When a vehicle stalls for whatever reason, the first must-do for a motorist is to stay calm and safe. Seeking car breakdown recovery services is the ultimate objective in such a situation. Between those two are the steps one should take to resolve the quandary one is in. Let’s talk about what to do when your car breaks down on the road.
1. Move Vehicle to Safe Location
Prioritize steering the vehicle to the shoulder of the road or the emergency lane. If it can still be done, use the car’s remaining momentum, or get help pushing it, to move the vehicle to a safe spot. Once parked away from moving traffic, set the parking brake. A safe position protects you, the people with you and other motorists headed in your direction from a crash. Never exit the vehicle on a busy highway.
2. Turn On Hazard Lights
Hazard lights are crucial in low visibility conditions like fog, rain, or at night. They alert approaching traffic to slow down and steer clear. The flashing signal warns oncoming drivers that there’s a disabled vehicle up ahead, and this reduces the risk of a collision. This warning device saves lives by communicating possible danger clearly and ahead of time.
3. Set Up Triangles or Cones
Adding reflective warning devices positioned further off to warn approaching motorists of a looming danger for approaching motorists is a good way to avoid an accident. Place the first triangle or cone 50 feet behind your car and the succeeding two about 100 feet apart. The system gives oncoming traffic time to slow down and steer away.
4. Identify Problem (If Possible)
If it’s already safe to do so, try to pinpoint the problem of your stalled car. Look for warning lights on the dashboard that might tell you what’s wrong. Steam coming from under the hood or a flat tire are obvious signs of your problem. Determining the concern allows you to communicate it to those you’re calling for roadside assistance or car breakdown services.
5. Call for Roadside Assistance
Make sure you have your roadside assistance number handy. It’s typically located on your membership app or insurance card. Give them a call and, using GPS coordinates, state where you are. Until help arrives, stay in your car and buckle up. Refrain from taking assistance from strangers. Maintain your composure until expert assistance finally gets there.
6. Stay Safe While Waiting
It’s crucial to wait inside the vehicle, where it’s safe, once it’s off the road. Always have yourself buckled up and your warning lights on. It’s also understood that you’ve already placed those warning triangles or cones at the back. If you have to get out, do it from the passenger side and away from passing vehicles. While waiting outside, stand behind a guardrail. Never walk alongside the highway.
From Breakdown to Breakthrough
When your vehicle stalls, how you respond makes all the difference. You can turn a stressful incident into one that’s safe and manageable. Unless you’re a mechanic yourself, it’s best not to attempt risky repairs and call for car breakdown recovery services instead. As early as now, know who to get in touch with for help. Call us at Classic Towing at 630-392-6844.