What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Road: A Step-by-Step Guide

Car breakdowns are stressful, especially when they happen unexpectedly on a busy road or highway. Whether your car has a flat tyre, an engine failure, or an issue with the battery, knowing what to do can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through essential steps when your car breaks down. Plus, we'll explain how a car towing service can be your best option for getting back on track quickly and safely.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to remember when your car breaks down is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to poor decisions. Take a few deep breaths and assess your situation. Are you on a busy street, or did you break down in a more isolated area? Are there any immediate dangers like heavy traffic or bad weather?

Pull your vehicle to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road or a parking lot. This will reduce the risk of accidents and give you a safer space to handle the situation.

Turn on Your Hazard Lights

Once you're safely off the road, the next step is to turn on your hazard lights. This is crucial for alerting other drivers that your car is stationary and potentially in distress. Your hazard lights make your vehicle more visible, especially in low-visibility conditions like rain, fog, or night driving.

Using your hazard lights also helps avoid accidents. When other drivers notice your vehicle in advance, they are more likely to slow down and keep a safe distance.

Check for Immediate Safety Hazards

Before you step outside your vehicle, check for any immediate safety hazards. Look at the traffic flow around you. Are there fast-moving vehicles nearby? Is the area well-lit? If you feel unsafe getting out of the car, staying inside and waiting for help is better.

If it's safe to exit the car, do so carefully. Be mindful of other drivers and take your time to avoid accidents.

Call for Roadside Assistance or a Car Towing Service

If your car isn't drivable and you cannot fix the problem on your own, it's time to call for professional help. This is where a car towing service comes in handy. Whether your car has a mechanical issue, a flat tyre, or has run out of gas, towing services have the equipment and expertise to move your vehicle to a safe location or repair shop.

When calling a car towing service, provide the following information:

• Your exact location (use a nearby landmark if needed)

• The type of vehicle you have (make and model)

• A brief description of the issue, if possible

Many towing services offer 24/7 emergency assistance so you can rely on them regardless of the time of day or night.

Stay Inside Your Car If You're on a Busy Road

If you're stranded on a busy road or highway, it's best to stay inside your car, especially if you're unable to move the vehicle to a safer spot. Exiting the car in high-traffic areas can be very dangerous.

Keep your seatbelt on while waiting for help. Your seatbelt is your first line of defence in case another car hits yours. Consider calling emergency services for additional safety if you're in a precarious situation, such as an intersection.

If You Must Leave the Vehicle, Use Caution

In some situations, you may need to leave the vehicle. For example, if you're in a location that doesn't offer much space for other drivers to pass, you should walk to a safer spot or seek shelter.

Before leaving your car, grab your phone, emergency kit, and anything else you may need. Be cautious when walking near traffic, and avoid standing behind or near your car if possible.

Perform Basic Checks If You Feel Comfortable

If you can and feel comfortable doing so, you can try a few basic checks on your car. For example, check the tyre pressure to see if you suspect a flat tyre or if there are obvious signs of a dead battery. If you're unsure, don't risk trying to fix the issue yourself—it's best to wait for a professional.

Remember, even minor issues can become major problems if not handled properly. If in doubt, waiting for a car towing service is always safer.

Use Your Emergency Kit

Every car owner should have an emergency kit. If you don't already carry one, consider putting together one that includes essential tools, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, jumper cables, and non-perishable food or water. These items can make your wait more comfortable and help you handle fundamental issues.

If you'reyou're stuck in a remote area, your emergency kit can be even more important. A flashlight will help you signal for help, while jumper cables could potentially help start your car if its battery dies.

Keep Your Phone Charged

One of the most essential tools in an emergency is your phone. A fully charged phone allows you to call for help, check your location with a map app, or contact friends and family. If you can't immediately call a car towing service, use your phone to look up nearby mechanics or repair shops.

Limit unnecessary use and use a car charger while waiting for assistance to prevent your phone from running out of battery.

Wait for Help to Arrive

After calling a car towing service, all that's left to do is wait for them to arrive. Most towing companies provide an estimated arrival time so you'll know when to expect help. If the wait seems long, don't hesitate to contact them again for an update.

If you're in a location with few people, tell a friend or family member about your situation. They can check in on you, especially if you're waiting in an unfamiliar or remote area.

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Prepared

A car breakdown can happen anytime, but knowing how to react can make the situation less stressful. You can get back on the road as quickly as possible by staying calm, assessing your safety, and calling a car towing service.