It can be unnerving to encounter a car breakdown on the highway, especially if you’re driving alone and it’s late at night. It may be much more nerve-racking if you require assistance determining what to do or who to contact. Be ready for this scenario, as it will keep you safe and ensure appropriate vehicle maintenance. The steps you should take if your car breaks down on a highway, from getting assistance to dealing with the fallout, are covered in this article. We’ll go over how to analyze the problem, request roadside assistance, and give you essential safety advice while dealing with this stressful scenario. With these pointers in mind, you’ll be prepared to handle a breakdown on the highway and resume driving promptly and safely.
What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down
#1 Get Your Emergency Contacts And Your Emergency Kit Ready
Knowing what to do in case of a car breakdown is just as crucial as being prepared for one. Having your emergency contacts and an emergency pack on hand is one of the most significant ways to get ready. Your emergency contacts should include a family member or friend, a mechanic, and a reputable towing business. Keep a paper copy of these numbers in your car and a copy in your phone.
A torch, a first aid kit, a blanket, a set of tools, a spare tire, a jack, a spare key, and a water jug should all be included in an emergency kit. Carrying a battery-operated radio, a road flare, a whistle, and a reflective vest are also smart ideas. You can be more prepared for a breakdown and more independent while waiting for help by having an emergency pack ready.
#2 Pull Over Safely
You must safely pull over if your car breaks down on a highway or busy roadway. Try to move your vehicle to the shoulder or an exit ramp, so it is off the road as much as possible. Use your turn signal to let other vehicles know you are pulling over. Avoid abrupt movements or stops because they can lead to accidents. Put on your emergency blinkers after you’ve securely stopped. Try to stay as far away from the flow of traffic as you can if you’re on a busy highway. Use flares or reflectors to make your car more apparent if it’s dark or difficult to see. Unless it’s risky, stay inside your car until help arrives. It’s better to wait for the tow truck to arrive inside your locked car with the windows rolled up if you’re on a busy highway. While you wait for assistance, keep vigilant and constantly aware of your surroundings.
#3 Analyze The Issue
Once you are secure, it is time to evaluate the circumstances. Start by looking for warning lights or messages on your dashboard. Pay attention to odd sounds or odors that can point to a problem. Look for any obvious problems with your tires, such as a blowout or a flat. Look under the hood for obvious problems, like a loose belt or a fluid leak. Wait for expert assistance if you need clarity on what might be wrong with your car. When the tow truck arrives, you can tell the driver this information if you have a general notion of what might be wrong. Be bold and ask for guidance from a professional, keeping in mind that some problems are not obvious and call for a more complex diagnosis. Even if you believe you know what’s wrong with your car, it’s important to have a mechanic check it out to ensure it’s safe to drive. Remember that your safety is the top priority; only attempt to fix something you are familiar with and qualified to handle.
#4 Contact Roadside Assistance
It’s best to keep the phone numbers of reputable tow truck companies in your car and your phone so that you can call them immediately in an emergency. You may be sure you will get assistance because most towing businesses provide 24-hour emergency services.
Be ready to provide the operator with your location, the make and model of your car, and a brief description of the issue when you call for roadside assistance. Let the operator know if you’re in a risky area, like on a busy road. They will send a tow truck to your area as soon as possible.
#5 Make Yourself Visible
Ensure that you are visible outside of your car but away from the traffic flow; this will make it easier for tow truck drivers or emergency services to locate you. In order to let other cars know that you are stopped on the side of the road, attempt to place caution triangles or flares as well. To let other drivers know that your car is disabled and that you need assistance, turn on your hazard lights.
By following these instructions, you’ll be prepared to handle a broken-down vehicle that leaves you stranded on the side of the road and get back on the road swiftly and safely.
When the towing firm shows up, they will evaluate the circumstance and decide the best action. They will tow your car to a local repair facility or dealership if it is hazardous. They’ll give you a jumpstart or help to get you back on the road if your car is drivable.
Although breakdowns can be tense and unplanned, you can manage one like a pro with little planning and awareness. You can be ready for anything by having a strategy, knowing what to do, and knowing how to get in touch with a reputable towing business. So be ready, maintain your composure, and enjoy yourself while driving.
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