New Truck Owner? Be Aware of Your Truck's Limits

4 Car Breakdown Mistakes To Avoid

8 May 2020

Christine Brooks

No driver ever expects that their car is going to break down. Unfortunately, breakdowns can happen anywhere and at any time. This is why it's so important to prepare for an inevitable car breakdown, whether it be due to engine trouble, a flat tire, or anything in between. By being aware of some of the most common vehicle breakdown mistakes drivers make, you can take care to avoid them and keep yourself safer.

Not Having Roadside Assistance

If you don't already have a roadside assistance plan in place, now is the time to purchase one. While exact roadside assistance services can vary from one company to the next, many offer basic services that can come in handy if your car breaks down. This includes:

• battery jumping
• towing to a local mechanic
• tire changes
• car lockout assistance

Depending on your insurance carrier, you may be able to add roadside assistance directly to your policy. Otherwise, you can always purchase coverage through a third-party company. Having roadside assistance can give you some much-needed peace of mind if you ever break down on the side of the road, and can easily pay off with just one tow.

Not Making Yourself Visible

A disabled vehicle can pose a danger to other drivers, especially if you haven't completely moved out of the road. Whenever possible, pull far off to the side of the road and turn your car's emergency flashers on to alert oncoming traffic of your position. If your car breaks down in the middle of the road and you're not able to move safely to one side, contact local police or highway patrol for assistance.

Leaving Your Vehicle

While it might seem like a good idea to leave your car and seek assistance (or a can of gas) elsewhere, you're only putting yourself at risk by exiting your vehicle. Stay put and wait for assistance rather than wandering off, no matter how close you may be to an exit or service station.

Forgetting Important Items in Your Car

If your car needs to be towed, don't forget to take important items with you. Your wallet, driver's license, phone, and vehicle documents should be kept on your person. Depending on where your car is being towed and their service hours, you may not be able to retrieve items that you leave in your car until the next business day.

Dealing with a car breakdown can be a real hassle, but avoiding these mistakes will make things much easier and help you get back on the road in no time!

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