🚗 Top 10 Roadside Assistance Tips Every Driver Should Know

Getting stranded on the side of the road is never part of the plan — but it happens to even the most experienced drivers. Whether it’s a flat tire, dead battery, or running out of fuel, knowing what to do can make a stressful situation much safer and easier to handle.

Here are 10 essential roadside assistance tips to help you stay safe and get back on the road faster.

1. Pull Over Safely

At the first sign of trouble, signal and pull over as far to the right as possible — ideally onto the shoulder or into a nearby parking lot. Turn your steering wheel away from traffic and set your parking brake.

🛑 Pro tip: Avoid stopping on blind curves or narrow shoulders if possible. Visibility saves lives.

2. Turn On Hazard Lights

Your hazard lights alert other drivers that something is wrong. Turn them on immediately — day or night — to reduce your risk of being hit.

💡 If it’s dark, place reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle about 10–15 feet apart to create a visible safety zone.

3. Stay Inside Your Vehicle

Unless you’re in immediate danger, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened. Standing beside a vehicle on the shoulder is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do.

📱 Call for professional roadside assistance rather than attempting repairs yourself near moving traffic.

4. Know Your Location

When you call for help, you’ll need to describe exactly where you are. Look for mile markers, exit signs, or nearby landmarks. Many modern smartphones and navigation apps can also share your precise GPS location.

📍 Pro tip: If you’re on a highway, the mile marker number can help dispatch locate you much faster.

5. Call for Professional Help

Don’t hesitate to call a local towing company or roadside assistance service. Explain your situation clearly — including whether you’re blocking traffic or have passengers with special needs.

🧰 Common roadside services include:

Jump-starts
Tire changes
Fuel delivery
Lockouts
Towing to a repair shop

6. Stay Visible and Calm

If you must step outside, wear a reflective vest or bright clothing and keep your hazard lights on. Move cautiously, and never stand between vehicles.

😌 Remaining calm and focused helps you think clearly and avoid further risks.

7. Keep Emergency Supplies

Every driver should have a roadside emergency kit that includes:

Jumper cables
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Reflective triangles or flares
Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
Blanket or jacket
Portable phone charger

🧯 A small investment in preparedness can make a huge difference in an emergency.

8. Check Your Spare Tire

Many modern vehicles come with space-saving “donut” tires or no spare at all. Make sure you know what your vehicle has — and how to use it.

🔧 Tip: Check your spare tire’s air pressure every few months. A flat spare won’t help when you need it most.

9. Use Roadside Assistance Memberships

Services like AAA, insurance add-ons, or local towing memberships can save you hundreds of dollars per incident. Store the emergency number in your phone and glove compartment.

🚙 Some credit cards and automakers even include free roadside coverage — check your plan!

10. Prevent Problems Before They Happen

Routine maintenance is your first line of defense:

Keep fluids topped up
Inspect tires for wear and pressure
Replace weak batteries before winter
Have brakes and belts checked regularly

🔍 Preventative care means fewer surprises on the road — and safer trips for everyone.

🚨 Final Thoughts

Being stranded is stressful — but being prepared makes all the difference. Keep calm, stay visible, and call for professional help right away. Whether it’s a simple jump-start or a full tow, our team is ready 24/7 to get you moving again.