SAN RAMON, Calif., Dec. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The United
States is home to a number of mountain ranges. Whether motorists
are driving through to a ski resort, making a cross-country trip,
or just going on their daily commute, mountain driving requires
special attention and planning. Traversing steep grades, dealing
with mercurial weather patterns, and obeying local laws and
regulations are all parts of driving through the mountains.
However, it can be hard to plan for every possibility, and things
on the road might go wrong. To help members better deal with this
unknown, Financial Education Benefits Center is rolling out a
roadside assistance benefit that will allow eligible members to
call for and receive help for a variety of car issues 24 hours a
day.
"Whether you're going up to Tahoe or driving through the
Rockies, mountain driving can be unnerving," said Jennifer Martinez, Manager at FEBC. "If
something does go wrong, the roadside assistance benefit takes some
of the guesswork out."
Steep Roads
When driving through the mountains, roads can climb thousands of
feet above sea level. Going uphill can be taxing on the engine, and
before departure, drivers should make sure the car's coolant is at
acceptable levels. Cars with less powerful engines will have a
harder time making it up steep grades, especially at the speed
limit. Drivers with less powerful engines at their disposal should
prepare to be in the right lane for a slower uphill climb. Drivers
of cars of any kind should keep an eye on the temperature gauge or
indicator light to make sure the car does not become
overheated.
Going downhill poses its own set of challenges. While tempting
to do so on steep declines, riding the brakes may damage them by
making them too hot, which could render them less effective or
inoperable. In order to safely descend on steep mountain roads,
drivers may consider a lower gear to better accommodate the grade.
It's also important to safely slow down at turns — it might mean
the difference between staying on the road and spinning off the
edge. Taking cues from fellow motorists might be wise; if everyone
else is slowing down, a driver might want to slow down, too.
If a car is malfunctioning on a steep grade, finding the closest
safe turnout location to stop is advisable. Eligible FEBC members
who find themselves stranded can use the roadside assistance
benefit by calling the specified number at any time. The roadside
benefit can provide relief for a variety of issues related to
traveling steep grades, including bringing necessary fluids to your
car in order to cool it down or keep it running.
Changing Weather
Due to the change in elevation, weather may not be static
throughout your mountain journey. Spring weather at the base of the
mountain can change to snow flurries toward the top. Wind may be
exacerbated on high elevation roads or through certain mountain
passes. Drivers should check weather conditions before setting out,
remember to drive with their headlights on in inclement weather,
and slow down according to conditions.
Eligible FEBC members whose cars become inoperable due to
unexpected weather will be able to use the upcoming benefit to call
for help, including a tow truck.
Wintry weather in mountainous locations may also prompt
implementation of certain state or local driving rules, which
drivers are responsible for following, such as tire chain
requirements. These rules improve safety in changing weather
conditions.
Road Rules and Etiquette
Every state has its own rules, but states with high-elevation
mountains like California and
Colorado might require tire
chains, also known as snow chains, or deep-tread tires when certain
snowy or icy conditions arise on mountain roads, or during certain
months of the year. Checking local tire chain laws and purchasing
tire chains or deciding to drive a car with more traction is
prudent before setting out on a mountain drive in snowy months.
Rules in various states might dictate how you drive up and down
a mountain: reduced speed limits, required right lane usage, or
pulling over to let faster cars pass by. Some practices may not be
written in law, but may be good practices for the sake of defensive
driving or just plain good road etiquette.
Help on the Way
"FEBC is proud to have this kind of protection benefit on the
horizon," said Martinez. "It just provides a kind of comfort that
you're covered for certain costs if something goes wrong on those
high mountain roads."
For those who opt-in, this FEBC benefit will provide 24-hour
roadside assistance throughout the United
States for a variety of services, available by calling a
number.
About Financial Education Benefits Center
Financial Education Benefits Center is located in San Ramon, California. The membership company
has already helped thousands of people save money and obtain the
necessary education required to live a financially healthy
life.
Financial Education Benefits Center has partnered with several
name brand third-party companies to expand the financial and
educational products and services available to its members and to
provide a variety of wellness services as well.
To learn more about Financial Education Benefits Center, please
contact:
Financial Education Benefits Center
2010 Crow Canyon Place Ste. 100
San Ramon, CA 94583
1-800-953-1388
info@febcp.com
Related Links
FEBC homepage
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SOURCE Financial Education Benefits Center