Almost half of the calls received by the Allstate Motor Club early last summer came from motorists in need of a tow (47 percent). Jump starts and tire replacements ranked as the most common fixes, among the callers who did not need a tow but still required roadside assistance, to get drivers on the road again.

Several roadside hassles are preventable with some active maintenance. In lieu of this, Allstate Motor Club offers the following tips to help you and your family avoid unnecessary delays when road tripping this summer season.

Before going to a trip:

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

-- Check your car's fluids: oil, washer fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid, and brake and transmission fluid.

-- Along with your trip, secure a current map of the route you will be taking. If you are using an online service, still bring detailed maps because online services do not always have the most recent road construction information.

-- For emergency purposes, bring a cell phone and car charger if you have one.

-- And of course, do not forget emergency phone numbers, including those that provide emergency road side assistance.


While traveling…

-- Make sure to turn off your vehicle's interior and exterior lights if you take a pit stop. Motorists accidentally leave their lights on in all types of weather. But keep in mind that heat can be additionally damaging to the battery of your car.

-- It is wise to store in your trunk a car emergency kit that includes reflectors, jumper cables, a flashlight and a tire gauge.

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

-- To maintain taintlessness while traveling, carry a roll of paper towels, a jug of water and some hand wipes. They come in handy and may prevent unplanned pit stops due to unexpected necessity.


If you are 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 that range from quick weekend getaways to an island resort.

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