Roadside emergencies can happen to anyone. Whether it’s a flat tire, dead battery, or you’ve run out of gas, these inconveniences can put a wrench in your day. With a few precautions, you can help avoid these problems.
Flat Tire
When your tire pops or goes flat, it may seem sudden, but there are things you could have done to prevent it. Keeping your tires inflated at the right pressure can give you a smoother ride and help your tires to wear more evenly. If you’re not sure what the correct pressure for your tires is, check the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
A visual inspection of your tires will let you know if your tread is wearing out and if there are any cracks or weak parts. Also, check your spare tire occasionally to make sure it has the required air pressure and that it has no defects. Check it for small cracks in the sidewall which could be dry rot. If you find that your spare tire is defective and needs replacing, don’t wait to replace it. You never know when you’ll need it.
You should also be careful where you drive and what you drive over. Avoid streets near construction sites where your tires can pick up sharp objects such as nails, screws, glass, etc. Avoid potholes and hitting the curb.
Dead Battery
Most people know that your car battery is affected by the cold, but heat can be detrimental to your battery life as well. Since heat drains a car’s battery, parking it in a cool or shaded spot can buy your battery extra time.
Be aware of the devices you connect to your vehicle. Everything you plug into your car’s system takes a toll on your battery, so keep that in mind when deciding what you really need and how often you use it.
Keep your battery clean. Dirt and grease serve as insulators that trap heat around the battery. Wiping it down with a paper towel or rag on a regular basis will help keep the power-draining grime from accumulating.
Running Out of Gas
If you notice that you are running low on gas, there are a few things you can do. Anticipate your stops and let your foot off the gas as early as possible. Driving slower also helps conserve gasoline. Try not to make any sudden stops, or drive in stop and go traffic. Turn down the A/C as that uses fuel as well. Conserving fuel is another reason to maintain the recommended tire pressure. Low pressure reduces fuel economy and can damage tires.
What To Do if a Roadside Emergency Occurs
If these tips come too late, and an emergency occurs, there is still help available. Piedmont Towing can come to your rescue. We offer tire changes, fuel delivery, and jump-starts. They can meet you on the road to get you going again. And if it’s not you who needs the help, be sure to still be considerate of the tow truck operators you see. Make sure you follow the Slow Down Move Over law, which requires you to move aside or slow down if you see a tow truck operator or other emergency vehicles at work.
No matter your situation, if you are in need of roadside assistance or a tow make sure you call Piedmont Towing. We serve the Advance, Winston-Salem & Lewisville, NC areas.
So you have it handy, our phone number is (336) 998-3000.