Having your car break down can be a frightening and nerve-wracking experience. To help alleviate some of that fear and get you back on the road as soon as possible, here is a step-by-step guide of what you should do in the event your car breaks down.
1. Always Be Prepared
The most important step to take in handling a breakdown is being prepared. There are all sorts of problems a car can experience on the road from a blown out tire to the electrical system shorting out, and not taking proper precautions like having an emergency kit on board can make the experience much more harrowing.
Being prepared doesn’t just stop with having an emergency kit in the trunk of your car. For instance, if you are planning a long trip then definitely have a mechanic perform an inspection prior to leaving. They will check the fluids, filters, lights, wipers, and other important things your car needs to run correctly.
Another important component in being prepared is knowing what the road conditions will be like where you are driving. Check the weather ahead of time and make note of any emergency announcements that pertain to the route you intend to take. Knowing what to expect is one of the best tools for avoiding an untimely breakdown.
2. Maneuver out of Harm’s Way
The biggest danger for anyone who has the misfortune of their car breaking down is the traffic around them. This can be especially dangerous on crowded freeways or during rush hour traffic. The best thing to do if you’re experiencing any sort of malfunction is to get out of the way of traffic. Depending on the situation, this can mean pulling off on the right shoulder, taking an off-ramp, or pulling into a median if necessary.
Once you are safely pulled over, exit through whichever side is not facing traffic and find a safe place to stand while keeping some distance from your car. Make sure to keep your car’s hazard lights on and set up reflective triangles or flares to alert other vehicles on the road.
3. Calling for Help
Once the inevitable has happened, depending on the severity of the situation, you’ll need to get in touch with emergency services or a tow truck. If you’re not involved in an accident or in harm’s way, then you will probably only need the help of a 24-hour emergency roadside assistance service. They can offer you a jump, change a tire, put some fuel in your tank, and perform other minimal services to get you back on the road. They also can tow your car to the nearest mechanic.
If the circumstances of your breakdown are more severe then you may need to get in touch with emergency services. To help expedite the process, figure out your location and as many details as possible before calling 911.
Your car breaking down can be anywhere from an annoyance to dangerous depending on the situation. That is why it is so important to be prepared for whatever circumstances you might find yourself in.
Image via Pixabay:
https://pixabay.com/photos/rain-side-mirror-car-window-mirror-2511226/
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