Getting stuck on the side of the road used to mean waiting hours for a tow truck to assist you. But modern technologies have revolutionized roadside assistance, allowing you to get back on the road quickly and safely on your own in many situations. From portable power sources to GPS trackers, innovation has transformed the emergency equipment available.
Portable Battery Chargers
One of the most common reasons for requiring roadside assistance is a dead battery in your vehicle. Waiting for a tow or jump start would take considerable time previously. Now portable lithium-ion battery chargers allow you to get your vehicle started without assistance. According to the experts at CloreAutomotive.com, they can provide hundreds of amps to restart a dead battery multiple times when fully charged. Maintenance-free and compact, these battery chargers fit easily in your trunk or backseat. When your battery dies, just connect the leads in seconds and you will be back up and running.
Digital Tire Inflation
Flat tires used to mean getting out your jack and spare tire or calling for a tow. New digital tire inflators powered by your car’s battery or plugin can re-inflate many minor tire punctures. Drivers can plug the inflator into the tire valve, and an automatic system will re-inflate it. Digital readouts let you know the exact pressure as it inflates. While you will still need a spare for major damage, you can now quickly recover from many flats without assistance. Even inflating tires that are just low on air is easier than ever.
Emergency Beacons and Apps
Modern GPS and cellular networks empower new emergency call solutions. Personal locator beacons utilize global satellites to send SOS alerts with your exact location to emergency responders. Bluetooth can connect the beacon to your smartphone to also message emergency contacts. Apps provide similar functions using just your phone’s location services and networks. You can quickly call for assistance at the push of a button even if no cell service is available where your vehicle is stranded.
Onboard Diagnostic Readers
Cars’ onboard computers provide engine and other key data that mechanics use to diagnose issues. Previously readable only at a service center, Bluetooth OBD2 readers now allow drivers access by syncing with an app on their smartphone. You can use these detailed computer readings to potentially identify and resolve mechanical problems yourself or provide clearer information when calling for roadside repairs. Professional diagnostic tools are now in the hands of everyday drivers.
Remote Battery Disconnection
Modern vehicles make it difficult to fully disconnect the battery when not in use to prevent draining it. But new remotely operated battery switches solve this issue. Installed near the battery, they can disconnect all power drawing systems with a wireless remote or smartphone app. This allows you to store vehicles long term without parasitic battery drain and reconnect the power once inside the car. It also serves as an anti-theft system, since the vehicle loses all electric power when disconnected remotely, preventing starting the engine with the keys.
Conclusion
Innovations in emergency roadside equipment have quite dramatically negated drivers being stranded when vehicle issues arise. With compact, affordable tools like portable battery chargers, digital inflators, and onboard diagnostic systems, many smaller problems can now be dealt with without waiting for assistance. Furthermore, emerging IoT tech provides better emergency call abilities and remote-control options. The modern roadside assistance toolkit allows for more independence, safety, and convenience for drivers thanks to revolutionary technology. With ongoing developments in areas like vehicle automation, electrification, and connectivity, we can expect even more advancements in the near future through the power of technology.