Introduction
Car breaks down on the side of the road? Learn exactly what to do, stay safe, and when to call a towing service. Quick tips for roadside emergencies. A car breakdown can occur anytime, even if you own a brand-new car. But what if your car breaks down on the side of the road? That’s when you need to figure out the right way for yourself. In this case, your safety and that of the vehicle are of primary importance; learn what you need to do in this guide.
Steps to Take When Suddenly Car Breaks Down
Whether you have a brand-new car or an older one, your vehicle can still encounter unexpected technical issues. As emergencies never come with prior notice, you must always stay prepared for the unexpected. Car breakdown? Breaks failure? Tire burst? Such things can happen at any time, whether you’re on a highway or traveling regularly in the city, you need to know what to do when your car breaks down on the side of the road.
Let’s explore what steps you need to take when your car breaks down on the side of the road.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Assess the Situation
Staying calm and relaxed is the key. Panic could lead to more damage if you made any decisions in haste. Making hasty decisions in a state of panic can lead to long-term safety hazards. As soon as your car breaks down, turn on your hazard lights and start pulling your vehicle to the safest location, usually over the shoulder of the road. The following points to be kept in mind when experiencing a car breakdown.
- Turn on Hazard Lights: Hazard lights indicate to other traffic that there’s an ongoing issue with the car, so they’ll give you room to pull over and might ask if you need any assistance.
- Move to a Safe Location: Safety should be your top priority, so drive the car to a less crowded area or park it safely for disposal.
- Identify the problem: Issues with your vehicle can be identified by observing your dashboard indicators, inspecting the state of your wheels, and checking for smoke and unusual sounds.
- Safety First: Move to the Safest Spot possible
Safety comes first; that’s why, as soon as you encounter a car breakdown, try to pull over to the nearest safe location possible. Move towards the shoulder of the highway, typically on the right side. Take your vehicles away from high-traffic and low-visibility areas on the highway as well.
But what if there’s no shoulder on the road? Don’t worry, the authorities closely monitor such roads, and they will come for help at your earliest convenience. Place the emergency triangle 45 meters away from your vehicle to ensure safety and prior warning.
- Stay Safe and Seek Professional Assistance
Once you have reached the shoulder of the road, you can get out of the car. However, first ensure that the road around you is completely clear of any traffic. Call the highway helpline for professional assistance. Unless help arrives, assess the situation and identify the potential issues with your vehicle.
Key Takeaway:
When your tire bursts in the middle of the road, let your car slow down on its own and try pulling it over to the side of the road. Meanwhile, turn on your hazard lights for your safety and that of others.
- Be Prepared: Always Keep an Emergency Kit
Ensure that you always have an emergency kit with you in case an unexpected accident occurs. Don’t ignore the warning signs that your dashboard indicator shows over time, and fix the issue immediately before it leads to costly repairs. Timely inspection of the engine fluids, transmission fluids, brakes, and engines to prevent battery failure or any other issues in advance.
Conclusion
Breaking down on the side of the road can be stressful, but knowing the right safety steps can make a big difference. This guide walks you through the essential actions to take to stay safe while waiting for help. While calling for professional assistance is crucial, there are important precautions to consider first. Staying prepared for unexpected roadside emergencies ensures you’re ready when it matters most. And when it’s time to call a tow truck, knowing the best towing method for your car whether flatbed or hook and chain can help protect your vehicle from further damage.
FAQs
What’s the first thing to do if my car breaks down in the middle of the road?
Make yourself visible by turning on hazard lights to avoid any disaster, and call for professional assistance to come to your rescue.
What to do when you’re on the side of the road while your vehicle is broken?
Move your car to the safest spot, turn on your hazard lights, and seek professional help.
How to help someone whose car broke down?
You can ask them if they need help, but don’t stand there with them. Instead, call the police to their location and proceed.
