Prepare for the unexpected vehicle breakdown
Even if you’ve never experienced an unexpected vehicle breakdown, you should always be prepared for one. You might never have to deal with such an inconvenience during your life, but what if you do?
It would be ideal to have an emergency kit in case you get stuck roadside. At the very least, this kit should include signaling devices (road flares or triangles), a flashlight with batteries, and a first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to always keep a few bottles of water in your car, non-perishable food items, and perhaps a few jackets or a blanket in case you experience unexpected vehicle breakdown during the winter. The saying – “expect the unexpected” – definitely applies to this situation.
When you experience a unexpected vehicle breakdown…Pull over
You do not want to be stuck in the middle lane of a highway, or in any lanes at all for that matter. Ideally, you’ll find a way to pull your car over to the right shoulder or into a parking lot. The point is to separate yourself from oncoming traffic.
Of course, a lot will be running through your mind when your vehicle starts giving you problems, but try your best to stay somewhat calm and think properly. Pulling over on a flat road is suggested. You want oncoming vehicles to be able to see your vehicle. It’s easiest to see a broken-down vehicle straight ahead rather than being blindsided by one when coming up a hill or not being able to slow down for a vehicle while coming down one.
Turn your hazard lights on right away
Once you’ve pulled over, turn your hazard lights on. Again, the purpose is for oncoming vehicles to notice your car. Even if it’s daytime, turn them on.
Call for help
As soon as you get your vehicle to a safer location, call for help. Other safety precautions are important, but you want to limit the time that you’re stranded. The longer you’re stranded, the less safe the situation becomes.
It’s best to contact a towing service in such a situation. A towing company will transport your car safely to your desired location, whether it be your home or an mechanic shop. If you aren’t sure where to take it, our towing expert should have some recommendations. And who knows, maybe all your vehicle needs is a jumpstart. MR Towing Services provides emergency auto recovery and emergency jumpstarts. Give us a call at (214) 238-5134!
Place hazard devices strategically
No matter how many flares or triangles you have, space them apart evenly. If you have three road flares, place one about 10 feet behind your vehicle, one 30 feet behind, and one 50 feet behind. They need to be spread out far enough behind to give proper notice to oncoming vehicles, but also closely enough to where oncoming vehicles know why they’re there in the first place. Also, popping your hood open is another way to signal an unexpected vehicle breakdown.
Wait on help
It’s up to you and your environment whether you want to stay in your vehicle when waiting for the tow truck to arrive. Generally speaking, staying inside your vehicle is the safer option. You still have your car to protect you and being in it makes you less vulnerable to external factors like inclement weather. That being said, if you’re in a well-populated area, there shouldn’t be a problem with waiting outside your car or walking into a nearby store as long as your car is in sight.
Remember, MR Towing Services is just a call away! Let us get your vehicle to a safe place as quickly as possible. Please visit our website—mrtowingservices.com—and check out our blog for more helpful towing information.
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