We can lose it when our cars give us trouble. No matter the circumstance, who you are, what you’re going through, or even where you live, having your car break down on you on the side of the road is the worst. Even though it’s easy to get scared and try to fix things right away on the side of the road, you could make the problem worse and put yourself in danger.
The best thing you can do is call for help. Even if you don’t have roadside assistance, some people can help you get your car back on the road. Stay calm while you wait for help to arrive.
Here are five things you should not do when your car breaks down:
1. Don’t Direct Traffic
Don’t pull into the space behind you when someone pulls over in front of you and leaves their engine running. If your vehicle breaks down, stop in front of them (so you can pull forward to push your car if necessary) and turn off your engine. If you don’t want to leave your car parked on the side of the road for an extended period, don’t leave your keys in the ignition.
2. Don’t Leave Your Car Keys in the Ignition
If you’re going to leave your car, leave the keys on the seat or in the glove compartment. If you’re going to leave your car with a passerby, don’t leave any valuables inside the vehicle. If you must leave the keys with a bystander, remove the spare set from the traditional spot in the wheel well. This makes it harder for the driver to hotwire your car.
3. Don’t Drive It Unless You Have No Choice
Make sure you drive safely even if you’re in a hurry and your car is the only way to get where you need to go. If you’re still able to drive, but your car is in distress, try to manage your driving time, so you have as little momentum as possible. Your car could break down any moment, so slow your driving and ensure you get to your destination in one piece.
4. Don’t Get Out of Your Car to Check It
It’s natural to want to know what’s causing the problem. However, getting out of your car can leave you vulnerable to thieves, vandals, and more. If you need to check your vehicle, ensure you’re with a friend and never stop at a suspicious location.
Unless you have to, it’s best to stay in your car if it breaks down on the side of the road.
5. Don’t Try to Fix It Yourself
While it’s tempting to try to repair a problem you encounter on the road, you’re better off calling for help. If you can’t get professional help, it’s usually better to roll down the window, call out, and ask for help than try to fix the problem yourself.
Suppose you are in a place where you can call for assistance, make the call. If you have roadside assistance, put in the request and make sure you have your membership number and cell phone. If you don’t have roadside assistance, contact the police and tell them you’re stranded.
Make sure you’re on the phone with a professional before attempting to fix your car yourself. You can’t predict what will happen and trying to fix the problem yourself could cause the situation to worsen and leave you injured.
Conclusion
Whether your car breaks down on a rainy day, a hot summer afternoon, or in the middle of the night, being stranded on the side of the road can be frustrating. Make sure you take the time to prepare for such a situation and have the necessary information on hand if your car breaks down.
If your car breaks down, don’t panic. Stay calm, think clearly, and wait for help to come.
Are you looking for roadside assistance in Artesia, NM? Royal Recovery, LLC can respond to your lockout, recovery, towing, hauling, or roadside assistance needs. We are a licensed and insured company with experienced drivers who put customer service as a top priority. Give us a call to learn more!
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