4 Road Safety Tips for Car Care Month

Follow these four recommendations to make sure you’re ready for your next journey – whether that’s to the grocery store or an epic cross-country adventure. 

Stay On Top of Preventative Maintenance

While it’s not fun to spend money on an issue that hasn’t even occurred, it’s a critical part of car safety. Allstate’s list of car maintenance must-dos includes inspecting tires, changing the oil, checking fluids, testing lights, replacing windshield wipers, and servicing the brakes. Staying on top of your car’s annual inspection is a great way to catch problems before they occur.

• Protip: Although it may not seem like preventative maintenance, washing your car can help prevent long-term damage. From road salt, ice melt, tree sap, bird droppings, and those thousands of stubborn little bugs, these hazards can cause damage to your car’s paint, windows, and undercarriage. 

Compile a Roadside Emergency Kit

Though you’ll hopefully never need to use it, it’s important to keep a well-supplied emergency kit in your trunk. You can purchase one that suits your needs or compile your own. If you go the DIY route, consider including items such as: a spare tire, wheel wrench, tripod jack, jumper cables, multipurpose utility tool, flashlight and batteries, reflective triangles and flare, first aid kit, reflective vest, fire extinguisher, duct tape, small gas can, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and a foldable shovel. 

• Protip: Need a refresher course on how to use jumper cables? One of our favorite YouTube channels, Dad, how do I?, simplifies the process. 

Stay Safe if Your Car Breaks Down

Car trouble is not just frustrating – it can be downright dangerous. If your car begins to breakdown while en route, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your hazard lights and keep them on until help arrives.
2. Pull over on the right shoulder of the road. Look for a safe, level location, if possible. 
3. Turn your wheels away from the road to stop your car from rolling into traffic. 
4. Engage your emergency brake.
5. Stay in your vehicle. The Insurance Information Institute recommends against getting out to assess damage until help arrives. If you do need to exit your car, crawl out the passenger-side door.
6. If you are able to safely exit your vehicle, set up flares and pop your car’s hood to signal that you’re broken down. 

• Protip: Keep a list of emergency numbers in your glove compartment to help alleviate stress in the event of an accident or breakdown. On the flip side, make sure your ICE, or your “in case of emergency” contact, is updated in your phone. 

Consider Purchasing AAA

If it’s within your budget, even the most basic level of AAA membership (approx. $59.99 per year) offers huge benefits that will help put your mind at ease in the event of a breakdown. From service calls, towing, emergency fuel delivery, extrication services, locksmith assistance, free GPS/maps, and more, your AAA membership can easily pay for itself after just one use. Plus, it’s hard to put a price tag on peace of mind.

• Protip: If you purchase a AAA membership, make sure to take advantage of all of your benefits! AAA members can earn discounts from many retail stores, travel accommodations, and more. For example, AAA members save 20% on qualifying purchases in-store and online at NAPA Auto Parts during Car Care Month!