One of the most dreaded thoughts of car owners is the potential for their vehicle to break down while driving down the road. Cars and trucks will eventually break down and need the services of Marysville WA truck repairs shops, but you don’t have to be totally unprepared if this happens. These are a few things to keep in mind if you find yourself stranded on the highway with an engine that has shut down.
Keep Safety a Priority
Your fear and anxiety may shoot through the roof, but you must remain calm and collected when your car breaks down. It is important to keep safety as the first priority. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is safe, but then if possible, move the vehicle out of the way of oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazards to alert motorists that you are having car trouble. Don’t exit the vehicle unless it is safe to do so. If your car came to rest where there is a high likelihood of being hit by traffic, leave the vehicle and find safe ground.
Make Necessary Phone Calls
For those who have a membership with AAA, you can call for tow assistance or help with changing a flat tire. If you are in need of gas, there are many states that have roadside assistance trucks that can be dispatched to help. If you feel that the area where you are stranded isn’t safe, either because of the flow of traffic or otherwise, you can a non-emergency line for the state police. For those who aren’t mechanically inclined and know very little about their engine trouble, you may need to call for a tow truck.
Make Plans Ahead of Time
One of the best ways to address a potential breakdown is through a proactive approach to car maintenance and repair needs. Extended warranties can provide an extra layer of vehicle protection by covering the costs of repairs when a breakdown occurs.