A car breakdown on the highway can be a frightening and stressful experience, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area or dealing with traffic. However, staying calm and following the right steps can help you stay safe, minimize damage to your vehicle, and get back on the road as quickly as possible. Here’s a guide on what to do when your car breaks down on the highway.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first step is to remain calm. Panicking can make the situation worse and impair your ability to make clear decisions. Take a moment to assess the situation. Check for signs of trouble, such as a flat tire, overheating, or mechanical failure. If your vehicle has any warning lights on the dashboard, make a note of them, as they can help you or the mechanic diagnose the issue later.
2. Move to a Safe Location
If your car is still running, try to steer it to the shoulder or an emergency lane. The farther you can get from the main traffic lanes, the safer it will be for you, your passengers, and your vehicle. If your car has come to a complete stop, try to position it as far off the road as possible, without risking your safety.
Key points:
- Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that your vehicle is not moving and that you are in a potentially dangerous situation.
- If you can move your car, aim for a flat, safe area that allows you to pull off the road, such as a rest area, parking lot, or wide shoulder.
3. Turn on Hazard Lights and Set Up Warning Signals
As soon as your car is stopped, turn on your hazard lights to make sure other drivers see you. This is particularly important if visibility is poor due to weather, night driving, or heavy traffic.
If you have warning triangles or flares in your vehicle, set them up around your car to alert approaching drivers. Place them at least 100 feet behind your vehicle if you’re on a highway. This can give other motorists enough time to react and avoid a collision.
4. Assess the Problem (If Safe to Do So)
If you feel it’s safe and you’re familiar with car maintenance, you can try to identify the issue. However, don’t attempt to fix the problem unless you are sure it’s safe to do so, and you’re capable of handling it. Common problems might include:
- Flat tire – If you have a spare and the necessary tools, you may be able to change the tire. However, if you’re unsure, it’s best to call for help.
- Engine overheating – If the engine is overheating, turn off the engine to prevent further damage. Wait for the engine to cool before attempting any repairs.
- Empty fuel tank – If you’ve run out of fuel, a roadside assistance service or tow truck can bring you a supply of gas.
- If you’re not familiar with the issue or the car seems unsafe to approach (such as leaking fluids or smoke), it’s best to wait for professional help.
5. Call for Roadside Assistance or a Tow Truck
Once you are in a safe location, call for help. If you have roadside assistance through your insurance, a membership service, or the vehicle manufacturer, call them immediately. They can provide a variety of services, such as:
- Jump-starting your battery
- Changing a flat tire
- Providing emergency fuel
- Towing your vehicle to a repair shop
If you don’t have roadside assistance, call a tow truck service directly. Make sure to provide them with your exact location, including highway mile markers or nearby landmarks, so they can find you quickly.
6. Wait Safely in the Car
After calling for assistance, it’s important to stay inside your vehicle unless it’s unsafe to do so (e.g., if you’re on a narrow shoulder with heavy traffic). Here’s why staying in the car can be safer:
Protection from Traffic: Your car provides a barrier from fast-moving vehicles.
Comfort: Staying inside can help keep you warm or shielded from bad weather.
If you’re on a busy highway or a high-speed road, it’s best not to exit your vehicle unless absolutely necessary. If you must exit, make sure to do so from the passenger side if possible, as this keeps you away from traffic.
7. Be Cautious When Exiting the Vehicle
If you must leave the car, make sure to do so cautiously. If you’re on the side of a highway with fast-moving vehicles, exit the car on the passenger side, away from traffic. Walk to a safe area, such as behind a guardrail or far from the shoulder.
8. Keep Your Phone Charged
While waiting for help, make sure your phone is charged and ready to communicate with the tow service or roadside assistance. You may need to send your exact location using GPS or stay in touch with family or friends to update them on the situation.
9. Prepare for the Tow or Assistance
Once the tow truck or roadside assistance arrives, inform the driver of the situation. If you have an idea of what caused the breakdown, let them know—it may help them prepare for the tow or provide you with more accurate assistance.
If the vehicle is towed:
- Make sure to take your personal belongings from the car before it’s towed, especially valuables like electronics, wallets, or documents.
- Ensure the tow driver has the correct destination for your car (either a repair shop or a mechanic).
10. Stay Alert and Communicate with Other Drivers
Throughout the entire process, remain aware of the traffic around you and make sure you communicate clearly with the tow truck driver and anyone assisting you. If you’re in a potentially hazardous location, like near a busy intersection or construction zone, be extra cautious.
Conclusion
A car breakdown on the highway is an unfortunate event, but knowing the right steps to take can make the situation much safer and easier to manage. The most important things to remember are to stay calm, move to a safe location, and call for professional help if needed. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you handle the breakdown properly and minimize the risks associated with being stranded on the highway.
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