Most men think they have it under control, but the small things like pulling up to a curb before stepping out of the car is vehicle breakdown etiquette and safety measure that is often overlooked.
In the midst of a slight panic brought about by your car breaking down, sometimes you can really lose your senses. So many people step out of their car almost immediately to survey the problem and try to solve it, and this is something that can get you in more trouble or just waste your time, especially if you are not an experienced auto mechanic in the first place. Here are some steps to follow when your car breaks down.
Step 1: Get off the road
A good advice from www.Tyre-Shopper.co.uk is to turn on your emergency blinkers and get to the right-hand shoulder of the road as soon as you can. If your engine has died in the middle of the road, don’t just get out of the car. If you can safely get out of your car, take a quick second to place warning lights or reflective markers a few feet behind your car to let the oncoming cars know. If there is ongoing traffic, never get off the busy side if your car stops and make sure to jump back inside the car right away. You don’t need to make a phone call or linger around your car.
Step 2: Secure your vehicle
If you manage to get your car off the road, always put it on emergency break and steer the wheel opposite the road so it does not accidentally roll back into the road. Hang a white cloth on your driver’s window to let people know that you are having car trouble and that they should drive past you. Lock the doors and only talk to people approaching by slightly rolling down your window. Don’t accept help from strangers, but be gracious enough to thank them for their kindness. Just let them know that help is on the way instead.
Step 3: Call for Assistance IMMEDIATELY
If you do not know how to change a flat tire or fix anything under your hood, don’t attempt now. Call for a professional that can help you out. Many insurance companies provide breakdown cover so you wouldn’t have to deal with looking for one at the time of need. Make sure to have this number not just saved on your phone but also written on a sheet of paper that you can keep on your car. If you don’t have your phone and can see a phone sign nearby, try to make the call as quick as possible and get back inside your car. If either option is unavailable, turn on your lights inside the car and wait for a patrol car to help you out. Before even driving your car out on the road, make sure your car is stocked with spares. You can buy discount tyres or tools for a great price, which is reason enough to never be without it.
Remember these three important steps to ensure your safety while under a car crisis. Any more advice to give on a moment of breakdown? Let us know in the comments below.