That sinking feeling hits you: the engine sputters, a weird clunk echoes, and maybe smoke starts billowing. Your car’s giving up the ghost, and naturally, it’s happening on the highway. Panic starts to creep in, but knowing exactly what to do can be the difference between sheer annoyance and genuine danger. It’s not just about getting back on the road; it’s about your safety and everyone else’s.
What to do if your car breaks down? This guide will walk you through what to do when that car breakdown inevitably happens on the highway. We will cover everything from getting to the shoulder safely to prepping for the tow truck, turning a potential disaster into something you can handle.
Step 1: Safely Pull Over – Your First Priority
Those first few seconds after your car starts acting up are crucial. How to stay safe during a car breakdown? Get off the road as safely as possible. Don’t just slam on the brakes; that’s a recipe for disaster. Here’s what to do:
- Ease Off the Gas: Gently lift your foot off the accelerator; no sudden moves, especially with traffic whipping by.
- Signal: Flick on your turn signal immediately to show everyone what you’re planning. It gives other drivers a heads-up.
- Move Over Gradually: If you can, and without doing anything risky, steer slowly towards the right shoulder. Keep a close eye on your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Find a Safe Spot: Don’t just pull over anywhere. Look for a wider shoulder, an emergency lane (if there is one), or even a rest area coming up. More space between you and the traffic is always better. These spots are designed for situations like this.
- Stop and Flashers: Once you’re in a safe spot, come to a complete stop. Put on your parking brake. Turn on your hazard lights (the emergency flashers) to warn other drivers you’re having trouble.
- Don’t Block the Road: Never, ever stop in a way that blocks part of a lane, which is incredibly dangerous.
- Unable to Reach the Shoulder?: If your car completely breaks down and you are unable to reach the shoulder, make every effort to move as far to the right as possible before stopping. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Getting over safely drastically reduces the risk of another accident, a big risk when you’re stuck on the highway. Location combined with clear signaling is important.
Step 2: Assess the Situation—What’s the Problem?
Once you’re safely off the road, take a minute to figure out what happened. Knowing the cause helps you decide what to do next and explain the situation to roadside assistance. You don’t need to be a mechanic, but a quick look can tell you a lot.
- Pay Attention to Your Surroundings: Before you even open the door, check the traffic. Make sure it’s safe to get out, especially on the driver’s side. Look and listen for approaching cars.
- Quick Visual Check (If It’s Safe): If it’s safe to do so, walk around the car and look for anything obvious:
- Flat Tire: Check all your tires for damage or low pressure. A flat is a common highway problem and is often fixable if you have a spare and know how to use it (more on that later).
- Smoke or Steam: Look for smoke or steam coming from under the hood, which could mean overheating. Don’t open the hood if there’s steam—you could get burned.
- Leaks: Look for fluids leaking under the car. Different colors can indicate different problems (oil, coolant, etc.).
- Check Gauges and Lights: If the car’s still running (even poorly), check the gauges on your dashboard:
- Temperature Gauge: Overheating is a serious issue. Shutting off the engine might prevent more damage.
- Oil Pressure Light: Low oil pressure can quickly ruin an engine.
- Check Engine Light: This light means a lot of different things. It’s best to have a mechanic check it out.
- Listen for Strange Noises: Listen for any strange sounds from the engine or under the car. Grinding, squealing, or thumping can give you clues about the problem.
- Can You Fix It? Be honest with yourself here. If it’s something simple like a flat tire and you have the tools and know-how, you might be able to fix it yourself. But never attempt repairs on the highway if it means being in the path of traffic. Your safety comes first. If you’re even a little unsure, call for help.
Important Safety Note: If you suspect a serious mechanical problem, see smoke or steam, or just feel unsafe, don’t try to fix anything yourself. Call for help.
Step 3: Call for Help—Know Your Options
After you have assessed the situation, you know it’s time to call for help. Knowing who to call and having their numbers handy is critical.
- Roadside Assistance: If you have roadside assistance through your insurance, car manufacturer, or towing company, call them first. They can send a tow truck, jump-start your car, bring you gas, or handle other common problems. Have your membership information and car details ready.
- Towing Service: If you don’t have roadside assistance, call a local towing company directly. Undertake an online quest for reputable towing entities proximal to your geographic coordinates. Ensure that an estimated cost overview precedes their attendance. Furnish precise location data (leveraging GPS coordinates derived from your mobile instrumentation enhances precision) coupled with a succinct synopsis of the incurred predicament. Using TowMe means you’re connecting with screened, trustworthy providers, which gives you peace of mind when you’re already stressed out.
- Emergency Services: If there’s been an accident, someone’s hurt, or you’re in immediate danger, call 911. Be ready to give your location, describe the emergency, and answer their questions.
- Technology Can Help:
- Smartphone Apps: Many roadside assistance companies have apps that make it easy to request help, track the service vehicle, and communicate with the driver.
- In-Car Systems: Some newer cars have built-in emergency systems that can automatically call for help if you’re in an accident.
- GPS is Your Friend: Use your phone’s GPS to give an exact location. This will help first responders.
- What to Tell Them: When contacting assistance, maintain readiness to furnish the subsequent informational elements:
- Location, Location, Location: Main road, direction of travel, and mile marker…
- Your Car Details: Make, model, year, and color.
- What is Wrong: What happened (deflated tire condition, engine failure)?
- How to Reach You: Your name and phone number.
- How You’ll Pay: Confirm what forms of payment they accept to avoid surprises later.
- Stay on the phone if needed: The dispatcher will guide you. Do not hang up until told you can.
Step 4: Stay Safe While Waiting—Protecting Yourself and Others
Once you’re safely off the road, your next priority is staying safe while you wait for help. This means looking around and deciding whether staying inside your car is safer or getting out.
- Check Out the Traffic: Before doing anything else, watch the traffic. How heavy is it? How fast are cars moving? Is visibility bad because of rain, fog, or darkness? This will help you decide whether to stay put or get out.
- Stay Inside (Usually the Best Bet): Most of the time, especially when traffic is heavy or visibility is poor, it’s best to stay inside your car with your seatbelt on. The metal frame of your car offers some protection if another vehicle hits you.
- Getting Out (Only If It’s Really Safe): If traffic is light and visibility is good, you might consider getting out, but be super careful:
- Exit on the Passenger Side: Always get out on the side away from traffic. This minimizes your risk of passing cars. Even if you’re the driver, exit on the passenger side.
- Find a Safe Spot: Once you’re out, move as far away from the road as you can. If there’s a guardrail, get behind it to protect yourself from traffic. Don’t hang out near the car or stand in the road.
- Use Safety Gear (Warning Triangles, Reflective Vests, Flares): These things are essential for making sure other drivers can see you, especially at night or in bad weather. Using them correctly greatly reduces the risk of someone hitting your car.
- Warning Triangles: Place these at a safe distance behind your car—usually 50 to 100 feet. They warn drivers that there’s a disabled vehicle ahead, giving them time to react.
- Reflective Vest: Wearing a reflective vest makes you much more visible to drivers, especially if you need to be near the road.
- Flares: Flares are another way to attract attention, particularly at night. But be careful using them near dry grass or anything else that could catch fire. Always follow the instructions.
Why is being visible so important?
Simple: drivers need to see you to avoid hitting you. Anything you do to increase your visibility makes an accident less likely. Even in broad daylight, reflective vests and warning devices can make a big difference.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is important to keep your car in top condition:
- Check Fluid Level: Make sure that all the fluids, like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering, and windshield washer fluid, are just right.
- Check Tire pressure: Proper air pressure of the 4 tires and spare tire will also have a big impact on gas mileage
- Check Battery Condition: Clean your car battery’s terminals to make sure it is well maintained.
The TowMe Advantage
TowMe simplifies the process of getting a tow. Our platform connects you with reputable tow truck operators in your area. You can see pricing upfront, track the tow truck’s arrival in real-time, and rest assured you’re dealing with a professional.
Breaking down on the highway is never fun. Always remember that your safety and the safety of others are the most important things. And remember, regular car maintenance can help prevent breakdowns in the first place. Stay alert, be prepared, and drive safely!
