Having your car break down in the middle of a trip can be stressful. However, when you know what to do, this inconvenient situation can be much less anxiety inducing. Whether you’re on a busy highway or a quiet back road, here are some helpful steps for how to handle a car breakdown effectively and safely.
How to Handle a Car Breakdown
1. Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely
The first step when you notice something wrong with your vehicle is to remain calm. Panicking tends to lead to poor decision making, so take a deep breath before doing anything else.
As soon as you sense an issue—like unusual noises or a sudden loss of power—turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Then, carefully steer your car to the side of the road – ideally onto a wide shoulder or a safe, flat area away from traffic.
If you’re on a busy road and aren’t sure what the issue is, it’s often safer to stay inside your vehicle until help arrives.
2. Assess the Situation
Once you are safely off the road, evaluate the situation. Determine if it is safe to exit the vehicle. If necessary, use the passenger side door to avoid stepping into traffic.
Engage your emergency brake and turn your wheels away from the road to prevent your car from rolling into traffic.
3. Make Your Vehicle Visible
To enhance safety, it’s a good idea to keep your hazard lights on and consider raising the hood of your car to signal that you are experiencing mechanical difficulties.
If it’s twilight or dark out, you may consider placing road flares or reflective triangles about 50 feet behind your vehicle if you have them. This is a good way to warn approaching drivers to go around you, especially if you’re on a busy road.
4. Call for Help
After assessing the situation, you may need to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. Provide them with your exact location and details about your vehicle and the issue at hand.
If you’re part of a roadside assistance program through your insurance or another provider, this is the time to use it. If you’re unable to call for help due to an emergency, consider contacting local authorities for assistance.
For simpler issues such as a dead battery, you may be able to resolve the issue with jumper cables (an excellent emergency preparedness item to keep in your vehicle!). Or, give us a call and we’ll come help you get your vehicle back to our shop.
5. Stay Inside Your Vehicle
Unless you are in immediate danger (such as smoke or fire), it is generally safer to remain inside your vehicle while waiting for help. If you must exit the car, ensure that it is safe to do so and be cautious of oncoming traffic.
6. Notify Someone
If you’re traveling alone, inform a friend or family member about your location and situation. Sharing this information adds an extra layer of security while you wait for assistance.
7. Avoid Common Mistakes
Knowing how to handle a breakdown can prevent additional problems. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Do not leave your vehicle unattended: Abandoning your car may expose it to theft or vandalism.
- Do not accept rides from strangers: Prioritize your safety by waiting for authorized personnel.
- Avoid attempting repairs: Unless you have expertise, trying to fix the issue yourself could worsen the problem.
Call Tillema Auto – Your Local Byron Center Auto Repair Shop
Whether you need new brakes, are experiencing transmission problems, or are simply locked out of your vehicle, our service center is here to help.
At Tillema Auto, we understand that your vehicle is a major part of your everyday life – and you need it to work! We’re here to help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Have questions about what to do next? Just give us a call at (616) 878-5991.
