How To Handle Car Trouble On The Road

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Life on the road can certainly be unexpected, not to mention stressful. There’s nothing like a conked out engine to ruin a perfectly good day. Finding yourself stranded by a broken down car is an experience all drivers wish to avoid. Unfortunately, it’s one that most of us have dealt with more than once. During these situations, it’s important to remain safe and calm while you assess the problem at hand. To make this much easier, here are six tips for handling car trouble. 

1. Check The Owner’s Manual

When in doubt, you must always check the owner’s manual. Although it’s easy to panic when you see the “check engine” light or hear a strange noise, especially if you’re new to driving, doing so won’t solve anything. That is why you should instead remain calm and pull over when it’s safe to do so. Most issues are simple to diagnose, so read the owner’s manual first for information. 

2. Move Away From Traffic

Idling amongst traffic can make any bad situation a dangerous one. If another driver were to overlook your vehicle, they could crash into it, causing a serious accident. Because of this, you must attempt to move your car to the side of the road. When this isn’t possible, you shouldn’t push the vehicle. Entering traffic like this is highly dangerous, so it’s best to leave your car alone. 

3. Speak To An Expert

Unless you’re a qualified mechanic, you shouldn’t attempt to repair a car yourself, especially on the side of the road. This not only puts you in danger but could make the car trouble much worse. Instead, you must call a breakdown recovery service. They will then tow your car to a garage for you. If you don’t have a phone with you, use any emergency roadside phone available. 

4. Source Your Own Parts

When a repair is necessary, car trouble can easily cost a small fortune. Thankfully, there are a few ways to lessen the expense. Sourcing your own parts, whether you need VW parts, BMW parts, or another make entirely, is very effective. While even brand new parts typically work out much cheaper when bought online, you can cut costs even further by purchasing used parts. 

5. Prepare For Bad Weather

Most cars don’t break down on a warm summer’s day. That would be far too lucky. Instead, many drivers have to deal with wind, rain, and snow while waiting for a tow service. That is why you must keep emergency clothing in your car. A waterproof coat, gloves, and a pair of warm boots are extremely helpful when you’re waiting in the pouring rain for help to arrive. 

6. Never Leave The Car

If you can’t move your car out of traffic, you definitely shouldn’t stay inside it. After all, if another vehicle were to hit yours, you could be seriously hurt. That being said, you should not wander off too far. Leaving your vehicle stranded could result in it being towed away, leaving you with a huge fine to pay. Move somewhere safe, but always keep your car in sight. 

Car trouble isn’t enjoyable, but the advice above means that it doesn’t have to be so stressful.