What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down: A Complete Guide

Nobody plans for their vehicle to break down, but it happens to millions of drivers every year. Whether you're cruising down the highway or stuck in city traffic, a mechanical failure can turn an ordinary day into a stressful situation. The good news is that knowing what to do ahead of time can make all the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous predicament.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first few moments after your car breaks down are critical. Your natural reaction might be panic, especially if you're on a busy highway or in an unfamiliar area. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is a manageable situation. Thousands of drivers experience breakdowns every day, and most resolve without incident.

Start by quickly assessing what's happening with your vehicle. Are you hearing unusual noises? Do you smell burning rubber or see steam rising from under the hood? Is the engine still running, or has it died completely? These observations will help you make informed decisions about your next steps and provide valuable information when you call for assistance.

Get to Safety Immediately

Your safety should be your top priority. If your vehicle is still operational, even if it's making concerning noises, try to move it to the shoulder or a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that your vehicle is experiencing problems. If you're on a highway and can safely reach an exit, that's often a better option than stopping on the shoulder.

However, if your car has stopped suddenly or you can't safely move it, don't risk your life trying to push it to the side of the road in heavy traffic. Turn on your hazard lights, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened, and call for help immediately. It's better to have your car towed from the middle of a lane than to become a pedestrian casualty trying to move it.

Make Yourself Visible

Once you've reached a safe position, take steps to make your vehicle as visible as possible to other drivers. Your hazard lights are essential, but additional precautions can prevent accidents. If you have road flares or reflective triangles in your emergency kit, place them behind your vehicle at appropriate distances. On highways, position them at least 100 feet back to give approaching drivers adequate warning.

If it's dark or visibility is poor due to weather conditions, stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. Turning on your interior dome light can help other drivers see that someone is inside the vehicle. At Edina Towing Service, we've seen too many situations where drivers standing outside their vehicles were put at risk by passing traffic.

Call for Professional Help

Now that you're safe and visible, it's time to call for assistance. If you have roadside assistance through your insurance company or an auto club, contact them first. Have your policy number, location, and vehicle information ready. Be as specific as possible about your location, especially if you're on a highway. Note nearby exit numbers, mile markers, or landmarks that can help the tow truck driver find you quickly.

If you don't have roadside assistance coverage, don't worry. A reputable local towing service can provide the help you need. When choosing a towing company, look for one with positive reviews and clear pricing. Be wary of companies that seem to appear out of nowhere offering help, as this could be a scam. It's better to call a company yourself than to accept services from someone who just happens to show up.

What Not to Do During a Breakdown

Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps. Never stand behind or in front of your vehicle, especially on highways or busy roads. This puts you directly in the path of approaching traffic, and drivers may not see you until it's too late. Even standing on the shoulder can be dangerous, as distracted drivers can drift off the road.

Don't accept rides from strangers, no matter how friendly they seem. While most people are genuinely trying to help, accepting rides from unknown individuals puts you at risk. If someone stops to offer assistance, politely decline and let them know you've already called for help. You can ask them to call emergency services if you haven't been able to reach anyone, but there's no need to leave your vehicle with them.

Avoid attempting major repairs on the roadside, especially if you're not experienced with vehicle mechanics. While changing a tire in a safe location might be manageable, trying to fix engine problems or electrical issues on the side of a highway is dangerous and often ineffective. Professional tow truck operators have the tools and expertise to diagnose problems quickly and get your vehicle to a repair facility safely.

Preparing for Future Breakdowns

While you can't prevent every breakdown, you can prepare yourself to handle them more effectively. Start by assembling a comprehensive emergency kit for your vehicle. Include items like a flashlight with extra batteries, reflective triangles or flares, a first aid kit, bottled water, and a phone charger. During winter months, add a blanket, gloves, and a small shovel to your kit.

Keep your vehicle well-maintained to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and system checks can catch small problems before they become major failures. Pay attention to warning signs like unusual noises, dashboard warning lights, or changes in how your vehicle handles. Addressing these issues promptly can save you from an inconvenient and potentially dangerous roadside breakdown.

Finally, always keep your phone charged and carry a list of emergency contacts, including your preferred towing service. Having these numbers readily available means you won't have to search for help in a stressful situation. Consider storing important numbers in your phone's favorites or writing them down and keeping them in your glove compartment.

The Bottom Line

Breaking down is never fun, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. By staying calm, prioritizing safety, and calling for professional help, you can handle the situation effectively. Remember that your safety is more important than your vehicle. Don't take unnecessary risks trying to fix problems or save time. Professional towing services exist specifically to help in these situations, and using them is the smart choice.

Whether you're dealing with a flat tire, an overheated engine, or a complete mechanical failure, the steps outlined in this guide will help you stay safe and get back on the road as quickly as possible. Keep this information in mind, prepare your vehicle with an emergency kit, and don't hesitate to call for help when you need it. Safe travels!