Going on a long car journey can be stressful enough. There are all those things to remember to pack. Children may become fractious and bored during the journey. A wrong turning or two may occur. The heavens may open, and it could become hard to see the road through the rain.
Driving a car can be like Russian Roulette, too, because you never know when it’s going to go wrong. If it does happen to someone, particularly when they are not near home, there are some key things to think about and do. We’ll look at these in turn. In this guide, we will provide tips on what to do if a car broke down on the road.
What to Do If Your Car Broke Down
The car broke down on the road is a frustrating time and you should care about safety. As a responsible driver on the hazard lights. Most people are unfamiliar with these things and mistakes if this kind of situation occurs. So, we have mentioned the tips about what you should do if care breaks down.
Slow the Car and Pull off the Road
A car emergency can occur on the road, whether it’s empty or loaded with traffic. You must consider slowing the race and trying to pull it off to a safe place. Look at traffic conditions and make a difference between road and car so that other traffic can easily cross.
Place the Triangle Around Your Vehicle
Now when you have pulled the car into a safe place, you must place the triangles of flares to inform other drivers about the emergency. The triangle shows the other drivers that you are in an emergency or your car has any issue.
Consider Emergency Recovery Services
If help is not at hand and no travel insurance is in place, there are fortunately still options. The internet features many breakdown recovery companies.
Maryland, USA, was once reported to have the highest rates of deadly impaired driving accidents during brunch hours. They may need their car to be recovered from a flip position or lifted from a ditch. Many of these companies have different trucks to manage different sized vehicles, so they can safely tow them away.
Think About Insurance
Some people have breakdown cover within their annual car insurance policy. Others have a separate cover with a different company. It is also possible to insure cars for one specific journey.
When this is in place, car occupants can call a helpline and often gain assistance within an hour. They may have their car fixed (if it is simple to do) or even be taken to their desired destination. Some policies provide emergency accommodation when this is required.
Make Safety a Priority
Get the car off the road as soon as possible and put the hazard lights on. Should the engine be overheated, it is essential to be a safe distance away, as petrol is highly combustible.
If it is hot weather, all family members and pets should wait outside the car. Find a shady area to sit down and wait.
Hopefully, there are emergency supplies in the car. The boot may contain the basic tools for changing tires etc. It will be beneficial if food and drinks have been bought for the journey, in case there is an extended waiting time.
Contact a close friend by phone to let them know what has happened. Whilst they may not be near enough to help, it’s important someone knows where you are located.
Call a Mobile Mechanic
In some locations, it is possible to call a nearby garage for help. If you can’t fix the car, they may be able to! It could be something relatively easy like a battery issue, in which case a person can be quickly back on the road.
Use the car’s GPS system to narrow down the location of the broken down car, so they can find you easily.
Hopefully, matters can be sorted swiftly. Always check such things as the tire pressure and oil before long journeys, and have the vehicle regularly serviced. It will be wise to learn from this event so that you are best placed should it happen again in the future.
Conclusion
A car broke down creates an emergency on the road and you must be aware of the safety considerations if your car breaks down. No matter what the issue is, try to pull it off the road and place triangles around it to alarm others that you have any issue with the vehicle. Check the vehicle after the engine becomes cool, and if you think you cannot fix call the mobile mechanic.