We’ve all been there or at least have seen it when driving on the highway. There’s that dreaded moment when your car decides to call it quits unexpectedly.
Maybe it never happened to your car, but a friend’s car, maybe your parent’s car when you were a kid? Whether you’re on a busy highway or a quiet street, a breakdown can be stressful. If you’re in the middle of nowhere (like what’s depicted in movies), then you know that is just downright terrifying!
So, knowing what to do in these situations is crucial for your safety and the well-being of your vehicle. A lot of people actually just don’t know what to do. Do you call 911? Do you call a tow truck service? What happens if your car gets into a wreck while it’s being broken down on the side of the road?
What do you do if it manages to get totaled while it’s broken down? It’s scary to think about, and again, it can be hard knowing what to do! But in the case of this nightmare-inducing event, here’s how you can navigate the unexpected challenge of a car breakdown.
Something Going Wrong? Stay Calm and Signal
When your car starts acting up, remain calm (even if it feels impossible due to the dread you’re feeling) and focus on getting to a safe location. If you’re on a highway, just try to aim for the nearest exit. If you’re on a busy street, find a parking lot or pull over to the side of the road. Just don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Are You Able to Diagnose the Problem?
You don’t need to be an amazing mechanic to do this. Just an assessment will help. Are you out of gas? Is it the tires? Do you see smoke? Are there weird noises? Did you get hit? Steam coming from the engine? If you can identify a minor issue that you’re comfortable fixing, such as changing a flat tire, go ahead. Otherwise, proceed with calling for professional help. Again, you don’t have to pinpoint the problem, but you will be asked what started happening when it broke down. So you need to know this one, at least.
Use Road Side Assistance Apps
Do you remember when On-Star was a thing? Well, there are apps for your phone and Infotainment system that act like that. It may really help if you just went ahead and considered using roadside assistance apps available on smartphones. These apps often provide quicker access to help, and you can track the service vehicle’s arrival in real-time.
But make sure to keep your phone charged and carry a portable charger in your car for situations like this. Nowadays, they can just track your location, so even in horrible weather, you’ll easily be found.
Secure Yourself and Belongings
While waiting for assistance, ensure your safety by staying inside your vehicle with the doors locked. If you have reflective triangles or cones, place them around your car, especially in low-visibility conditions. Use this time to secure valuables and important documents in your vehicle. On top of that, be super careful if you’re on the side of the road; even in a parked car, you still might get into an accident.
Do You Know Your Location?
When calling for help, provide your exact location. If you’re unsure of your surroundings, look for landmarks and street signs or use GPS coordinates if available. Does it actually matter? Well, knowing your location is crucial for a swift response from roadside assistance. As mentioned earlier, apps will track your location, but they’re not always accurate! Especially if you’re in a rural area.
What’s Your Coverage Like?
This is huge, and you should never overlook this! A big mistake people make when they only break down for the first time (or new drivers). If your car is relatively new, check if it’s still under warranty. Some breakdowns may be covered, and understanding your warranty can help you decide on the best course of action. If you have roadside assistance coverage through your insurance, be aware of the services included.
No Matter What, Make Documents
Even if you’re not in a car accident (like other people being involved), you’ll still need to document everything. So, be sure to just take photos of your vehicle and the surrounding area. This documentation can be useful for insurance claims or if you need to discuss the breakdown with a mechanic later. It provides a visual record of the conditions at the time of the incident. If you have a dash cam, this is really going to help you out, too. But insurance will want any sort of evidence you have, or else this might not be taken seriously.
Keep Inside the Vehicle Until Help Arrives
While waiting for help, it’s safest to remain inside your vehicle, especially if you’re on a busy road. Debris might hit you; you just never know what might happen. Also, be sure to lock your doors and only roll down your window for communication with authorized personnel. If you must exit the vehicle, do so on the side away from traffic. It’s not ideal, but you just never know what could happen in a vulnerable situation like this.
Be Clear When Help Arrives
When help arrives, communicate the details of the situation clearly. Let the roadside assistance or towing professional know what you observed, any steps you’ve taken, and any relevant information about your vehicle. This will help them diagnose and address the issue more efficiently. Sometimes, you can ride them so you’re in a safe area (if that’s what you want).
Follow Up on Repairs
Once your car is towed to a repair shop, follow up with the mechanic to understand the diagnosis and estimate for repairs. It’s totally okay to just ask questions about the cause of the breakdown and how to prevent similar issues in the future. Plus, being informed helps you make decisions about the necessary repairs. On top of that, too, your insurance company might demand updates.
