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Safety Steps: What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down

Home > Safety Steps: What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down

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Having your vehicle break down on the road can be stressful, but the key is to stay calm and prioritize your safety. While it may be tempting to hop out and try to fix the issue yourself, slow down: there are important steps to take and things to avoid when you’re stuck on the side of the road. Whether it’s a simple roadside issue or something more serious, here’s what to do when your car breaks down to stay safe and get back on track seamlessly.

Start Here: 5 Essential First Steps

Start Here: 5 Essential First Steps

  1. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Place
    If possible, steer your car toward the shoulder or away from traffic. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
  2. Stay Inside Your Vehicle
    Once you’re safely off the road, it’s best to stay inside your vehicle. It might feel safer to step out, but remaining inside with your seatbelt fastened offers more protection from passing traffic.
  3. Call for Help
    If your vehicle breaks down, you should contact a reliable roadside assistance service. Who to call when your car breaks down? Coastal Collision & Towing offers 24-hour towing services and roadside assistance, so you’ll never be stranded for long. Plus, we accept all major insurance, so you’re covered!
  4. Place Emergency Markers
    If you have road flares or warning triangles, place them a good distance behind your vehicle to give oncoming traffic a heads-up. This is especially important if you’ve broken down at night or in low-visibility conditions.
  5. Leave the Engine Off
    If the problem seems engine-related, don’t attempt to restart your car. This could cause further damage. Instead, wait for roadside assistance to arrive for a proper check and diagnosis.
What Not to Do

What Not to Do

  • Don’t Attempt Repairs on the Shoulder
    Trying to fix the issue yourself, especially near busy traffic, is dangerous. Leave it to the professionals to assess and handle the problem.
  • Don’t Stand on the Side of the Road
    Standing too close to traffic increases the risk of injury. If you must exit the vehicle, stay as far away from the roadway as possible.
  • Don’t Leave Your Vehicle Unattended
    Unless absolutely necessary, you should avoid leaving your car behind, as it’s safer to remain nearby.
What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down? Call Coastal Collision & Towing

What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down? Call Coastal Collision & Towing

We understand how stressful a breakdown can be. Our 24-hour towing services and speedy roadside assistance ensure that expert help is just a phone call away. When your vehicle breaks down, get in touch for fast, reliable assistance. Whether you need towing, repair, or help dealing with your insurance, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my vehicle breaks down on the highway?

If you break down on the highway, the first thing you should do is safely move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe spot off the road. Turn on your hazard lights, stay inside the car, and call us for roadside assistance and 24-hour towing services.

Is it safe to get out of my car if it breaks down?

In most cases, it’s safer to stay inside your vehicle, especially if you’re near traffic. If you need to get out, ensure you’re as far away from the road as possible, and only exit the car if it’s safe.

Who should I call when my car breaks down?

You should contact a reliable roadside assistance service or towing company like Coastal Collision & Towing to get your car to a reliable auto body shop for repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Can I fix my car on the side of the road?
It’s best to avoid trying to fix your vehicle on the side of the road, especially near heavy traffic. This can be dangerous. Call for professional roadside assistance to handle the issue safely instead.

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