Nobody wants their car to break down in the middle of the road. It can be dangerous, expensive and inconvenient to have your car broken down. The worst thing that could happen is not knowing what to do during a breakdown. It is better to be prepared than stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Safety First Pullover to the Side
It would help if you first considered your safety before using your amazing mechanic skills. Stay calm if your car stops working on an empty road or a busy highway.
Remaining calm can solve half of your problems right away. Next, pull over to the side of traffic. This is not always possible, especially if you’re facing a hill or the narrowest part of the highway. You can manoeuvre yourself out of traffic.
Stay inside/Out of the line of Traffic.
If your car breaks down on a highway or parks in an area with no traffic, it is best to stay in your vehicle. You can only leave your vehicle if you are in a difficult situation.
Keep your distance from the road. It would help if you did not drive on the side of traffic that has a vehicle or change tires.
Hazard Lights – On!
Turn on your hazard lights to signal that you’re in trouble. Signal with your hands to other cars coming towards you if they need to know about your situation.
To get to a safe place, use the car’s momentum. When you are free from traffic, use the parking brakes to park your car.
Assess the Environment
Call for help if the area you’re stuck in is unsafe. Call a tow truck to get you to safety faster, or call a friend to help. Keep your windows and doors locked to ensure safety!
You will need to be away from traffic if you want to fix the problem or replace a flat.
If the car is being pushed to another location, you can release the parking brake or the foot brake, put the transmission in neutral and drive the car as needed while they push. If they stop pushing, you should brake as quickly as possible.
Identifying the problem
To be checked:
- Verify the battery condition and check for loose connections
- Make sure to clean and tighten your battery connection before you try to restart.
- Verify the electrical wiring, spark plus, and tubes.
- The anti-theft system is available.
- Verify that the key is turning in the ignition.
- Security lights flash
- Fuel check
If you can repair the car yourself, that is great. It is best to have the car repaired by a professional to avoid further damage. You can, however, make some general assessments of the vehicle’s condition.
Loose Batterie Cables
Check under the hood for loose or damaged battery cables. Check the connections between the battery terminals to ensure they are connected properly. If they aren’t, you can install them if you have the right tools.
Always use the negative terminal first. The cable covers are usually rubber or red plastic and have a negative sign. Attach the terminal head to the right terminal. Adjust the bolts until they are tightened. You can do the same for the positive terminal. The terminal cable is covered in black plastic or rubber.
Fuse Box
The fuse box is next if the battery cables are in good condition. The fuse box is usually located near the battery. To check for a blown a fuse, open the fuse box. Check for broken connections in the glass tubes and black soot on the fuse to determine if it is blown. If the fuse has a plastic casing, the connectors may be damaged if they are blown. They will also have sooty residue on the plastic cover. Replace any blown a fuse with the correct type, and then fit them securely and tightly in their place.
Spark plugs
Spark plugs may be the problem if the engine does not start but makes odd-sounding spitting sounds and timing. This problem can’t be fixed without a spark-plug wrench and a ratchet. However, you can inspect their attachment to the distributor cables. The spark plug holes are located near the engine block. Wires will be covered with black rubber and connected to the distributor.
First, disconnect the distributor leads from your spark plug. Next, check that the connection is clean. Use a towel or newspaper to clean the area. Check that the engine is running again by starting it again.
What to Keep in Your Car for Emergencies?
First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit includes gauze dressings, band-aids, safety pins. Always keep your car current and up-to-date.
Flashlight
It is not necessary to explain why you need a flashlight. A flashlight is an essential tool that you should always have on hand in an emergency.
Money
Even though digital payments are now possible, it is safer to have some cash back up. You can limit the amount you keep to prevent theft. However, some cash in paper form will still be useful.
Car Cell Phone Charging
One thing is a troublesome car battery, but another is a dead phone battery. We don’t want to have a dead phone and a car that isn’t working. For emergencies, always keep a USB cable or charger on hand.
Sheets or Blankets
You can use blankets and sheets to protect yourself from the cold, rain, or too much heat.
Water Bottles
Water-filled bottles not only quench your thirst but also cool down the radiator if necessary.
Toolkit
It is essential to have a basic tool kit that includes a tyre gauge and pliers, oil, brake liquid, duct tape, screwdrivers, a knife, antifreeze (collapsible shovel), ice scraper, foam tyre sealing agent, and a tyre indicator. Even if they aren’t your first choice, there is a good chance that someone can help you.
Documents
When driving, always have all of your important documents. Your driving license, car insurance policy, and Pollution Under Control certificates are essential documents. If required, they must be presented to traffic officers.
Emergency Flares
Place orange or red reflective flares around the car to warn others about your presence on a busy road.
Food
Foods with a longer shelf life, such as energy bars, dried fruits, cup noodles, and so on, have a longer shelf life. You can store them in your car.