Don't Let Car Trouble Stall Your Fantastic Fourth

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--According to Allstate Motor Club, almost half of the calls received early last summer came from motorists in need of a tow (47 percent). Of the callers who didn’t need a tow but still required roadside assistance, jump starts and tire replacements ranked as the most common fixes to get drivers on the road again.

Many roadside hassles are preventable with some proactive upkeep. Allstate Motor Club offers the following tips to help you and your family avoid unnecessary delays when road tripping this summer.

Before you go…

     -- Check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated and
        have sufficient tread remaining.

     -- Check your car's fluids, including:

        -- Oil,
        -- Washer fluid,
        -- Engine coolant,
        -- Power steering fluid, and
        -- Brake and transmission fluid.

    -- Bring along a current map of the route you will be taking. If
       you're using an online service, still bring detailed maps since
       online services don't always have the most recent road
       construction information.

    -- Bring a cell phone and car charger if you have one.

While on the road…

     -- If you take a pit stop, make sure to turn off your vehicle's
        interior and exterior lights. Motorists accidentally leave
        their lights on in all types of weather, but heat can be
        additionally damaging to a car's battery.

     -- Store in your trunk a car emergency kit that includes
        reflectors, jumper cables, a flashlight and a tire gauge.

     -- Keep a stocked first aid kit in the car's glove box for easy
        access.

     -- Carry a roll of paper towels, a jug of water and some hand
        wipes--they come in handy and may prevent unplanned pit stops.

And of course, don’t forget emergency phone numbers, including those that provide emergency road side assistance, such as Allstate Motor Club.

If you’re still deciding upon your summer vacation destination, check out www.amcpassport.com, where Allstate Motor Club members can plan fun worry-free, cost-effective trips, ranging from quick weekend getaways to an island resort.

The Allstate Motor Club customer call findings analyzed 2,918 requests for assistance from June 15, 2006 through July 15, 2006.