Did you know that over 40% of car breakdowns are caused by the battery?
While cars are designed to be as safe and efficient as possible, there are still tons of things that can go wrong on the road. While nobody wants to imagine the worst ever happening, being prepared can help you drive with confidence.
Are you ready to handle a breakdown if you ever face trouble on the road? Keep reading to learn 5 steps you should take if you ever say, “My car broke down!”
1. Drive the Car to Safety If Possible
If your car broke down without any warning, then you might not be in control of where you park it. For anyone who does have a minute to get everything situated as best as possible, aim to pull over to the side of the road to be away from traffic. It’s not uncommon for stationary vehicles to get hit by oncoming traffic, which is why you should evaluate your surroundings to choose the safest space you can.
2. Turn on Your Emergency Lights
One of the most important things you can do is turn on your emergency lights so you can inform other drivers that there’s a car breakdown. When people see these lights, they should slow down and change lanes to give you space. If you’re on a hill or other unstable terrain, you can engage your emergency brakes to ensure the car stays put.
3. Examine the Car If It’s Not Dangerous
If you’re skilled with cars or you suspect there’s a simple solution to your breakdown, then you might be able to get back on the road again by yourself. However, it’s crucial to assess your environment so you can determine if you’ll be safe while you work. If traffic is too heavy, it’s not worth trying to save money by doing a repair yourself because car accidents involving pedestrians can be deadly.
4. Stay Elsewhere If Needed
Whether the car is smoking or you weren’t able to park in a secure space, it might be wise to abandon your car to prioritize your well-being. If this is the case, try to get an exact location for your vehicle to send to a professional then go to the nearest safe space to wait for help.
5. Call for Roadside Assistance
When you call professionals, they’ll know how to tow a car or fix the issue there on the spot. With their expertise, you can have peace of mind that the situation will be handled the right way. You can learn more about tow truck charges so you can be prepared for this event.
My Car Broke Down! Now You Know What to Do
Nobody ever wants to find themselves in a position where they’re saying, “My car broke down.” However, if you follow this guide, you can get out of this tricky situation with more confidence.
Did you enjoy learning about what to do when your car breaks down? If you want to become a car expert, then make sure you check out the rest of our blog so you can find plenty more helpful auto tips and news.