Do you have experience with car trouble? Do you know how to handle it when it happens to you?
On average, over 6 million car accidents occur in the US each year. Knowing how to handle your car when it breaks down is important. You keep yourself safe on the road, equipped with proper vehicle maintenance knowledge.
Read on to learn what you can do if your car breaks down while driving on the road.
Slow Down and Pull Over
It will help you avoid accidents and further damage to your vehicle. Once you’re safely off the road, you can assess the situation and decide what to do next. Keeping calm and taking the appropriate actions can help you get your car back on the road as quickly as possible.
It is also important to note your location. It will help emergency responders find you more easily.
If you are on the side of the road, try to pull over as far as possible. If you are in a parking lot, try to find a spot that is well-lit and close to the entrance.
Put On the Emergency Brakes
If your car breaks down, the first thing you should do is put on the emergency brake. It will help to keep your car from rolling and will also help to keep it from getting hit by other vehicles. You should also put the car in neutral if you have a manual transmission.
Remember, preventing vehicle malfunctions is always better than dealing with them. So be sure to keep up with regular auto maintenance, such as oil changes, tune-ups, and tire rotations.
Make Yourself Visible
If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, you should first turn on your hazard lights. It will warn other drivers of your situation and prevent them from running into you. Make sure to keep them on until help arrives.
You’ll also want to prop open your hood. Doing this will signal to other drivers that you’re experiencing car trouble and need assistance.
If you can, put up a warning sign so that other drivers know to be careful. If you have a regular reflectorized triangle, you can place it behind the vehicle to warn of oncoming traffic. If you have to use reflectors, you can place them in front of and behind the vehicle.
Assess the Problem
You can check to see if your car has any warning lights that may be able to tell you what the problem is. If you don’t see any warning lights, you can try to restart your car.
If you see a check engine light while driving, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as it is safe. Then, call a tow truck or a mechanic to take a look at your car. Do not try to drive your car if the check engine light is on, as this could damage your engine.
Make sure to check the battery. If the battery is low, you can try to jump-start the car. If the car doesn’t start, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic.
You should also check for any unusual sounds. If you hear any strange noises, it could signal that something is wrong with your car.
Once you’ve checked for any unusual sounds, the next thing you should do is check your engine oil level. If your engine oil is low, it could cause your car to break down. If you’re unsure how to check your engine oil level, consult your car’s owner’s manual.
If your car breaks down and you suspect it may be due to an issue with the engine, it is important to check for any unusual smells. If you notice anything unusual, have your vehicle checked by a professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, engine problems can cause extensive damage to your vehicle and even result in a total loss.
Many small vehicle problems, such as a flat tire, can be fixed with the right tools. However, more complex vehicle issues, such as engine trouble, will require the help of a professional.
Call for Help
You can call a tow truck, a friend, or a roadside assistance service. If you have a membership with a roadside assistance service, they will likely be able to help you for free or a very small fee. If you don’t have a roadside assistance service, you may have to pay for a tow truck or a friend to come and help you.
Once you have called for help, you should wait for it to arrive. If you are stranded on the side of the road, it is important to stay with your car. If you leave your car, you may put yourself in danger.
You can also call the police. The police will help you to assess the situation and determine whether or not you need to call a tow truck or a mechanic.
Get Repairs Done
Once your car is at the mechanic, they will be able to diagnose the problem and give you an estimate for the auto repairs. If the repairs are too expensive, you may want to consider selling your car and buying a new one.
You can still get a good amount of money from a used or junk car in dealing with the right buyer. Look for “we buy junk cars” online to get some info on where you can sell your vehicle.
Be Confident on the Road by Doing a Regular Vehicle Maintenance
If your car breaks down, don’t panic. There are several things you can do to get it running again. Check the engine oil level and add oil if necessary.
You should also check the battery terminals to ensure they’re clean and tight. Call a tow truck or mechanic if the problem is still not resolved. Make sure to keep up with your vehicle maintenance to avoid having these problems.
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