Even with proper Vehicle care and maintenance, on rare occasions You may still experience a break down. What should you do if this happens to you?

If you are experiencing car trouble, or have had a break down, there are some important safety concerns to consider. First, you should get the vehicle to a safe place. Never get out of your car on a busy roadway. If you notice a problem while the vehicle is in motion, gently and smoothly take your foot off the accelerator and move to the right hand shoulder of the road immediately. If possible, try to stop in a position where you will be able to see the traffic coming from behind you. Other drivers will more easily see you, and it will be easier for you to get back onto the road. 

If the engine fails, and you can not move the vehicle off the road, the safest option may be to remain in the vehicle until help arrives.  Use a cell phone to call for help, or wait for a patrol car to take notice of you. Roll down the driver’s side window, and hang a white cloth or paper in the window or from the radio antenna to alert other drivers that your vehicle is experiencing a problem and you are in need of assistance. Lock the doors, and if someone stops to offer assistance, roll down the window only slightly and ask them to call the police if you haven’t been able to call yourself. Never get out of your vehicle in busy traffic, especially if you are on the highway.

If you have a flat tire, do not attempt to change it unless you can get to the side of the road. Continue to a safe place where you are able to park safely. If possible, look for a well lit public location where you can access the tire from the side away from the road. While this may mean destroying the wheel, the cost of replacing a rim or wheel is insignificant compared to endangering your safety.

Once you have managed to get the car off the road, you’ll need to make your car visible to other drivers. Turn on your hazard lights, and place flares or triangles about six feet behind the vehicle. If it is dark, turn on the interior dome light. If you are able to run the engine, keep it running to avoid draining the battery. Turn your wheel away from the road and put the emergency brake on to prevent rolling if you are on a hill.

Here is a list of some important things to keep with you in case of an emergency such as this:

• Cell phone with charger
• Emergency service information
• Flares, warning triangles or reflectors
• Signal flag, retro-reflective vest or scarf
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables and tire pressure gauge
• Jack with flat board for soft surfaces
• Lug wrench for changing a flat tire
• Toolkit including screwdriver, pliers, duct tape and adjustable wrench

It is generally not a good idea to try to repair your vehicle yourself if you have experienced a break down, especially if you are inexperienced, unsure exactly what is wrong, or in an unsafe location. Wait in your vehicle until police or your auto club’s tow driver arrives, and then allow your trusted mechanic to examine and repair the vehicle. Your safety is far more important than getting to your destination.