The thing with breakdown is, you can’t always predict them. You can’t predict them, but can be prepared for one.
As towing service provider for over 20 years, we’ve about seen every possible service situation there is to see. From flat tires, to ditch recoveries, there’s not much we haven’t seen out there on the road. We’ve also got some good ideas on emergency preparedness should the unexpected happen. In this short write-up, the team of Reliable Guys Towing Co. explains small but important things you should do after your car unexpectedly breaks down.
Pull Over
Getting yourself and the car to safety must be your number one priority when your vehicle starts making strange noises or completely shuts down. Most people try to find out the root cause while driving and often ends up in more trouble. Again – getting your vehicle off the road is the most important thing. Don’t apply brakes suddenly but pull your foot off of the pedal and by using the indicators and hazard lights slowly pull over to the side. Once you’re off harm’s way, turn off the engine and set the emergency brake.
Make The Car More Noticeable
If the battery is still operational, keep the hazards on. Other than that keep the safety triangles at the back and front of the car. This is really important and should not be taken lightly, especially if you’re stranded on a busy highway at night or in poor light.
P.S Although it is not recommended to exit the vehicle but if for some reason you do that make sure that you don’t stand anywhere near the vehicle.
Call For Roadside Assistance
It’s time to bother the road assistance team now! For that, you should always keep their number handy. Keep it at all times in your wallet, contact list or someplace safe in your car. It doesn’t matter which time of the day it is as most towing companies are operational 24 hours. Call them up, give every single detail and wait for the help to arrive.
Remain In The Car
Sometimes exiting the vehicle is inevitable but where ever possible, we recommend our readers to stay inside the vehicle and keep the seatbelts on. Once secure, patientely wait for your roadside assistance contact or local authorities to arrive. When stranded, keep in mind that your vehicle is more visible than you are, so staying inside will prevent more damage. If the situation demands you to exit the car, be very cautious. If possible wear a fluorescent jacket and put a T-shirt or a white bag in the window to signal the incoming traffic while getting back inside.
Steps above might sound very elementary but believe us, most roadside accidents happen due to negligence. Always stay alert, in the moment, take nothing lightly and keep a close check on your surroundings when stranded on the road.
