Car breakdowns are far more than mere inconveniences. As a car owner, facing one can be costly, frustrating, and even dangerous.
From flat tires on the highway to sudden engine troubles, car breakdowns can happen to any driver at any time. Even if you keep your vehicle in good shape, breakdowns can still occur, usually when you least expect them, such as at the start of a long road trip or on the way home from grocery shopping.
Although the timing of these events that leave you stranded at the side of the road may seem completely random, the causes behind them certainly are not.
One of the most significant culprits behind car breakdowns is a lack of attention to regular maintenance practices. Neglected oil changes, worn-out spark plugs, or aging car batteries can lead to system failures that ultimately result in a roadside breakdown.
In addition, extreme weather conditions, such as excessive heat or cold, can cause strain to certain components of a vehicle, eventually causing them to malfunction and resulting in a breakdown.
As well, problems like running a car until it is completely out of fuel, ignoring problem warning signs, and loading a car beyond its maximum weight capacity can all increase the chances of a breakdown.
What are the most crucial steps to take if your car breaks down?
Whether your vehicle breaks down at the side of a major highway or on an empty intercity country road, getting stranded is never a convenient situation to find yourself in. Thus, if you do end up in these circumstances, it pays to be prepared.
Rather than panicking and becoming overwhelmed by such a misfortune, approaching the situation methodically and calmly will significantly improve your outcome. The following are some of the most crucial steps to take if your car unexpectedly breaks down:
1. Pull over if possible
If you start to feel your car handling strangely, and you can sense a breakdown coming, or if you still have limited control over your vehicle afterwards, turn on your hazard lights and try your best to maneuver your car onto the right shoulder, getting off the road as much as possible as long as you are still on level ground.
If you cannot make it all the way to the right shoulder of the road, aim for the left shoulder and try to park as close to the median as possible. This will limit the degree to which your car hangs over the line and into the road.
This is an especially important step to follow when visibility is limited, either due to poor weather conditions or lighting. If you leave your car parked in the middle of the road, other approaching vehicles could accidentally crash into you.
2. Stay inside your car
If you are unable to get your car off the road and onto a shoulder following a breakdown, and you are worried about your car being struck from behind by another vehicle, then you should carefully exit your vehicle if there is a safer area that you can move to while you wait for help.
However, if you are able to get your car off the road and onto the shoulder, you should avoid leaving the vehicle. For your own safety and that of others, stay put.
3. Note your location
Once you are safely off the road, look for signs that indicate your location. If the breakdown has not occurred near any major exits or mile markers, look for other landmarks. Look for service stations, restaurants, businesses, or shopping centres, as you will need to describe your location to those who will come to assist you.
If there are no notable buildings, signs, or other landmarks nearby, try your best to remember the last landmarks or signs that you passed before the breakdown to use as a reference point.
4. Assess your vehicle’s problem
Prior to your breakdown, did you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as odd noises or smoke coming from your car’s engine? If so, make a mental note of them. If you are able to safely exit your vehicle to further assess its state, make sure you do so from the side of the vehicle that is facing away from oncoming traffic.
Noting any obvious signs of a problem that you detect will also help you to provide more valuable information when you are ready to request roadside assistance.
5. Call for help
After you and your passengers are safe, and you have gathered essential information about the particulars of your circumstances, call 911. An operator will guide you through the necessary next steps.
Once you follow the operator’s advice, you may want to make another call to a friend or family member to inform them about what has happened and where you are. Finally, call a towing service to come get you and your car.
6. Make yourself visible
Depending on the location of your breakdown, you may have to wait for someone to help you. While waiting for assistance, it is critical that you make yourself visible to oncoming cars, even if you have pulled off the road and onto the shoulder.
Turn on your hazard lights first to increase your visibility. If you have an emergency triangle, place it carefully a few meters behind your car, while ensuring you stay away from the road as much as possible.
How Ventures Car and Truck Rentals Can Help During a Car Breakdown
Once you are in the clear and your car is at an automotive shop, the hardest part is out of the way, but you never know how long it will take for repairs to be done. If you do not want to be stuck without a vehicle, consider car rentals in Toronto.
At Ventures Car and Truck Rentals, we have been dedicated to offering reliable rental vehicles to our valued customers since 1993. We believe in providing consistently high-quality services that meet the needs of our customers. That is why we offer 24/7 car rentals and free pick-up and drop-off services within our area, to ensure that your rental experience is as convenient and hassle-free as possible.
So, if you want to rent a car from a reputable car rental company that you can rely on, look no further than Ventures Car and Truck Rentals.
We have plenty of great new, safe, and efficient vehicles to choose from in our fleet. If you need any assistance deciding on the right rental car, someone from our team of friendly experts would be happy to help so that we can get you into the perfect car to meet your needs.
We have competitive pricing and flexible rental agreements that you can take advantage of.
While we always ensure every vehicle in our fleet is serviced regularly and kept in top shape, we also know that unexpected incidents can still occur. Rest assured that if you ever experience technical problems or are involved in an accident with your rental, Ventures Car and Truck Rentals has your back. We have a 24 hr number ready to help you at your time of need.
If you’ve experienced an injury, call 911 for assistance. Then if possible, call our team, and we will walk you through the next steps to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. Remember we are there for you
For more information about our car rentals, or to learn more about the makes and models of cars that we have available for rent, call Ventures Car and Truck Rentals at 1 (833) 656-3559 or contact us here.
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