Running out of gas and waiting forever for help

I used to think the same thing about those “premium” roadside services - like, if you’re driving a minivan with car seats and Goldfish crackers everywhere, you’d be at the bottom of the list. Turns out, it doesn’t matter what you drive. I had my own little adventure last winter when our Sienna ran out of gas on the way back from a soccer tournament. Three kids in the back, one of them mid-tantrum, and it was freezing out. I called for help and they gave me an ETA of 45 minutes, which somehow turned into almost two hours.

We had snacks (thank you, forgotten Halloween candy), but the real lifesaver was a couple of old blankets I’d tossed in the trunk ages ago. The kids made a fort in the backseat and actually thought it was fun for about half an hour... after that, not so much. I spent most of the time trying to keep everyone calm and regretting not filling up at the last rest stop.

Since then, I keep a “just in case” bag in the car - water bottles, granola bars, phone charger, even a deck of cards. It’s not going to get us moving any faster, but at least we’re a bit more comfortable if we get stuck again. Funny how you never think you’ll be that person stranded on the side of the road until it happens.

I do wonder if those concierge services are really worth it. Seems like no matter what you pay or what you drive, you’re still waiting around with everyone else. Maybe it’s just luck of the draw... or maybe there are just too many people running out of gas these days.

Running out of gas and waiting forever for help

Man, I feel this so hard. I swear, I could be driving a clown car or a luxury SUV and I’d still be sitting there, watching tumbleweeds roll by while I wait for “priority” service. Your “just in case” bag is genius though - mine’s mostly old receipts and a half-eaten granola bar, so you’re way ahead. Honestly, I think those premium services are just fancy stickers for your window. If you’re stranded, you’re stranded... might as well be comfy, right?

Honestly, I think those premium services are just fancy stickers for your window. If you’re stranded, you’re stranded... might as well be comfy, right?

I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced those “priority” services are all hype. I just signed up for one, mostly because I like knowing there’s a number to call, but I’m already skeptical. The fine print is wild - some of them don’t even guarantee a response time. Feels like you’re paying for peace of mind more than actual help. Still, I’d rather have a backup plan than nothing, even if it means waiting with my own sad granola bar stash.

I totally get the “peace of mind” angle. I just started driving last year, and my parents insisted I get one of those roadside memberships before I even touched the keys. I remember being kind of annoyed about it - like, how often am I really gonna need a tow or a jump? But then, two months in, I left my headlights on during a late study session and came out to a dead battery at midnight. Ended up calling the service, and yeah, I waited a solid hour, but having someone to call made the whole thing way less stressful.

Still, I’ve noticed the “priority” thing doesn’t always mean you’re first in line. One of my friends pays extra for the premium plan and still waited almost as long as I did when he locked his keys in his car. It’s kind of a gamble. The fine print is sneaky, too - some plans only cover a certain number of miles for towing, or they’ll charge you if you’re not within city limits. Learned that one from my cousin, who got stuck after a hiking trip and had to pay a bunch out of pocket.

Honestly, I keep a little “emergency kit” in my trunk now - granola bars, water, a phone charger, and a book. Not because I expect to be stranded all the time, but just in case. The services are nice for backup, but I don’t trust them to be super speedy. It’s more about feeling like I have options if things go sideways.

At the end of the day, I guess it comes down to what helps you worry less. For me, it’s a mix of having the number handy and being prepared to chill for a bit if I have to. And yeah, those granola bars come in handy more often than I’d like to admit...

That’s a really solid approach - having both the roadside plan and your own backup kit. I’ve been driving old cars for years, and honestly, even with the “premium” memberships, you’re right: response times can be all over the place. I’ve had nights where I waited two hours for a tow, and other times they showed up in twenty minutes. The fine print on those plans is no joke either; I once got hit with a surprise fee because my ‘67 Mustang broke down just outside the coverage zone. Having snacks and water on hand has saved me more than once... it’s not just about comfort, it’s about being smart. You’re definitely on the right track thinking ahead like that.