How to Safely Handle a Car Breakdown on the Highway

What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway

Experiencing a car breakdown on the highway can be a stressful and overwhelming situation. A few years ago, I found myself stranded on the side of the road, staring at the “Check Engine” light flickering on my dashboard, with traffic whizzing by at high speeds. At that moment, I realized how important it is to know exactly what to do when your car breaks down on the highway. Over the years, I’ve learned some valuable steps to safely handle such situations, and in this article, I’m going to share those steps with you. Knowing how to handle a breakdown calmly and safely can make all the difference between a stressful experience and a manageable one.

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Karp Buick Service

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1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first and most important thing to do during a car breakdown is to stay calm. Panic can make the situation much worse, and it might prevent you from thinking clearly. When my car broke down, I had a moment of panic myself—especially with the cars speeding past me. But after taking a deep breath and focusing, I realized that staying calm would help me assess the situation better. The first step in managing a breakdown is to assess where you are and what’s happening with your car.

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Atlantic Toyota Service Center

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1.1 - Check the Vehicle’s Condition

If your car is still running, try to move it to the shoulder of the road, away from traffic. Ideally, you want to park your car in a place that’s as safe as possible. If your car has completely stopped, don’t attempt to restart it if you suspect a serious mechanical issue. Sometimes, continuing to try and restart the car can do more damage. Check the dashboard lights, look for any obvious issues like flat tires, smoke, or unusual smells, and take note of anything that seems out of place.

1.2 - Turn on Your Hazard Lights

Once you’ve assessed the situation, the next crucial step is to turn on your hazard lights. This is a simple but effective way to signal to other drivers that your vehicle is stationary, which alerts them to slow down and proceed with caution. I’ve learned the hard way that some drivers won’t notice a car that’s stopped in the lane, so hazard lights are essential for your safety.

2. Move to a Safe Location

If you’re able to, it’s essential to get your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Being stranded in the middle of the highway can put you in a dangerous position, especially with high-speed traffic whizzing by. In my case, when I was able to move the car to the shoulder, I was already in a much safer position.

2.1 - Get Off the Road If Possible

If your car is able to roll even a short distance, aim for the shoulder or an area with plenty of space away from traffic. Parking your vehicle in a safe place will not only keep you safe but will also make it easier for emergency responders or towing services to reach you. Make sure to park on level ground if possible to prevent the car from rolling.

2.2 - Stay Inside the Vehicle If It’s Safe

If you can’t move your car or if you’re in a particularly risky location, the best course of action may be to stay inside the vehicle. The highway can be dangerous, especially if it’s a busy road with speeding cars. I’ve read stories of people being hit by other vehicles when they tried to walk to safety on the side of the road. If you’re on a highway with heavy traffic, staying inside the car with your seatbelt fastened is usually the safest choice.

3. Call for Help

Once you’re in a safe location, it’s time to call for help. Depending on your situation, this might mean contacting a tow service, calling roadside assistance, or even calling the police if you’re in immediate danger or blocking traffic. Roadside assistance programs are incredibly helpful in these situations, as they can dispatch a tow truck, provide a mechanic, or offer other services to get you back on the road.

3.1 - Roadside Assistance Services

If you have a roadside assistance service, give them a call as soon as possible. Many car insurance companies offer roadside assistance coverage, and there are also services like AAA and others that can help. These services often offer everything from towing to battery jumps to help with tire changes. When I had a breakdown a while back, I used my insurance’s roadside assistance, and they were able to send a mechanic within an hour to help me get back on the road.

3.2 - Tow Trucks and Emergency Services

If your car is beyond quick repair, you’ll need to arrange for a tow truck. Most towing companies can handle a wide range of vehicles and situations, from a simple flat tire to a complete breakdown. I’ve also used towing services in the past, and I recommend making sure that you have the contact number of a trusted tow company saved in your phone. The last thing you want is to scramble for a number when you’re stuck on the side of the road.

4. Be Prepared: Emergency Kit and Tools

One of the best things you can do to avoid stress during a car breakdown is to be prepared. An emergency kit in your car can go a long way in making your breakdown less problematic. Having the right tools and supplies on hand can make the situation more manageable and help you solve minor issues without having to call for assistance.

4.1 - Essential Emergency Items to Keep in Your Car

Over the years, I’ve learned that a well-stocked emergency kit can make a huge difference. Some of the essential items I recommend keeping in your car include:

• A flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables for a dead battery
• A first-aid kit for minor injuries
• A tire repair kit (and a spare tire if applicable)
• Water and snacks in case you’re stranded for a long time
• A phone charger
• Basic tools (like wrenches and pliers)

Having these items on hand will make you much more self-sufficient during a breakdown, and you’ll feel more confident in handling the situation while you wait for assistance to arrive.

4.2 - Know Basic Car Maintenance

If you’re able to, learning a few basic car maintenance tasks can help in situations where you might be able to fix the issue yourself. For example, if you’re comfortable with changing a flat tire, this can save you time and effort. While not everyone is a car expert, taking a basic car maintenance class or simply learning about common issues like tire pressure and fluid levels can help you avoid breakdowns in the future and handle minor issues yourself when they arise.

5. Stay Safe: Avoiding Roadside Dangers

While waiting for help, safety is paramount. The highway can be a dangerous place, with high-speed traffic passing right by you. I’ve always made it a point to avoid getting out of the car unless absolutely necessary. If you have to exit the car for any reason, make sure to stay as far from traffic as possible, ideally behind a guardrail or barrier.

5.1 - Setting Up Warning Triangles

Setting up warning triangles behind your car is an effective way to alert other drivers of your presence. Many emergency kits come with reflective triangles or flares that can be placed behind the car to give other drivers a clear warning that there’s a breakdown ahead. I always carry these with me, and they’ve come in handy when I’ve been forced to stop in a low-visibility area.

5.2 - Avoiding Further Risks

Finally, always be aware of your surroundings. While I’ve been fortunate to never experience it, there’s always the possibility of a secondary accident occurring—another car might lose control or fail to see your stopped vehicle. Keeping a safe distance from the road and being alert to approaching traffic can help reduce this risk.

In conclusion, dealing with a car breakdown on the highway is never fun, but knowing how to handle the situation can make a huge difference. Stay calm, follow safety procedures, and don’t hesitate to call for help. By being prepared with an emergency kit, knowing the steps to take, and staying aware of your surroundings, you can navigate the experience with confidence and safety.

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