What to do if your Car Breaks Down Far from Home

With the holiday season almost here, many families are making plans to travel across the country to visit family and friends. However, the days before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve are also some of the most difficult times of the year on the roads due to the high number of travelers and winter weather conditions. Here are some car travel tips on what to do if your vehicle breaks down far from home this season.

Roadside assistance
If you start to notice serious engine trouble or your car stops working altogether, try to pull to the side of the road quickly and safely. Organizations like AAA and OnStar feature roadside assistance options for speedy passenger pickup and towing. Some minor repairs can be completed on the side of the road, but you may need to be towed to a nearby auto shop for more extensive maintenance.

Book a room
For repairs that can take some time to complete, you may want to book a room in a local motel or hotel. This is an especially good idea if you broke down in a middle point that's too far to head home or have a relative come pick you up.

Rental car
Many auto service companies or repair shops offer rental vehicles for you to use while your car undergoes maintenance - an ideal solution if you're short on time and need to get to a holiday celebration ASAP.

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