Car Breakdown on the Road? 7 Immediate Steps to Stay Safe
There are no good times for your car to break down. You could be facing a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere on the Hume Freeway. Or an overheating engine in the heat of a Victorian afternoon. The first few minutes are more critical than the repair.
After breaking down, there is no need for panic. Following the steps below will help you, your passengers, and the other drivers.
- First Turn on Your Hazard Lights
The second you think there is a problem, the first thing you should do is turn on your hazard lights. It gives others time to safely slow down and pass you.
Do it during the day as well as night. Use them if there is a problem at all, but especially when visibility is low.
- Get Off the Road If Possible
Steer the vehicle to the shoulder of the road or an alternative, quieter location. Get far enough off the road so that you are safe from oncoming traffic. Do not stop at the edge of the road on a curve, the peak of a hill, or in other spots that aren’t visible to oncoming drivers.
Leave the vehicle on the road and focus on getting yourself safe if you are unable to move the vehicle on a busy road.
- Park and Turn Off Your Engine
Shut your engine off, put the car in first gear (for a manual) or park, and set the parking brake once the vehicle has stopped. Doing this prevents your car from moving and keeps fire risk at a minimum if your engine is prone to overheating or you suspect a fuel problem.
Should you detect smoke or a burning smell, refrain from opening your hood and move everyone out and far from the vehicle.
- To Get Out or To Stay In
This depends on where you have pulled off:
- On a freeway or a busy road, safely exit through the passenger side away from traffic and move far from the vehicle. This is best behind a safety barrier.
- On a side street, it is okay to stay in with your seatbelt buckled.
- If it is dark, be visible. Keep your phone and flashlight ready.
- Do not stand between your vehicle and other traffic and do not stand directly in front or directly behind the vehicle.
- Be Visible
If you have a reflective triangle, put it a reasonable distance behind the vehicle. Wearing a reflective safety vest is even better if you happen to have one. Your phone light can be used as a last resort in the dark.
Do not try to hitch a ride from the road. The best option is waiting for roadside assistance rather than accepting a ride from a stranger.
- Contact Professionals and Provide Your Location
For a breakdown or a traffic obstruction where there is no danger or risk of injury, you should still use a breakdown service.
Provide them with:
- Location (i.e. street, nearest intersection or a pinned location)
- Vehicle information (i.e. Make, model and color)
- Incident details (i.e. A brief explanation)
- The number of people involved.
Local breakdown services can often arrive more quickly in areas like Craigieburn, Wollert, Donnybrook, Mickleham, Kalkallo, Epping, Mernda, Doreen, and Beveridge. In addition, local mechanics usually have better familiarity with the area and known breakdown spots.
- Safety checks (only if it is safe)
Check your:
- Fuel levels
- Battery (Are interior lights dull or not working?)
- Tyre (Is one of the tyres obviously flat?)
- Warning indicators (Has the temperature or oil, or even brake light, illuminated?)
Do not try to fix your vehicle on the side of the road. Make a mental or written note of the issue as this will help the mechanic in troubleshooting.
Common Reasons Why Cars Break Down on the Road
There are several causes for breakdowns, but these account for the most common ones:
- Tires are flat or have become worn
- A car’s battery has gone dead, or the alternator has stopped functioning
- Coolant is low, or there is an issue with the vehicle’s cooling system
- The car has lost the use of the clutch
- A vehicle has run out of gas
- Issues related to brakes can be very dangerous if a car breaks down
Softening brakes, grinding, or long distances required to stop should not be ignored. If you have any of these symptoms, get your brakes repaired and serviced so you aren’t stuck and in jeopardy.
Reducing Your Chances of Another Breakdown
- While breakdowns will inevitably occur, there are preventative measures you can take to lessen their likelihood.
- Follow the logbook for the schedule of services and get them done between 6 to 12 months.
- Monthly inspections of tyre pressure and tread depth is important.
- Check your battery prior to the beginning of summer and winter.
- Maintain proper levels of coolant, oil, and brake fluid.
- Have unusual noises and warning lights addressed as soon as they come on.
- Get your brakes checked annually.
Major repairs are much more costly than doing minor ones in advance.
FAQ
What is the first thing I should do when my car stops on the road?
Engage hazard lights, move the car off the road to a safe position, and switch the car off, and apply the parking brake. Then call and tell them where you are.
Should I get out of the car or stay in the car?
Generally, it’s best to get out and stand on the side of the road with a barrier between you and the cars, particularly if you’re on a freeway or an especially busy road. It’s acceptable to stay inside your car in such a case if it’s on a fairly empty road and you are buckled up.
Is there ever a reason I should call 000 rather than calling a towing service?
Only call 000 if your car has stopped on the road, if there are fire and/or smoke, or if there is someone in your car, especially a child, and if there is someone who needs to get out of the car. Otherwise, call a towing service or an automotive service.
Should I do a repair myself on the roadside?
Only if the repair is really small, and the spot you are in is very safe, like for instance, checking your fuel, or even your tire pressure. DO NOT attempt a repair next to a busy road. It is safer to let someone who knows what they are doing.
Is there anything I can do to avoid having to breakdown a second time?
Routine maintenance, checking your fluids, battery, tires, and your brakes, as well as prompt maintenance and the attention of the repair shop as soon as the lights of your car start to flash, and it begins to make sounds it should not.
Need Help With a Breakdown? Call Ambarsariya Car Mechanic
Stuck on the road or worried your car might let you down? Ambarsariya Car Mechanic provides reliable breakdown assistance, towing, brake repairs and complete mechanical services across Craigieburn and surrounding suburbs. Find us on Google Maps or get in touch today, and we’ll get you safely back on the road.