if you do all the right things, there are still times that you must deal with situations beyond your control. From the unexpected flat tire to locking yourself out of your car- life happens. In those moments having a roadside assistance program makes a big difference. But how do you choose a roadside assistance program that works for you?

Shopping for the Best Roadside Assistance Program for Your Peace of Mind

1. Remember, free does equal good! There are programs out there that are merely add-ons to purchasing a vehicle, setting up your mobile phone or perhaps included with your insurance policy. While these programs are nice, they may not provide the full coverage you need. For instance, they may tow your car to the nearest garage in their network but the price you pay for the work may exceed what you would pay for your regular mechanic.

2. Know when they are available and what they cover. One would think that all roadside assistance programs are available 24/7/365. But this might not be the case. In addition, some policies might only cover autos, and not boats, trailers, or motorcycles. Others may only cover newer vehicles. Another condition may be that they only cover you within a specific area, or only in the U.S. Be sure to read the fine print so you know when they are available for helping you.

3. Who does it cover? Do you need an individual policy for each family member, or can you add them to one policy? Are there benefits for having multiple people on a roadside assistance plan? Get the answers to these questions before signing.

4. What do they provide? Some of them offer a full scope of services. These services range from towing and getting into your locked car to providing rentals to fixing a flat tire. Every program will have some similarities as well as differences. Standard things covered in a roadside assistance program are:

• Towing to the nearest repair shop, or one within your coverage limits
• Lockout assistance
• Battery jump-start
• Spare tire installation
• Fuel delivery

Knowing what you need and what would simply be ‘nice to have’ will help you decide the best plan for you and your budget.

5. What about extras? Beyond roadside assistance, you will want to check out the extra perks. From travel guides to hotel savings, restaurant vouchers and savings on rentals, many roadside assistance programs offer a variety of member’s only benefits.

Of course, no matter how great a roadside assistance plan you have, you still need to do your part to keep your vehicle running smoothly. A great place to start is by keeping AMSOIL products from BuyGreatOil on hand.  Be sure to always have an extra quart of oil, transmission fluid, and some octane boost on hand, so you can top off these items if necessary.

Having a roadside assistance program you can depend on gives you peace of mind. Do your research then make a decision that suits your needs, your family, and your lifestyle. You will be glad you did.