It goes without saying that having a breakdown on the highway is not only inconvenient but involves a certain amount of risk as well. Understanding how to manage this unpleasant situation safely is essential, and with car breakdown roadside assistance, it wouldn’t be that hard.
The first order of the day is don’t panic! You’ll be allowed an acceptable level of alarm if the car’s on fire. Otherwise, pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and stay calm. The most important thing is for one to keep the following reminders in mind before, during, and after a highway breakdown.
1. Preventive Measures
- Key Maintenance Checks
Before hitting the highway, perform essential maintenance checks to prevent breakdowns. To guarantee adequate traction and fuel economy, check the tread depth and tire pressure. Test headlights, brake lights, and turn signals for visibility. Have preventive maintenance done on the vehicle regularly.
On your own, check the levels of engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid to prevent overheating or engine failure. Inspect belts and hoses for cracks. Test your brakes and, finally, make sure the battery terminals are clean and secure. A well-maintained vehicle reduces the risk of unexpected issues on the road. - Essential Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is crucial to have in a highway breakdown. Pack reflective triangles or flares to alert other drivers. Be sure to have a high-visibility vest. Include jumper cables, a tire inflator or sealant, and basic tools like a jack, wrench, and screwdriver.
A flashlight with extra batteries, non-perishable snacks, bottled water, and a first-aid kit are must-haves. For cold climates, add blankets and hand warmers. Always keep your phone charged and have a power bank for emergencies. Being this prepared ensures safety while waiting for assistance.
2. Early Warning Sounds
Paying attention to unusual sounds can help avoid a highway breakdown. Squealing brakes may indicate worn pads, while grinding noises suggest serious rotor damage. A knocking engine could signal fuel or oil issues. Wait, there’s more.
Hissing may point to a coolant or vacuum leak, and clunking from the suspension warns of worn components. Whining from the transmission or differential should be checked immediately. Addressing these strange noises early prevents costly repairs and keeps your journey safe.
3. What to Do In a Highway Breakdown
If your vehicle stalls on the highway, stay calm and take immediate safety steps. After turning on your hazard lights, slowly move to the emergency lane or shoulder. Exit the vehicle from the passenger side, away from traffic, and stand behind a guardrail if possible.
Call for roadside assistance or emergency services that you’ve already researched beforehand. Set up reflective triangles or flares to alert other motorists of your vehicle being on the side of the road. Stay inside with seatbelts on if being outside may not be safe. Keep a safe distance from traffic while awaiting help.
4. What NOT to Do In a Highway Breakdown
If your vehicle breaks down on the highway, avoid panicking or making reckless decisions. Slowly steer to the shoulder or emergency lane. Never stop in moving traffic. Don’t stand near your car or behind it, as passing vehicles pose a serious risk to you.
Avoid attempting repairs in dangerous traffic conditions unless necessary. Don’t forget to turn on hazard lights and set up warning devices. Lastly, never accept help from strangers. Wait for professional help or law enforcement. All of the above ensures your safety.
5. Specific Breakdown Scenarios
Encountering car trouble can be stressful. For a flat tire on the highway, pull over safely and change it only if you have ample space; otherwise, call for help. If your engine overheats, turn off the AC, turn on the heater, and pull over to cool the engine before opening the radiator.
For standard car breakdown services, when you run out of gas, coast to the shoulder and request fuel. Finally, for a dead battery, try a jump-start or call for a tow. Electrical fires require an immediate shutdown of the engine and fire extinguisher. Don’t lift the hood if smoke is present.
6. Nighttime or Inclement Weather Breakdowns
A highway breakdown in darkness or bad weather requires for a motorist to be extra careful. One must turn on both the hazard and parking lights to maximize visibility. If at all possible, pull completely off the road and avoid low-visibility areas, especially blind curves. Stay inside the vehicle with seatbelts on and unlock the door only for the emergency responders.
Use flares or reflective triangles farther back (100 feet at least) to give other drivers more warning time. Call for help immediately and run the engine sparingly for heat. Ensure the tailpipe is clear to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. An emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, and a phone charger becomes critical in this situation.
7. Steps to Take After a Breakdown
Once help arrives, it’s important to protect yourself and your vehicle. If your car needs to be towed, be sure to understand your rights, and if insurance doesn’t cover it, always ask for the pricing upfront. Before hitting the road again, get a full vehicle inspection to ensure everything is in good working order.
Finally, if you don’t already have one, consider investing in a roadside assistance plan for added peace of mind on future trips. If not that, it’s most important for anybody who drives around to have the contact information of a tow shop that one has already looked into and verified to be worth keeping the number of.
Final Tip: Take the Bus
Highway breakdowns can be a bit scary. Just remember that it’s best not to panic when it does happen. Also, keep in mind the What To Dos and the What Not To Dos. They’re all geared to keeping you safe. Lastly, know that there’s a car breakdown roadside assistance that you can call on.
The trick is to know, as early as now, whom it is you’ll be ringing up for help when you suffer one form of car failure or another on the road. It’s really better if you already know. If you’re in Illinois, allow me to suggest Classic Towing, which is on call 24/7. Call at 630-392-6844.
