
Whether you are going for a short one-hour trip to Tagaytay or heading 6 to 8 hours up north to Baguio, the last thing you need is a flat tire, faulty electrical wiring, or a dead battery. Don’t let a supposedly memorable and adventurous trip turn into your worst nightmare by simply honestly answering these questions.

Do I know how to change a flat tire?
If your answer is no, it’s time to learn this essential skill. Not only it will prevent from paying towing fees, you can avoid the hassle of calling for help. Do make sure that you bring a spare tire that's fully inflated. You can refer to your car’s manual so you will know where to position the jack stand. For a systematic guide, you should read our take on how to replace a flat tire like a pro article.

When was the last time I had my car checked?
If it’s been months or even years, it's now time head to your preferred dealership branch and schedule a PMS. Whether your vehicle’s need engine oil or more brake fluid, they will be able to give you in-depth information on what repair and maintenance needs to be done.

Do I know the emergency hotlines?
Having a list of emergency hotlines in your phone can give you peace of mind that a police or a traffic enforcer can immediately attend to your travel woes. See the list below for your reference.
METRO MANILA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MMDA)
Hotline: 136
Trunkline: (02) 882-4150-77 loc. 337 (rescue), 319 (Road Safety), 320 (Road Emergency)
South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) Customer Assistance:
Landline: (02) 888-8787
Globe-text only: (0915) 625-6231
Smart-text only: (0939) 500-6910
Sun-text only: (0923) 597-6105
Manila Traffic Hotline
Front desk: (02)527-3087
Traffic Investigation: (02)527-3088
Trunkline: (02)527-3065
North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) hotlines
(02) 3-500
(02) 580-8900

Do I have car tools?
Double check if the tool set issued by the dealer has everything that you need to change a flat tire, cut wires, or do other necessary repairs that you may come across during the travel. If not, it's time to go to the nearest trusted car accessory shop and do some shopping.

Do I have a copy of my car’s documents?
In case you run into a problem, you can easily present all the necessary documents to the authorities. These include the original and a photocopy printouts of your car's official receipt, car registration, insurance form, and driver's license.
Before revving your car’s engine and hitting the open road to your next destination make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.
Latest Features
-
Are Chinese brands breathing life back into the small crossover segment? / Featured Article
The subcompact crossover was in demand back in Q2 of 2018, but the segment has had a bit of a slump in recent memory, but that’s changing because of new players with better offerings.
-
How should ‘Value for Money’ affect your car buying decision / Featured Article
Value for money is a subjective measurement, but here is our take on a term that is not easily quantified.
-
Toyota Fortuner vs Ford Everest vs Mitsubishi Montero Sport: 3-Way Comparo / Featured Article
Here is a comparison of the three most popular midsize SUVs in the Philippines.
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
Nico Ylanan · Nov 06, 2018
-
Editor Speaks: Best automatic cars in the Philippines
Nico Ylanan · Nov 12, 2018
-
How does park assist work?
Nico Ylanan · Nov 21, 2018
-
Most fuel efficient SUVs in the Philippines
Nov 26, 2018
-
2018 Toyota Rush stirs bold-looking MPV segment in PH
Jacob Oliva · May 04, 2018
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Nov 14, 2018
-
Head to Head: Toyota Fortuner Vs. Nissan Terra
Nico Ylanan · Jun 01, 2018
-
4 mistakes people do before buying their first car
Jacob Oliva · Nov 26, 2016
-
2019 Suzuki Jimny is H2 and G-Class in one tiny body
Dan Pabustan · Jun 18, 2018
-
Can the 2018 Mitsubishi Xpander really replace the Adventure AUV?
Jacob Oliva · Mar 02, 2018