Learn what to do in an emergency car breakdown. Stay safe, assess the situation and, most importantly, call for professional assistance immediately.
Ensure Your Own Safety First
It's important to know what to do in the event of a car breakdown to look after yourself and anyone else in the vehicle with you. To begin with, it's always best to ensure your own safety first!
As soon as you detect something may be wrong with your car, try to pull over to one side of the road and get as far away from oncoming traffic as you can.
If you can make it to a kerb or car park, this is ideal. Make sure you warn other drivers by turning on your hazard lights; this may also help gain attention if you're struggling in an emergency. Stay inside and keep your seatbelt on if you're on a busy motorway or road and cannot safely exit your vehicle.
If the location poses the risk of passing traffic or is unsafe, calmly exit the car and move to a safer area, such as a nearby building or behind a guardrail. Once you're in a safe spot, you must assess the situation, stay alert and cautious, and contact roadside assistance.
What to Avoid During a Breakdown
During a car breakdown, it's best to stay calm - it is much easier said than done, but you'll find that you'll be able to keep yourself safe when you're not panicking or making sudden decisions. Do not attempt to fix your car or vehicle on a busy road; this can be incredibly dangerous.
Try not to leave your car unattended, especially without properly securing it. Opening the hood or inspecting underneath could cause injury or further damage. It is key to stay patient and wait for professional assistance to arrive.
Call for Emergency Breakdown Assistance
The best option when your car unexpectedly halts or stops functioning safely is to call for emergency breakdown assistance. Car breakdown professionals have all the tools, skills, and experience to repair issues quickly. They will safely assess your vehicle to prevent further damage and reduce potential injuries. When you're in an unsafe or stressful situation, attempting car repairs on your own can lead to mistakes or worsen the problems at hand.
Professional breakdown services can help you get your vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible or tow it to a reputable repair shop for further work. They can help with engine failures, flat tyres, or any electrical issues and are always helpful in emergencies.
Essential Items to Keep in Your Car for Emergencies
It's a wise idea to keep certain items in your car at all times, as they will make sure you're always prepared and safe in times of trouble!
A spare tyre, jack, and lug wrench are essential for dealing with flat tyres on your journey or trip. Another great idea is to keep a first aid kit with you to help with any injuries you acquire.
Extra batteries and jumper cables are useful, especially when batteries die, and you should also carry a flashlight, reflective warning triangles or flares to help with visibility, especially during the night. Keeping a blanket on you for warmth will always help, as will non-perishable snacks and water if you're stranded for a long time. Make sure to carry basic tools.
Understanding Breakdown Cover Policies
Understanding breakdown cover policies is always a good idea for making sure you and your vehicle are protected in the event of a car emergency. The coverage of these policies will vary depending on the level of assistance provided, from basic roadside support to more in-depth services, for example, vehicle recovery, home start, and onward travel options.
You must read these policies carefully, as some plans you may come across will only cover specific types of breakdowns, whereas others can offer extra benefits. Some of these benefits include vehicle replacements or covering repair costs. Make sure you look closely at the terms, exclusions, and conditions, as this will tell you exactly what the company can cover, the limitations, and response times.
When you car breaks down in Godstone, Surrey, Lingfield, and the surrounding areas, contact Surrey Roadside Recovery! We can help get your car back on the road with our recovery services.
Emergency Breakdown Recovery Godstone