Modern cars may be much more reliable than the clunkers of the past, but breakdowns and accidents still happen. Even if your car is completely reliable, the unexpected can happen at any time. Tires or even suspension components can be damaged by uneven roads and the safest, most careful drivers can still sometimes find themselves involved in accidents. Roadside assistance programs are one of the best ways to stay prepared for the unexpected, but they can do more than you might expect. Next time you find yourself in need of help on the road, consider these three ways that your assistance program can help to get you moving again.

Have Labor Performed On-Site

Many roadside assistance programs allow for up to an hour of on-site labor. This can cover basic emergencies, such as a flat tire, dead battery, or low oil or coolant. Basic repairs may sometimes be possible as well, such as if a hose has come loose or a battery terminal is corroded. You should not expect this small labor allowance to deal with any major repairs, but it can sometimes be enough to get your drivable again so that you can get home or continue your trip.  

Make Use of Recommended Shops

It's easier than ever to do research on the spot, even in the middle of nowhere, but it can be difficult to browse through hundreds of reviews for local garages when you're stuck on the side of the road. Most roadside assistance programs can recommend nearby shops, making this process much easier. Even if the dispatcher is not familiar with the shops in the area, they can almost always direct you to the ones that are closest and that will still be open when you arrive. In many cases, these shops may be the same shops that provide towing assistance, making the process of getting your car there easier.

Check for Certifications

While most roadside assistance programs can recommend nearby shops, some also run certification programs. The details of these programs vary, but they usually guarantee that the shop will provide a warranty for the work and that their technicians have met minimum training standards. In many cases, shops that are part of these certification programs will also offer discounts for members and price guarantees. Although these discounts are not usually large, they can help to ease the financial burden of a sudden repair.

Next time your car is broken down, remember that your assistance program can do more than just give you a tow. By fully utilizing the benefits that most programs offer, you can also find the best nearby shop to fix your car and maybe even score a discount on the work needed to get it running again. Contact a shop, like Parkway Wrecker Service, for more help.