Nothing can ruin your trip more than your vehicle failing in the middle of the road. This can be a particularly stressful situation if you are in an unfamiliar place far from home and need to know where is the nearest car repair service. Of course, you can quickly find a car repair service center. You just need to enter an auto electrical shop near me in the search engine and if the breakdown is small, you can fix something yourself. By the same principle, you can find a service center in which you will be able to fix the breakdown that you cannot fix on your own. But don’t panic – in this case, you can take a few actions to keep both you and your car as safe as possible. What to do if your automobile breaks down while you’re traveling will be discussed in this article.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Stop your car in a safe place
If your car starts showing signs of breakdown, such as strange noises or engine malfunction, try to come to a safe halt on your vehicle as soon as possible. Try to pull over to the side of the road if you are on a highway so as not to hinder other motorists. If you have the opportunity, try to drive to the nearest parking lot or gas station.
Step 2: Set up an emergency triangle and turn on the alarm
When your vehicle is stopped in a safe place, you must place an emergency triangle on the road to alert other drivers to your presence. You also need to turn on the hazard warning lights to mark your car on the road.
Step 3: Call the road service
If you cannot solve a problem with your car yourself, contact the road service or car assistance. This could be your insurance company that provides car assistance or the state highway service. The phone number of the driver support service is usually printed on the back of the insurance policy. If you are in another country, try looking up your local traffic number online.
Step 4: Do not leave your car unattended
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t leave your vehicle, especially if it’s parked on the side of the road. If you leave your vehicle unattended, you may be at risk of having your vehicle stolen or damaged. Therefore, it is best to stay close to the vehicle until the road service or vehicle assistance arrives.
Step 5: Be careful
It’s crucial to be careful when your automobile breaks down while you’re on the road. If it’s not absolutely essential, stay inside the car, and unless you know how to do it, never raise the hood. This can create additional problems and increase your security risk.
If you must leave your vehicle, wear a yellow or orange safety vest to make yourself more visible on the road. It is also important to be careful when crossing the road, especially if you are on a freeway or a section of road with high traffic.
Step 6: Assess the situation
Assess the situation and understand things you can do to resolve the issue. If you have sufficient knowledge and experience, try to fix the breakdown yourself. But if you are not sure, it is better to wait for the arrival of the road service or car assistance.
Step 7: Be prepared to break
To avoid car breakdowns during the trip, it is important to be prepared. Check your car before driving, and make sure you have the required equipment and spare parts, such as a spare tire and a wheel wrench. Also, make sure you are familiar with the procedures involved in changing a wheel and other parts of a vehicle.
In addition, you should consider the following tips to prevent your car from breaking down during your trip:
- Have your vehicle checked regularly. Don’t forget to have your vehicle regularly inspected to catch potential problems before they turn into a major breakdown.
- Verify the tires’ condition. One of the most crucial components of a car are the tires and their condition can make a big difference in driving safety. Check your tires regularly to make sure they are not worn or damaged.
- Plan your route in advance. A well-planned route can help avoid car breakdowns. Choose roads that have gas stations and rest areas so that you can check the car and take a break.
In general, if driving your vehicle malfunctions, don’t panic. Follow the recommendations above to keep your vehicle and yourself safe and be prepared for possible breakdowns by following the vehicle’s instructions and checking its condition regularly.
