1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing you need to do when your car breaks down is remain calm. Panicking can lead to poor decisions, and it’s important to think clearly in order to handle the situation safely.

Take a moment to assess the condition of your car and the road. Look for signs of trouble, such as:

• Overheating
• Engine warning lights
• A flat tire or smoke coming from under the hood

Once you’ve determined the situation, move on to the next step of ensuring your safety.

2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights

Safety first! When your car breaks down, immediately turn on your hazard lights (also known as emergency flashers). This alerts other drivers to your presence and warns them to slow down. Hazard lights are essential, especially if you’re on a busy road or highway, as they make your car more visible to other vehicles.

3. Move Your Car to a Safe Location

If possible, move your car to a safe location away from traffic. If you are on a busy street or highway, it’s crucial to find a flat, stable area where you can park your car. Avoid stopping on a curve, near intersections, or in blind spots where other drivers may not see you.

If your car is still running and you can safely move it, try to pull over to the shoulder or a parking lot. Always stay inside your car if you are on a high-speed road like a freeway, as getting out may expose you to potential danger from passing traffic.

If you can’t move the car, don’t worry; just make sure your hazard lights are on to alert others.

4. Put on a Reflective Vest or Use Warning Triangles

For added safety, especially in low visibility conditions, wear a reflective vest or place warning triangles behind your car to warn approaching drivers. These items make you more visible and reduce the risk of an accident. Reflective triangles or flares are especially useful if you’re stuck in the dark or foggy conditions.

If you don’t have these safety tools, using your hazard lights is still important.

5. Call for Roadside Assistance

Once you’re in a safe location, the next step is to call for roadside assistance. Many vehicle insurance policies include roadside assistance, which can help with things like:

• Towing the car to the nearest repair shop
• Jump-starting the battery
• Delivering fuel if you’ve run out
• Changing a flat tire

If you don’t have roadside assistance, you can contact a local towing company, like SLS Auto, for help. Our team provides reliable roadside assistance and can quickly send someone to help you out.

6. Check for Obvious Issues (If It’s Safe)

If you feel comfortable and the situation is safe, you can check for any obvious issues with the car, such as:

• Flat tire: If you have a spare tire and know how to change it, this may be something you can handle yourself.
• Overheating: If your engine is overheating, pull over and allow the engine to cool before checking the coolant levels.
• Loose parts: Check under the hood if you feel it’s safe, but only if you’re in a secure location.

If the problem is beyond your ability to fix or if you’re unsure, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals at SLS Auto. We can offer quick repairs or towing services to get your car back on the road safely.

7. Don’t Try to Drive the Car Further

If you suspect that the issue is something serious, such as engine damage, overheating, or brake failure, do not attempt to drive the car any further. Continuing to drive with a mechanical issue can cause further damage to your vehicle and may leave you stranded in a more dangerous location.

Once you’ve contacted roadside assistance or a tow service, allow them to tow your vehicle to a safe location for proper repair.