How to Prepare Your Car for Roadside Emergencies

Essential Car Maintenance for Preventing Breakdowns

Keeping your vehicle in top shape can help prevent a roadside breakdown. Getting regular inspections reduces your risk of car trouble so you can stay safe while driving the roadways. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule. 

A vehicle inspection should (at least) include: 

• Oil change and fluid checks
• Tire pressure and condition checks
• Battery health and testing 
• Brake inspection and maintenance 
• Visual inspection of belts and hoses

Must-Have Items for Your Roadside Emergency Kit

If you do have a breakdown, a roadside emergency kit will come in handy—and might even save your life. 

An emergency car kit should include:

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A first-aid kit
• Reflective triangles or road flares
• A tire inflator and sealant
• Basic tools (such as a standard wrench, lug wrench, screwdriver, and pliers)
• Water and non-perishable food
• Blankets
• Warm clothing
• A cell phone charger
• Duct tape (to temporarily repair clothing, broken gear, and other items)
• Roadside assistance coverage and your membership card

Purchase AAA Roadside Assistance Membership

Every AAA Membership comes with 24/7 roadside service across the U.S. and Canada. Membership covers one Member in any car, whether you’re the driver or the passenger, and includes up to four roadside service calls a year. Plus, AAA Insurance isn’t required to become a Member.

Using AAA Roadside Assistance During an Emergency

Whether you run out of gas, get a flat tire, or lock yourself out of your car, AAA Roadside Assistance can help. Once you contact us for roadside help, a technician will be dispatched and arrive on the scene.

Contact AAA Roadside Assistance by calling 800-222-4357 or through our mobile app. Be prepared to share details like your AAA Member number, your location, the make and model of your vehicle, and the nature of your car trouble (if you know). If your roadside service has an app, you may be able to see your technician’s estimated arrival time and track their progress.

Stay Safe During a Roadside Emergency 

If your vehicle breaks down, take these steps to stay safe while you wait for help:

• Pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot if your car still operates. If you pull onto the shoulder of the road, exit your vehicle through the door that’s furthest from oncoming traffic only if it’s safe to do so.
• Stay in your car with your seatbelt on until help arrives, if it’s safe. If you can’t get your car fully off the road or you’re concerned about being rear-ended, it’s best to wait outside your car.
• If you notice smoke or flames, exit the vehicle quickly and call 911. You should call 911 if you sense that you’re in a dangerous situation.
• Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. This is especially important if it’s rainy, foggy, or dark. 
• Set reflective triangles or road flares on the road just behind your car. This will make your vehicle even more visible to passing drivers.
• Have your ID and roadside assistance card ready. Your roadside technician will likely ask for these.