Keeping yourself in style during roadside emergencies

Simple trouble like flat tire or batteries running dry are not remote and they could be a nightmare if caught in a wrong situation such as in the middle of an important date. Our automobiles may come with a basic set of tools but roadside emergencies need not require the muscles that go with the dirty ugly image of a Neanderthal. Road trips should be safe, fun and in style. Here are some tips to keep your automobile (and yourself) hassle-free:

Hydraulic wheel jacks are mechanically designed to make lifting a side of your car light and with a lot lesser effort than those stock wheel jacks that came with the vehicle upon purchase. They might just save your brand new Saint Michael’s shirt from unsightly sweat. They are very affordable and available in Ace Hardware or any similar specialty store.

Extension rod for the wrench. The bolts that keep your set of wheels in place may have grown attached to its apparatus. Probably having been there for months or even a year, they may be a little too tight to keep whatever composure you have left during roadside emergencies. An extension rod will unlock your bolts with a lot less effort. Make sure you have one in your trunks all the time in addition to the stock wrench that came with your vehicle upon purchase.

Water. Sometimes, the emergency is not really as complicated as it seems. Your radiator may just need a little more water for your vehicle to last the night. Make sure you have it checked the following morning though just to be sure.

Gasoline dispenser. It’s a good habit to always check your gasoline supply but should your tanks dry up, that dispenser may save you a few trips to and from the gasoline station.

Series Cable. Jumpstarting is the first solution to batteries that went dead while in the middle of the road. There will be instances, however, that you may have to uninstall your battery and bring it to a nearby station (if there are any at all). The series cable connects two car batteries without undergoing the tedious task of uninstalling them from your vehicles. A good Samaritan may just be passing by and it will be easier for them to help you if you also help yourself.

Compressor. Before replacing a tire, you may want to put more air it first in case this solves the problem. Driving your deflated wheels to the nearest station will tear the rubber and waste a good tire. They are very affordable in Ace Hardware or similar specialty stores. Make sure you keep one in your trunk.

Roadside Assistance Organizations. For a minimal monthly membership fee, they may just save your trip from total disaster. Roadside assistance will help you move your vehicle to a nearby repair center in a matter of minutes. On long road trips, you may get hotel allowance if your vehicle cannot be repaired within the day. (That’s when engine trouble becomes a blessing during a big date!)

One organization that comes to mind is the Philippine Auto Club. Leading the way in simplifying the motoring experience, the Philippine Auto Club in 2003 launched 24 Heroes, the country’s first membership-based emergency roadside service to have a nationwide coverage.

Their membership is reasonable and benefits superb. Here are some membership perks that are very interesting:

· Free towing within Metro Manila; Towing expense allowance of up to P3,000 or up to 50 km for long out-of-town road trips.

· Onsite minor repairs, changing tires, boosting dead batteries, delivering fuel, assistance in opening vehicle in case keys are left inside.

· During long road trips, members get a P1,000 travel allowance back home.

· Emergencies shouldn’t be so tragic. Should you wish to get on with your trip, the club will provide a car rental allowance of up to P2,000 to get to your destination if repairs are not possible within 48 hours.

· P2,000 car rental allowance to get to your destination if repairs are not possible within 48 hours.

· Should you be caught in an emergency far and away from home, a hotel allowance of P2,000 will be provided by the club if repairs are not possible within the day.

The club may also free you’re from government red tape. For a minimal fee, they will process your LTO registration or bring your vehicle to the smoke emission test center. AT the event of a road collision, the club will coordinate with the nearest precinct for police assistance. Lastly, the club be of help for concerns unrelated to roadside emergencies such as brining your vehicle to a service center for its annual check up and technical support be email. They will answer your technical questions! Visit their website at http://www.philippineautoclub.com

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