When you are traveling and suddenly your car stops, it can become a huge chaos for you and other road users. A broken car standing in the middle of a busy highway can be a huge headache. If you are experiencing something like this, you should know the right way to handle the situation.
Not every driver can cope well under pressure and unpleasant situations. Therefore, it is always better to be prepared in advance. Here is a small but helpful guide that can prepare you for emergencies like this.
1. Park Your Car On The Side
The first step to do after your car breaks down in the middle of the road is to park the car on one side. If your car is stopped and it can not move any further, you should immediately turn on the hazard lights to alert other speedy cars.
You should then get out of your car and free the handbrake. Push the car yourself and park it on the side of the road. Make sure that your hazard lights are continuously on so that other cars can see and slow down to avoid accidents.
2. Assess Your Location
If your car broke down in the city or on your daily route, then you might know the location. However, if you are traveling intercity on a highway and you can not Identify the exact location, try to find a way to know your current location.
Since everyone has a GPS on their mobile phones, you should turn on Google Maps and check your location. If that is not possible, look for nearby shops or gas stations to know where you are located.
3. Identify The Problem
Try to understand the problem with your car. You might be able to fix the problem yourself. You should check the engine and see if you have fuel problems or if the tire is deflated.
However, if you are not a professional or you do not understand the workings of a car, avoid doing anything yourself and call the professionals.
4. Call For Help Immediately
You should immediately call roadside assistance to help you get out of the situation. Knowing your location can ease your assistance process. However, if you do not know the exact location, calling 911 can make things easier for you.
Make sure that you wait for help at the location you have mentioned. A team of professionals will arrive at your location and help you get out of this situation.
5. Take Your Car For Aftercare
Lastly, once you have reached home safely, do not just rely on the emergency help provided by the assistance team. Take your car to an auto mechanic shop for car servicing.
You should get your car properly inspected and serviced so that you identify the root cause and fix it. Timely repairs and replacements can prevent such mishaps in the future. Therefore, make sure that you invest in professional inspection of your car.
