What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down

What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down

If your car suddenly breaks down, it is important to know what to do. One of the first steps is to try to identify the problem. Some possible causes of a breakdown include the following:

1. Your vehicle is out of gas.

Running out of gas is one of the most common problems that drivers run into. As long as you are close to a gas station, this issue is easy to fix. If you are out in the middle of nowhere, however, things are a little bit more complicated.

2. Your car’s battery is dead.

If your vehicle’s battery is old or if your alternator is malfunctioning, the battery could die. Defective alternators draw power from your battery, which could leave it drained. Old batteries are also more prone to problems, which is why most experts recommend replacing your battery approximately every five years. Jumpstarting your vehicle is a good way to get it running if your battery is dead. Usually, the best option is to contact a company for roadside assistance rather than seeking help from people that you don’t know.

3. Your vehicle has overheated.

If your car overheats, you may not be able to start it. Overheating can result from a number of problems ranging from too much strain on the engine to extremely hot weather.

4. You have a flat tire.

Flat tires are sometimes unavoidable. Even if you do everything right when it comes to vehicle maintenance, if you happen to drive over a sharp object, it can puncture your tire, leaving you stuck on the side of the road.

What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down

1. Pull your vehicle off the road.

As soon as you notice a problem with your car, pull off the road, parking as far out of the lane of traffic as you can.

2. Activate the hazard lights on your vehicle.

To turn on the hazard lights, push the button in your car that is marked with an orange or red triangle. These lights will capture the attention of anyone who is driving by, letting them know that your vehicle is disabled on the side of the road.

3. Reach out to a roadside assistance company.

If you can’t get your car going within a reasonable amount of time on your own, the next best option is to contact a company that offers towing or roadside assistance.