What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down
It’s late–about ten o’clock on a Friday night. It’s pitch black outside, except for the occasional neon sign while passing a business on the side of the road. You’re on your way home from a night out with your friends. All of the sudden, your car is making a funny noise and rumbling a bit. Your car has been having a few issues lately, and now it’s preventing you from going where you need to be. You’ve got no choice but to pull over on the side of the road.
It’s never an ideal thing for our car to break down on us, especially when we’re out and about and it’s dark out. Imagine this situation happening to you. Are you prepared? Follow these suggestions for staying safe if your car breaks down while travelling.
- Pull off to the side of the road. Park on the shoulder to avoid any accidents with traffic. If possible on the highway, take an exit to find a nearest gas station.
- To make your car visible, you can turn on your hazards.
- Use your cell phone to call roadside assistance if you have it. If you do not have roadside assistance, call someone close to you to pick you up. That way, you can wait until the sun is out to deal with your car situation. It’s safer in the daylight.
- If you feel you are in an unsafe area, stay in your car. Lock the doors. If you must, call the police to assist you and keep you safe.
- In circumstances like this, it’s a great idea to keep a form of protection in your vehicle, such as mace.
- If someone stops to help you, it’s a good idea to only slightly open your window. Let them know you’ve already contacted the police. That way, if their intentions aren’t good, they’ll know police will be there shortly to assist you.
- If you are approached by someone who seems dangerous, it’s a good idea to draw attention to the situation by honking your horn and flashing your lights.
- Make sure you know the location of your vehicle if you must leave it there overnight.
- It’s a great idea to learn how to change a flat tire and keep all the necessary tools along with a spare tire in your car at all times.
- Keep extra coolant in your car just in case you need it.
- Keep a heavy coat and blankets in your car in the wintertime.
- Have extra drinking water in your car.
- Remember to always stay calm in situations like this.
Keep in mind that most insurance companies offer a roadside assistance package that you can purchase to help you in situations like this one.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Unwrapping the Wiener: A Deep Dive into the History and Lore of the Hot Dog
Beyond the bun: Discover the surprising history, varieties, and enduring appeal of America’s favorite tubular treat.
The Untapped Power of Collaboration: Why Asking for Help Fuels Business Success
Stop going it alone! Discover how leveraging the expertise of others can relieve pressure and drive your business forward.
Navigating the Grandparenting Journey: Understanding Today’s Families
Grandparenting today: Learn key shifts in family dynamics to build stronger connections with your children and grandchildren.
Mapping Our Paths: The Fascinating Reasons Behind Our Road Networks
The story behind the asphalt: Explore the geographical, historical, and planning influences that shaped our modern road systems.
Neighborly Navigations: Resolving Disputes in Non-HOA Communities
No HOA, no problem? Learn how to navigate neighborly disputes effectively in communities without formal management.
Vintage Years of Vision: Four Times Hollywood Hit Cinematic Gold
Like fine wines, certain years in film history stand out for their exceptional quality and the enduring impact of the movies they produced. This article explores four such landmark years, presented chronologically, that many cinephiles consider to be among the greatest in cinematic history.
Green Means Growth: How Environmental Responsibility Can Boost Your Business
It might seem like a secondary concern when facing immediate business challenges, but embracing environmentally friendly practices can actually be a powerful strategy for improving sales, attracting top talent, strengthening your brand, and even saving money. This article explores the tangible benefits of going green for your company’s bottom line and long-term success.
The Forgotten Beauty: Unearthing the Story of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Beyond the iconic Beetle and the groovy Microbus, Volkswagen produced a surprisingly elegant and often overlooked sports car: the Karmann Ghia. This article explores the history, design, and enduring appeal of this “poor man’s sportscar” that has become a sought-after collectible.
Peace of Mind at Home: Building Your Essential Supply Stockpile
Recent global events have highlighted the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. This article outlines key non-perishable food items and essential household supplies that every homeowner should keep on hand to ensure comfort, security, and resilience during unforeseen circumstances.
Faded Glory: Remembering the Sports That Once Ruled Our World
Remember when these sports were huge? Take a trip down memory lane with harness racing, bowling, boxing, and poker, and explore their shift in popularity.