What happens when your car breaks down on the highway and won’t start, no matter how many times you turn the ignition on? Your first instinct would probably be to panic because you feel scared, confused, and stressed, especially in the middle of fast traffic. But panicking won’t help and can even put you in danger.
So, what can you do?
The first and most appropriate response Benny’s Towing Service recommends is to remain calm because you can only think of a quick solution when you’re at ease. In this guide, we discuss the steps to take when your car breaks down on the highway so you can confidently handle the situation before a tow truck service arrives.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Act Quickly
As we mentioned before, the first thing to do when your car breaks down on the highway is to stay calm because panic only worsens things and can lead to poor decisions that put you and others in danger.
Take a deep breath and keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel. If the engine is still running or your car still moves, turn on your hazard lights right away so other drivers can see that something is wrong. These flashing lights will give you more space and time to react safely because they warn other drivers to slow down and keep their distance.
Step 2: Move Your Car to a Safe Spot
If your car still moves, guide it towards an exit ramp or rest area, steering slowly and carefully without making sharp turns or sudden stops till it’s as far away from traffic as possible. Once you’re out of danger, switch off the ignition and activate your parking brake, but keep the hazard lights on to keep the car still and visible.
If the car won’t move, stay inside with your seatbelt on and turn on the hazard light because it’s safer than walking near speeding cars, and the flashing lights will warn other drivers to slow down.
You can only exit the car if you see smoke or flames, and if you must get out, do it from the side farthest from traffic.
Step 3: Make Your Car Visible
Keep your hazard lights flashing the entire time your car is parked, and open the hood to show other drivers that your car broke down. You should only get out of the car when there’s no traffic nearby and place reflective triangles, or road flares a few feet behind your car to warn oncoming vehicles.
Anything that makes your car more visible will help prevent an accident because drivers may not notice a stopped car until it’s too late, especially at night, during fog, or in the rain.
Step 4: Call for Help
If you or someone else is in danger or the car is stuck in a busy lane and can’t move, call 000 immediately so the police can come and help manage traffic. But if the situation isn’t urgent and your car won’t start, contact roadside assistance or a tow truck service like Benny’s Towing Service.
When speaking to the dispatcher or service provider, calmly tell them your exact location using road signs, mile markers, or a GPS app and describe what happened, whether your car stopped suddenly, the engine overheated, or a tire went flat. These clear details will let them know what kind of help you need, like a tow truck service, fuel delivery, or battery jumpstart. You should also inform your insurance company of the incident to prepare them for any damages they must cover.
Step 5: Stay Inside If It’s Not Safe
Highways are dangerous for pedestrians because cars move quickly, and drivers may not see you in time to stop, so a small mistake like stepping too close to the lane can cause serious accidents.
If your car is near traffic, stay inside, lock the doors, and wait patiently for help to arrive, but if you must get out in case of smoking or flames, exit only from the passenger side, which is farthest from traffic. Never step out of the driver’s side if other vehicles are passing by closely because it puts you at serious risk.
Step 6: Prepare for Emergencies Before They Happen
One of the best ways to stay safe during a car breakdown is to prepare beforehand so you’re not caught off guard. You should always keep a basic emergency kit in your car that has a working flashlight, a phone charger that fits your car, clean drinking water, a warm blanket, a small first-aid kit, and reflective gear like a vest or safety triangles. These items will help you stay visible, warm, and safe while waiting for help. You should also keep important phone numbers inside your glove box or saved in your phone, including the tow truck service provider and insurer.
Bonus Tips: What Not to Do
Knowing what to do when your car breaks down on the highway is just as important as understanding what not to do because some actions may worsen the situation and even put your life in danger.
Here are a few tips to help you stay out of harm’s way until help arrives:
1. Don’t stand behind or in front of the car because another car can lose control or not see your vehicle in time, and you could be hit.
2. Don’t try to fix major problems on a busy road because the noise, movement, and pressure can make it difficult to focus, and even a small distraction can lead to an accident.
3. Don’t leave the car unless it’s absolutely necessary and safe because doing so increases your chances of being hit or hurt.
4. Don’t ignore warning signs like smoke or leaks, and call for professional help.
5. Don’t panic or yell at others in the car because staying calm keeps everyone safe and helps you make better choices.
When you avoid these common mistakes, you have the best chance of staying safe and reducing damage to your car.
If you need quick and reliable tow truck service near me, contact Benny’s Towing Service today because our team arrives fast, treats your car with care, and gets you back on the road safely, day or night.