Sometimes, your car will not give you any warnings that it’s about to be break down while driving. Aside from being incredibly frustrating, dealing with this kind of trouble can also be a safety issue if you’re on the side of the road. This is one of the reasons why a little preparation and some basic knowledge can go a long way when an automotive problem unexpectedly strikes you.

To make sure you know what to do, below are a few things you should do if your car has broken down on the side of the road:

1. Stay Calm And Take Time To Breathe

Dealing with a car breakdown on the side of the highway can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re on an road trip and you’re alone. However, you should also keep in mind that worrying about the situation will not solve the problem.

What you should do is keep calm and allow yourself to breathe. By doing this, you can evaluate the situation properly and come up with ways to get out of this trouble.

2. Be Visible

Once you decide to go out of your car to check the situation, make sure to stay visible for safety reasons. You can do this by propping up your hood to inform other drivers that they should traverse the road with adequate caution. This can serve as a warning to other drivers that your car has broken down.

Moreover, to make sure you stay visible on the road, you can set up flares or triangles with reflectors behind your vehicle to alert other drivers about the location where your car broke down. By having these tools in place, you can ensure your car’s safety, as well as allow the emergency personnel and the police to identify your vehicle easily.

3. Consider Getting Roadside Assistance

If you think you’re in a tough situation, then you should consider calling roadside assistance. By getting help in case of a car breakdown, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing assistance is on the way to get you out of the trouble. Just check with your insurance company if your plan includes a roadside assistance coverage.

Typically, you can purchase this type of plan from your insurance company or an independent provider. See some of the best at 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com.” . Once you obtain your own coverage, you can take advantage of some services, such as towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, lockout services, and many more.

4. Assess The Situation

While waiting for roadside assistance to arrive, it can be a good idea to evaluate the extent of your car’s damage and determine whether you can fix the problem on your own. For example, if the problem is a flat tire, then you may decide to fix the problem by yourself by changing the tire.

However, if after assessing your vehicle you find out your engine is smoking, your brakes are malfunctioning, or you simply don’t know what’s going on, it’s best to seek professional help.

5. Wait For Help To Arrive

After calling for help, it’s time to wait patiently until someone rescues you and your car from the side of the road. If possible, remain inside your car and keep yourself aware of the ongoing traffic. Refrain from walking on an interstate as it’s dangerous and illegal.

Also, don’t forget to check if your hazard lights and other warning signs are still visible to other drivers on the road. All of these things can keep yourself safe until help arrives.

The Bottom Line

As mentioned, having a car that broke down on the side of the road can be a nightmare. Thus, follow the tips mentioned above and you’ll become more confident in handling this automotive issue. Remember, it’s extremely important to be prepared for the unexpected, especially if you’re on the road.