Playlist Makes Perfect: How to Craft the Best Collection of Songs for Your Road Trip!

Do you know that scene in so many movies where the main character blasts their favorite song in their car as they speed away along the highway? That could be you, minus the speeding, of course! All you need is an open road, a cool (and safe) vehicle, and the best playlist around. And if you need help with the third option, then we have a few pointers to help you create the best collection of songs for the road.

Use Segments

If you start your eight-hour trip with electronic music, you’re going to burn out two hours in – guaranteed. We believe it’s best to break up your entire trip into segments to keep you entertained and on your toes. We’re talking slow jams during the first segment of your trip, 80s pop during the second segment, the grunge segment, and so on.

Make it a Pre-Trip Priority

If you’re going to make a solid playlist for the road, we recommend squeezing a bit of time in beforehand for crafting your playlist. In fact, if you get it out of the way first, you can take it for a test run while you pack your bags!

A Bit of R & R

This means requests and rest! After all, there’s a big chance you won’t be taking your trip on your own. So, why not give your passengers the opportunity to play some of their favorite jams? We also recommend taking a few minutes to give your ears some rest! Just turn off the radio and make some space for conversation with your passengers. You won’t regret it!

Finding the Best Coverage That Fits Your Needs

Insurance is one of the most important things a driver can have in their arsenal, no matter what they drive or where they live. Without it, a driver might end up having to pay for their own repairs or vehicle replacement in the case of an auto wreck.

But, while its importance is undebatable, many still find insurance to be elusive, mysterious, and downright confusing. When faced with so many options, what type of insurance should you choose? The first step in making that decision is understanding and recognizing the types of protection available on the market.

The Choice is Yours

Deciding which type of coverage is best for you comes down to your situation. What you drive, where you live, how you drive, etc. will all play a role in the insurance you’ll secure. As you can imagine, there are different types of policies out there, and you’ll have to do a bit of research when deciding what to go with.

These include:

Liability Insurance – This is normally the minimum amount of coverage all drivers are required to have in almost every state.

Personal Injury – Insurance you’ll need to protect your family, friends, or other passengers in the event of an accident

Collision and Comprehensive – This protection comes into play when you aren’t able to cover the total loss of your vehicle in the event of an accident. Drivers who lease vehicles are generally required to have this protection.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – This protection is used if you have an accident with an at-fault driver who either has no insurance or whose liability limits are unable to cover damage or medical expenses.

Rental Reimbursement, Roadside Assistance, Mechanical Breakdown – This insurance covers the costs related to minor events including flat tires or car breakdowns.

4 Reasons Why Roadside Assistance is a No-Brainer

What are the chances of being stranded on the road because of car trouble? You might be thinking that it’s low, especially if you take good care of your car or if it’s not very old. However, a car can break down anywhere for any reason, even if it’s a few weeks or months old. Roadside assistance is something you should look into to avoid spending a few minutes or even hours waiting for help.

Getting Locked Out

Almost all recent car models have safety precautions to prevent getting locked out, but if your car is older and still uses a traditional method of unlocking it, then this issue can be a possibility. With roadside assistance, this issue is a thing of the past and one that won’t require you to inconvenience a family member! Simply make the call and an expert will be there to help within a short while.

A Dead Battery

Getting into your car, turning the ignition, and being met with the click of a dead battery can ruin anyone’s day. In situations like these, roadside assistance is there to lend a helping hand. An expert is always ready to be at your location with jumper cables and anything else you need to get back on the road.

Flat Tires

Flat tires are so common that they can probably be considered the bane of any driver’s existence. This is especially troublesome when you consider that 60% of people don’t know how to change a tire, according to an NBC News report. Luckily, roadside assistance takes care of that. They’ll find you and get you on your way as soon as possible, whether you need a tire change or a quick repair.

An Unknown Breakdown

Sometimes, your car can just completely die on you. What’s worse is that, in these situations, you have literally no way of knowing what the problem could be. With roadside assistance, you don’t have to worry. An expert can tow your car to a mechanic or even to your home.

Yes, Your Car Deserves a Spring Cleaning, Too!

Each year, countless people roll their sleeves up and prepare for spring cleaning. They throw out old boxes, sort through old clothes, and spend hours (if not days) ridding their home of clutter. So, why not do the same for your car?

Remove Everything

The first thing you can do as you prepare to clean is remove everything from your car. We’re talking old drinks, the designated trash bags, seat covers, and even your floor mats. Doing so will provide the perfect starting point for the actual cleaning.

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!

That’s right, it’s time to haul out the old vacuum cleaner from deep in the closet along with every attachment it can possibly have and get to work! Remember, after months (if not years) of dirt and dust collecting, you’re going to need to really get in there to vacuum it all up. Use your hose attachments to get under the seats, into the cup holders, between car door compartments, and anywhere else dirt collects.

Mats and Covers

If you have cloth seat covers, now is the perfect time to toss them in the washer for a nice, deep cleaning. As for your mats, you’re going to want to wash them with the strongest nozzle on your hose if they’re plastic. If the gunk is deep, then use soap and brushes. If your mats are carpet, vacuum them separately and use cleaning solutions for any tough stains.

Move Onto the Outside

Once your car’s interior has been vacuumed, brushed, cleaned, and scented, it’s time to move outside. Now, whether you decide to wash your car yourself or visit a washer, there are a few things you can do to take the cleaning one step further:

Wipe down the windows and glass surfaces with glass cleaner

Hose down the underbody

Clean your upholstery and dashboard with approved cleaners

Organize the clutter in your center console

Make Strides by Becoming the Safest Driver Possible

Over the last few decades, advancements in car safety have skyrocketed. It’s added rear cameras, proximity sensors, and even improved braking systems! However, at the end of the day, you’re in full control of these machines. It’s the reason why it’s so important that you complement your car’s safety with your own.

Think Before You Drive

One of the most dangerous things you can do on the road is rush to your destination. Doing so puts you and other drivers at great risk. To avoid this, plan your trip ahead of time, no matter how big or small it is. This means staying on top of weather forecasts, evaluating your route, and staying informed about speed limits.

No Need for Anger

It isn’t uncommon for the road to get the better of us, especially when we’ve had long days at work. But to be a safe driver, you must be levelheaded. No matter what happens on the road or what happened earlier in your day, it’s important to be courteous to fellow drivers at all times.

Avoid Distractions

A glance at your phone is nothing major, right? Wrong! It takes only a split second for a devastating accident to occur. Keep distractions like your phone, the radio tuner, or any conversations at a minimum and pay attention to the road.

Use Common Sense

No matter where you’re going, common sense should always prevail. After all, you’re already aware of the rules of the road, so do the right thing and always abide by them. This means fastening your seatbelt as soon as you climb into your car and using the speed limit as a rule and not a mere suggestion.

5 Warning Signs That You May Need New Tires

You count on your car to get you from point A to B, day after day, without fail. It’s important to give it a bit of tender loving care frequently, too, especially when it comes to your tires. So, if you’ve gone a few years without checking on them and don’t necessarily know if it’s time for new ones, then we have some information that can help.

You’ve Got the Shakes

A little bit of shaking is normal when it comes to driving, especially if the road is rough or your car is a bit old. However, if your tires are giving your vehicle the shakes, even on smooth roads, then get your tires looked at. There could be a problem with your alignment.

The Tread is Non-Existent

A bald tire can be extremely dangerous, especially in wet conditions. If your tires are lacking tread or almost completely bald, then get them replaced as soon as possible. Failure to do so can lead to accidents.

Cracks and Blisters Galore

It’s important to remember that your tires are still subject to wear even if they’re used infrequently. Your sidewalls can crack and blister with time, weather, or even poor alignment.

They’ve Worn Unevenly

Imagine going for a jog with one pristine shoe and one worn one. Chances are you won’t be breaking your speed record any time soon! The same applies to your tires. If they’ve worn unevenly, then there’s a chance that your car is not running as well as it should.

Check the Spare

If you’ve been driving around on your spare tire for a while now, then you’ll need a replacement since most only last a short while. If you haven’t used yours yet, then know that most spares last between seven and 10 years.

Does Shopping for Car Insurance Have to be Hard? Of Course Not!

We’ve all heard just how difficult shopping for car insurance is. But does it have to be? At Pronto Insurance, we want what’s best for all drivers, so know these steps to make insurance shopping easy!

What You Should Know Beforehand

It’s important to know the following before beginning the search for insurance:
 Your car’s value
 Your driving records
 It’s age
 It’s mileage
All of these and more can play important roles in how much you’ll pay, how much coverage you’ll get, and more!

Know What You Need

Once you have a better idea of your car’s value and your own driving habits, you’ll realize exactly what type of coverage you’ll need. For instance, if you tend to drive on highways where broken windshields and dents happen often, you’ll likely want better protection that will cover what you’ll put your car through.

Shop Around (But Consider the Coverage)

Shopping around is where the real fun begins, but you must be observant. While one insurance company may offer you a better overall price, it may not provide the exact coverage you need. Getting multiple quotes is important, but remember that it’s not all about the lowest prices.

Get to Know the 3 Most Common Forms of Distracted Driving

Over the last few decades, vehicle safety has skyrocketed and made cars much safer compared to the vehicles of old. However, while vehicle safety has improved, distracted driving remains one of the most dangerous and common issues. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,000 lives were lost due to distracted driving in 2019 alone. If you or someone you know needs help minimizing the number of distractions at the wheel, we can help.

Using Your Phone

Smartphones are lifesavers when it comes to certain situations, but they’re dangerous if used while driving. Texting, calling, or simply surfing through multiple apps can take your eyes off the road for more than just a few seconds – enough time to cause devastating accidents.

“Multi-Tasking”

Perhaps you feel safe eating while behind the wheel or even holding a conversation as you drive to work. The reality is, even when you think you’re effectively multi-tasking, you’re not giving your complete attention to the road.

Discomfort in the Driver Seat

We recommend setting your seat, radio, mirrors, and everything else to the right adjustments before heading out on the road. Discomfort will probably cause you to make these adjustments while driving, which could distract you from what’s ahead.

Sharing the Road with Aggressive Drivers if You Must

Millions of drivers hit the road each day. While most are respectful and tolerant, it isn’t uncommon to run into aggressive drivers. If you find yourself in an exchange with an aggressive driver, it’s important to know exactly what to do.

Don’t Respond

To keep yourself and others safe, it’s best to avoid responding to an aggressive driver. Doing so can escalate their behavior and lead to even more dangerous actions. We recommend avoiding eye contact, letting them pass, and resuming your drive.

Be Understanding

Aggressive behavior has no excuse, but it’s impossible to know what the other driver may be going through to react in an antagonistic manner. Perhaps they’ve had a tough day or are dealing with a medical emergency that has them feeling anxious. Whatever the case, make sure you maintain your composure and avoid reaching their level of hostility.

Pull Over

If the aggressive driver is way too close to your vehicle for comfort, then it’s a good idea to pull your car over safely. Once you do so, simply let them drive off, wait a few moments, then continue. Please remember to not exit your vehicle. The other driver can
potentially interpret this as an act of defiance which can be met with more hostility.

Contact the Authorities

If you’ve followed these steps but the driver’s aggressive behavior insists, then it’s best to contact authorities to deal with the issue.

Summer isn’t far off, meaning that the sun will hit a bit harder with heat. As you look ahead, it’s important that you keep your vehicle in mind. After all, it’ll need your undivided attention as you prep it for the hotter weather. Don’t know where to start? Pronto Insurance can help!

It’s All About the Coolant

Picture being stranded on the side of a road with an overheated car and no help in sight. Stay on top of your car’s coolant level to ensure that it runs in top shape. We strongly suggest keeping an additional container of coolant in your trunk if you have an older vehicle.

Battery Woes

As the temperatures rise, the toll on your car’s battery does as well. To avoid the headache of a malfunctioning battery, we suggest having yours checked occasionally to avoid being stuck with a dead car and little-to-no options for help.

Prioritize Your AC

There are a few things as frustrating as driving around on a hot summer day with no AC, sweaty, and in an overall foul mood. One very important thing you can do before the days get much hotter is testing your AC! If it’s not cold enough, then get it checked ASAP.

Replace Your Wipers

Cold weather has a habit of wreaking havoc on your wipers with cracks, tears, and other damages. We suggest that you replace them now before the summer rainfall begins. After all, it’s an affordable upgrade that can really make a difference.