Whether you’re on a road trip, have a long commute, or simply have to drive a lot, breaking down on the side of the road, especially when you’re far from the nearest town, can be a major headache. A lot of people panic, having not been in such a situation before, but keeping a cool head can help you prevail, as can being prepared with the tips below.

Stay Calm And Move To A Safe Location

If your car is starting to break down but you’re still moving, then stay calm and be focused. Try to gently steer your car to a safe location like the side of the road, a lay-by, or the hard shoulder of a motorway. You want to avoid stopping at busy intersections or blind bends. Then, turn off the engine and turn on the handbrake to make sure you don’t inadvertently roll. 

Try To Make Yourself Visible

You want to make yourself more easily spotted by other drivers on the road. Turning on your hazard warning lights immediately can help, but you should equip yourself with a high-visibility jacket or place warning triangles near the front and back of the car if you have them at the ready. Only do that if it’s safe, however. If you’re on a busy motorway, you want to avoid stepping out and around the vehicle as best as possible. 

Check Out The Problem

If you’re in a safe position and it’s not too dangerous to do so, you should look for what caused the breakdown. Identifying issues like a flat tyre, overheating engine, or issues that can be explained by your warning lights can help you identify when you might be able to get a little help from passersby, or when you might have to go directly to a garage (when you’re up and running) for more extensive repairs. 

Caal For Assistance

If you’re not able to repair the issue yourself with the help of a vehicle emergency kit, then you should get a little help. If your insurance provider offers recovery, you might want to start with them, but looking for a local breakdown recovery or towing service can see you getting help much sooner, or without affecting your insurance. Provide clear details about your location, the nature of the problem, and any relevant landmarks to help them reach you quickly.

Make Safety A Priority While You Wait

Don’t get restless while waiting for help. If you’ve been able to safely leave your vehicle to stand off the side of the road, remain there, and avoid going back to the car unless strictly necessary. If you have passengers with you, keep everyone together in a secure location. Having an emergency kit in your car can ensure that you’re warm, hydrated, and protected in the event of bad weather, so it’s worth investing in one when you have the chance. 

If you want to avoid the struggles of being caught in a broken-down car without any idea of how to handle it, then preparing for such situations ahead of time is the best approach. However, hopefully the tips above can help even when you’re not fully equipped for a crisis.