Its a situation no one wants to find themselves in, but unfortunately, it can happen to anyone – your car breaks down in the middle of the road. Whether it’s due to a mechanical failure, a flat tire, or running out of gas, being stranded on the roadside can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation.
Here are five essential things to do when your car breaks down unexpectedly.
Move Your Car to a Safe Location
The first priority when your car breaks down is to get yourself and your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. If possible, try to steer your car to the shoulder of the road or onto the nearest side street.
Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence and use any available signals, such as turn signals or emergency flares, to increase visibility. If you’re unable to move your car, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and call for assistance immediately.
Assess the Situation
Once you’ve safely pulled over, take a moment to assess the situation and determine the cause of the breakdown. Check for any obvious signs of damage or malfunction, such as smoke coming from the engine, strange noises, or warning lights on the dashboard.
If you’re unsure what’s wrong or if it’s safe to attempt repairs yourself, it’s best to wait for professional assistance rather than risking further damage to your vehicle.
Call for Help
If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, it’s time to call for help. Contact your roadside assistance provider or a local towing service to request assistance. Be prepared to provide your location, a description of your vehicle, and any relevant details about the situation to ensure prompt and efficient assistance.
If you don’t have access to roadside assistance, consider calling a friend or family member for help, or use a roadside assistance app to connect with nearby service providers.
Stay Visible and Alert
While you wait for help to arrive, it’s essential to stay visible and alert to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users. Keep your hazard lights on and use any available signals or markers to increase visibility, especially if you’re stranded at night or in low-visibility conditions.
If you have reflective triangles or emergency flares, place them behind your vehicle to alert approaching drivers to the hazard. Additionally, remain vigilant for oncoming traffic and be prepared to move out of the way if necessary.
Communicate with Other Drivers
If you’re unable to move your vehicle completely off the road, it’s crucial to communicate with other drivers to ensure their safety and prevent accidents. Roll down your window and signal to approaching vehicles to slow down and pass with caution.
Use hand gestures or verbal cues to indicate which direction you’d like them to go and maintain eye contact to ensure they understand your intentions. Remember to thank drivers for their cooperation and patience as they pass by.