Getting stuck on the road due to an immovable car is undesirable and unavoidable. Different emergency situations can cause stranding, such as a dead battery, engine problem, flat tyre, etc. Such a situation can get worse and risky if you cannot find appropriate help right on the spot, leading to anxiety and stress.
This guide outlines some essential steps to take if you get stranded on the road and some tips for dealing with such emergency situations. Moreover, it provides information regarding some preventive measures that help you avoid sudden car breakdowns.
What to Do If You Are Stranded on A Road?
To handle the situation efficiently, you should follow these steps:
Ensure Your Safety
First, you should ensure your safety in such an unexpected situation. When you notice a problem with the car, you should slow down your speed, move your vehicle off the road, and turn on hazard lights to make way by indicating the other drivers. Once off the road, turn on the car’s interior lights if it is nighttime. You can give an indication of your presence to other drivers on the road by using flares or reflectors. If you have got stuck on a busy road, you should stay inside your car with your seatbelt while waiting for the recovery service providers to come for rescue.
Examine the Situation
After reaching the side of the road, you should analyse the situation by inspecting the possible reason for the breakdown. If you can deal with the problem yourself, such as you have a spare tyre and all the required tools to replace the flat tyre, you should do that. Otherwise, you should stay inside the car with a fastened seatbelt and call for expert help.
Think of the Available Options
Based on the conditions, there can be various options you can think about when getting off the road. You can book a ride for reaching a safe zone by using a ride-share application. You can go there on foot if there is a gas station or mechanic shop nearby. You can also ask for a lift from the passing drivers by informing them of your car breakdown.
Contact Car Recovery Service
Once you have ensured your safety, the next crucial step is to call car recovery services for help. You can also check your roadside assistance membership, which covers battery jumps, towing, tyre changes, etc. If any of these elements are the reason for your vehicle’s breakdown, you can claim for it. The car recovery service providers have all the resources to arrive at your location in the minimum time possible, no matter where you have faced a car breakdown. Moreover, you can also call the police if your car has broken down in a dangerous and unsafe area.
Have Control of Your Nerves
Frustration and stress can make the situation worse; therefore, it is important that you stay calm if you get stuck on the road. To stay calm, you can call a family member or a friend and talk to them while you are waiting for help. This will make you feel comfortable and safe. You can also listen to your favourite music or a podcast and take deep breaths to calm down your nerves.
Tips to Deal with Car Breakdown Emergency Situations
There are certain tips you can follow to deal with and manage emergencies efficiently if you get stranded on the road in the middle of your way:
- Keep a spare tyre and all the essential tools for changing a flat tyre in your car.
- Ensure there is an emergency kit in your car before you start your journey, including a blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, snacks, water, etc.
- Choose an experienced and well-reputed company to get assistance with car recovery, ensuring you get responsible and safe services.
- Communicate clearly with the service providers, explaining your situation and the level of assistance required.
- Specify the roadside assistance service providers if you have a traditional car model requiring special handling so they can send well-equipped professionals with the relevant expertise.
- Stay patient while you wait for the professionals to arrive for help.
- Prefer to stay inside your car and only roll down the window if someone approaches your vehicle for a lift or help.
- Try to resolve the breakdown issue only if you have the knowledge and expertise to do so; otherwise, an incorrect fix can worsen the damage.
How to Avoid Future Breakdowns?
No one wants to experience a vehicle breakdown again and to avoid such issues, the following are some of the preventive measures you can take well in advance:
- Check the levels of all the essential fluids regularly, such as brake fluid, engine oil, and windshield washer.
- Observe the car’s dashboard lights carefully to detect a certain issue, and then have your car inspected by a professional.
- Ensure regular car servicing according to the manufacturer guidelines for identifying and resolving potential problems earlier.
- Pay proper attention to any unusual noises or abnormal behaviour in your car and get it checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
- Check your car’s tyres regularly to trace any signs of damage or general wear and tear and ensure they remain inflated with the correct pressure, as mentioned in the car’s manual.
Last Words
It can be dangerous and stressful to get stranded on the road without any adequate help. You should stay calm in such a situation to think about all the available options. Your safety should be your utmost priority, and after ensuring it, you should call for professional car recovery services to get off the road as soon as possible. You should not panic and try to stay calm to resolve the problem efficiently. Moreover, you should take the necessary preventive measures in advance to help you avoid such situations.
