It’s every driver’s nightmare: your car suddenly breaks down on the highway. You might feel stuck and unsure of what to do, but don’t panic! Knowing what to do at that moment can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll guide you what to do if your car breaks down on the highway, and how a towing service NJ can help you get out of this situation.
Things to do If Your Car Breaks Down on a Highway
1. Pull Over Safely
The first thing you should do is get off the road. Try to steer your car to the shoulder or as far to the side of the highway as possible. This keeps you out of traffic, which reduces the risk of accidents. If you’re able to pull off onto a quieter side road, that’s even better. Once you’ve stopped, turn off your engine. This not only saves fuel but also ensures that the engine is not running if there’s a mechanical issue.
2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights
As soon as your car is safely stopped, turn on your hazard lights. This makes your car visible to other drivers, especially if it’s dark or visibility is low. Hazard lights let them know you’re in trouble and that they should be cautious when passing. It’s an important safety measure that can help prevent accidents.
3. Check for Easy Issues
If it’s safe to do so, take a moment to check for simple issues. If you have a flat tire, low fuel, or something that’s easy to fix, this might be your chance to get back on the road quickly. For example, if you can change a flat tire with your spare, this can save you from having to call for help. However, only attempt this if you feel confident, and it’s safe to do so. If you’re not sure, it’s better to wait for professional assistance.
4. Stay in Your Car While Waiting for Help
While you’re waiting for help, your priority should be staying safe. If you’re on a busy highway, stay inside your car with your seatbelt on. This protects you from other vehicles. Turn on your hazard lights to make sure other drivers can see you clearly, and use any available safety equipment, like reflective triangles or flares if you have them. If not, keep your headlights on, and windows slightly cracked for ventilation. Staying visible and inside the car reduces the risk of accidents while you wait.
5. Call a Towing Service and Prepare for Pickup
If you’re unable to fix the problem yourself, it’s time to call a towing service. A professional towing company can help you get your car off the road and transport it to a nearby mechanic. When you call, be sure to provide details about your location and the issue with your car so they can send the right help. Having a reliable towing service number saved in your phone ahead of time can save you valuable time when you need it most.
6. Get Your Car to a Mechanic
Once the towing service has picked up your vehicle, the next step is getting it to a mechanic. Depending on the issue, your car might be fixable on the spot, or the mechanic might need to take a closer look to diagnose the problem. In either case, the sooner your car gets to a professional, the sooner you can get back on the road.
Also Read: Motorcycle Breakdown? Is Towing the Best Option?
Need Help with a Breakdown? Call a Reliable Towing Service
Breakdowns are mostly unexpected and can leave you stressed. But making the right choices in this stressful situation can make a big difference.
Quality 1st Towing is such a right choice in these unforeseen incidents. Whether it’s a flat tire, dead battery, or something more serious, our professional team is ready to assist you 24/7. We’ll get you off the road and to the right place quickly, so you can get back to your day.
Don’t let a breakdown ruin your plans—call Quality 1st Towing for fast, friendly, and efficient service!