Have you experienced a car breakdown while driving? Your vehicle might stop working due to a mechanical issue, engine malfunction, or a flat tire. This nerve-wracking situation can occur anytime and anywhere without warning. It can happen to anyone—from experienced drivers to average motorists. In fact, 69 million vehicle breakdowns occur in the US every year.
If you ever find yourself in a car breakdown, it’s better to call your insurance or a tow service first. Any wrong and risky decisions can put you and others at risk. Here are the some of things to avoid during a vehicle breakdown:
Avoid Panicking
Most drivers panic at the first sight of trouble. But during a car breakdown, what good does panicking do? Panic is a state of extreme anxiety, which usually occurs due to a lack of knowledge, planning, and experience. If you don’t know what to do during a vehicle breakdown, you are more likely to panic. It’s okay to feel stressed and anxious, but don’t let panic take over.
To lessen the feeling of anxiety and panic, learn everything you can about your car. Create a contingency plan so that you know how to act during car emergencies. By being prepared, you can make better decisions with a cool head.
Avoid Getting in Harm’s Way
Regardless of whether the car hood is up or not, do not assume people can see you. Always try your best to stay visible by turning your hazard lights on. This is a visual reminder to other drivers that you’re slowing down and experiencing car trouble. Keep them to maintain visibility on the road, especially for dealing with car breakdowns at night. You can also set up flares or reflective triangles behind your vehicle. This way, other drivers would be aware of your situation.
Don’t Accept Help When You Feel Uncomfortable
While there are good Samaritans, there are also scam artists and thieves who might take advantage of you. Always be careful of strangers even if their intentions seem genuine. If someone offers help, politely decline and tell them help is on the way. You should only accept help from your friend, roadside assistance provider, or a reliable towing company.
Never Flag Down Other Vehicles
Just like the previous tip, always consider your personal safety. When you’re stranded on the road, you have no idea if a stranger has good or bad intentions. So, it’s better to be cautious and avoid trying to flag down help.
The best decision is to call your roadside assistance provider. After pulling to the side of the road, turn your hazard lights on, and wait for towing professionals. If you’re within their service area, emergency roadside providers can arrive on the scene within 30 minutes to 1 hour after placing your call.
Don’t Fiddle With Car Components
Fiddling with engine parts and wires can do more harm than good. Not only is it dangerous, but attempting an unprofessional repair might also lead to a new set of issues. Remember that a car is a complex machine made up of mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, don’t try to fix your car problem.
For example, putting the jack in the wrong place can cause serious damage to the mechanicals. Since it’s placed in incorrect jacking points, the tool might slip under the vehicle and harm you. Different vehicles have different jacking points, check your owner’s manual first before attempting to change a flat tire. It’s better to wait for a towing service or take your car to a workshop.
Cons of DIY Car Repair
- You might not be able to diagnose a car correctly on your own
- Your manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty might be voided
- This might expose you to harmful chemicals
- You need basic tools and knowledge to pull off the repair
Key Takeaway
If you experience any car problem, stay calm and remember that there are people willing to help you. At Allentown Towing Company, we offer 24/7 towing and roadside assistance services in Allentown, PA and surrounding areas. Our expert technicians can come to your aid for issues like lockouts, flat tires, and winch outs. Give us a call today and we will get you out of that tight spot right away!