Long holiday activities like vacations, getaways and trips is something that we do regularly every year. But bare in mind that more driving means more chances of a car breakdown situation.
Imagine this: How would you handle it if you set out for the beach but wound up with a broken down vehicle on the side of the road? Now, a very basic preparation and some knowledge will help if this happens.
Before Breakdown: Prepare
1. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Prevention is the key step here. Keep your car’s maintenance up-to-date by booking regular service appointments. Pay special attention to preventative maintenance for the most common car problems if you’re traveling in the heat of the season.
2. Inspect Your Vehicle Regularly
Check your vehicle periodically and before long trips. Perform a walkaround inspection, check fluid levels, evaluate windshield wiper condition and ensure your vehicle has no safety issues.
3. Pack an Emergency Kit
Even with meticulously maintained cars, breakdowns happen. This is why it’s essential to keep an emergency toolkit in your vehicle. Unsurprisingly, a cell phone is the most crucial component. It’s your lifeline to help.
A well-rounded kit will also include:
- Phone charger / Extra battery
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Work gloves / Change of clothes
- Basic repair tools
- Water
- Paper towels
- Extra windshield washer fluid
During Breakdown: Don’t Panic
1. Brake with Caution
Don’t slam on the brakes. Don’t crank the steering wheel. Instead, slowly take your foot off the wheel and decelerate. If your car is functional enough to maneuver, guide it off the road. The last thing you need is to be rear-ended or deal with the stress of angry drivers honking their horns.
2. Exit the Highway
If possible, exit the highway and find a parking lot or other open area free of traffic. If an exit isn’t close or the degree of vehicle damage impacts your ability to maneuver, determine the best possible alternative. Avoid the right side of the road. It exposes you to the fast-moving traffic in the passing lane. Instead, pull onto the “car breakdown lane” on the left.
Look for wider shoulders and straightaways. Also, avoid pulling off on bridges or along sharp curves.
3. Take a Moment to Breathe
You are probably frustrated. Fun in the sun just turned into a day of dealing with car trouble on the side of the highway. Worrying won’t get the car to start moving. So, take a moment and let yourself breathe.
Inhale, exhale, and evaluate the problem at hand. You got this.
4. Stay Visible
Stay within clear view of other drivers, especially when it is dark or rainy. Set out road flares or emergency triangles and turn on both your hazard lights. These steps will alert incoming traffic to your disabled vehicle, allowing them ample time to slow down and give you space to maneuver, change your tire or just wait for roadside assistance.
5. Evaluate the Situation
Assess the extent of your vehicle’s damage and make an honest evaluation of your ability to fix the problem on your own. For example, you may know how to change a flat tire. If you had the foresight to equip your vehicle with an emergency toolkit and the breakdown lane offers adequate cover from oncoming traffic, you may be able to change the tire yourself.
But if your engine is smoking, your brakes are questionable or you’re just not sure what’s going on, you might save time by calling for help instead.
6. Call for Help
If the repairs are beyond your capacity, consider calling MyBateri at 019-5591446. Service is available 24/7. Do not attempt to flag down other drivers. Our professionals are equipped to perform several on-site repairs for any car breakdown situations or scenario.
