What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down: 6 Roadside Safety Tips 

No one ever expects their car to break down, but with 69 million cars breaking down in the U.S. each year, chances are it could happen to you. Being prepared can help get you back on the road more quickly. Do you know what to do when your car breaks down? If not, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Here are some tips on what to do if you find yourself in this situation. 

1. Turn On Your Hazard Lights 

To keep yourself and others safe, the first thing you should do is turn on your hazard lights and place your car in park. This will warn other drivers that you have stopped, and they should use caution. 

2. Call For Help 

If you have a cell phone, the next thing you should do is call for a tow truck or roadside assistance. Vehicle breakdowns represent over 80% of all automobile incidents in the U.S.  There are plenty of towing companies out there who will be able to help you get you and your car off the road and to a safer location. They may also be able to help you get your car to a repair shop for inspection. 

3. Stay In Your Car 

After you’ve called for help, the best thing to do is to stay in your car. It’s not safe to get out of the car to wander around or to sit and wait on the side of the road. So, if you can, stay inside your vehicle and wait for help to arrive. 

4. If You Have to Get Out Of Your Car, Use Caution 

If you absolutely must get out of your car, be very careful. Stay as far away from the road as you can. If you must cross the road, be sure to look both ways before doing so. Always be mindful of any passing cars. If possible, have someone stay with your vehicle while you get help. 

5. Be Prepared 

The best way to prevent a breakdown is to keep your car in good working order by getting regular oil changes and tune-ups. This can help you avoid getting stranded on the side of the road.  

6. Get Roadside Assistance Coverage 

Roadside assistance can help you get back on the road quickly and safely. If you’re in a remote area, call for roadside assistance. If you’re in a populated area, you may be able to find help nearby. Look for a service station, tow truck, or police officer. 

Once you’ve found help, stay in your car, and wait for assistance to arrive. If you must leave your car, be sure to let the roadside assistance provider know where you are going and when you’ll be back. 

Roadside assistance providers can help you with a variety of problems, including: 

• Flat tires 
• Dead batteries 
• Running out of gas 
• Lockouts 
• Towing 

When your car breaks down, it’s important to have roadside assistance because it can help you get back on the road quickly and safely. If you don’t have roadside services coverage, Acceptance Insurance can help! Contact us today to get a free roadside assistance quote.  

Common Questions About What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down 

What Are The Most Important Things To Keep In Your Car In Case You Get Stranded? 

As of 2019, there were over 4-million miles of public highway roads in the U.S. That means there are plenty of places to find yourself stranded on the side of the road. There are a few things you should keep in your car to make the experience a little less stressful.  

First and foremost, keep a flashlight in your car in case you need to walk in the dark or signal for help. For extended road trips, it’s also a good idea to carry some snacks and water in your car as well as a first-aid kit, blanket, and map. It’s important to keep your spare tire properly inflated and to have a set of jumper cables in your trunk. Keep a cell phone charger handy so that you can telephone for help if necessary. Some phones also provide maps, directions, and even flashlights.  

What Should You Do If Your Car Won’t Start?  

If your car won’t start, you have a few options. You could try to jump-start the car using jumper cables and another car’s battery, or you might call for a tow truck. If you have a spare key, you may also try to start the car using that key in case the original one is faulty. If those things don’t work, you may need to call a mechanic or roadside assistance. 

Roadside assistance offers peace of mind, so you will know you’ll be covered if your car breaks down. Contact Acceptance Insurance to learn more or get started with a free roadside assistance quote today! 

Disclaimer: This is not an insurance product, it is a membership plan. All membership plans are a product of and administered by NSD Group, LLC©. Not all products, discounts, or payment plans are available in all states or distribution channels. All products described herein are subject to terms and conditions.