When a car breaks down, it can be a major inconvenience especially if you have to get somewhere important. However, you need to put that out of your mind at the moment and prioritize your safety. Here are the things you need to do when you're in the situation.
If You Can, Pull Over to a Safe Location
If you have the strength to push your car to a safer place and away from the road, then try to do that, especially if you're on the highway. Make sure to check if there are incoming cars first before you do. If there's an emergency lane, head in that direction before doing the next steps.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
Activate your hazard lights immediately after securing the location of your vehicle. This will warn incoming cars of your predicament, and it will help your vehicle be more visible if you're in a dark place. Someone might even pull over to lend a hand.
Put Your Car in Park
You wouldn't want your vehicle moving especially after you secure it in a safe location. Not doing so might cause more damage to your car or cause a vehicular accident on the road. If the vehicle is inclined, turn the wheel sideways or place an obstacle like a rock in front of your wheels.
Deploy Safety Visuals
When your car breaks down during the day, your hazard light might not be as visible and you might need additional safety measures to alert incoming drivers. If you have them, place safety cones or reflective triangles on the said where traffic comes from.
Assess the Issue
If you're knowledgeable about cars, you might be able to identify what went wrong and maybe fix it yourself. Check the dashboard to see if there are any warning lights lit, or pop the hood to see if there's anything wrong with the engine.
Call for Assistance
If you don't know how to fix the issue or cannot determine what the problem is, it's best to call a professional to either provide roadside assistance or tow your vehicle. Tinkering with your vehicle without proper knowledge might cause more damage and add to the costs.
Take Photos
If you have identified the problem, taking photos or videos might help repair shops when they're diagnosing the issue. This might also come in handy when you need it covered for insurance claims and the company needs evidence from the scene of the breakdown.
Stay Inside the Car
While waiting for help or assistance, it's best to stay in the car to protect yourself from the weather. If it's cold and the engine is running fine, only use it periodically for the heater or air conditioning. During nighttime, conserve energy by only using the dome light.
Be Wary of Strangers
In the situation you're in, you will be easy pickings for strangers with malicious intent. You need to be extra wary if you're stuck in a place where there are not very many people and vehicles. Call a friend or loved one to tell them where you are and how long you might stay there.
