A car breakdown can be a worrying and potentially dangerous situation, but knowing how to react can mitigate the risks involved. Here’s some advice to follow on what to do if your vehicle breaks down on the roads of Silver Spring, MD.
Switch on Your Emergency Lights
The first thing you’ll want to do in the event of a breakdown is to signal to other drivers to make them aware of the situation. This will allow them to react accordingly to reduce the chance of an accident occurring. As soon as you feel the breakdown beginning, switch on your hazard lights so that your vehicle is as noticeable as it can be.
Slow Your Vehicle Down
You’ll need to bring your vehicle to a stop in a safe way in the event of a breakdown. However, simply slamming on the brakes often isn’t the best course of action, as this may cause danger for other drivers you’re sharing the road with. Instead, apply the brakes gradually to slow your vehicle down at a safe rate, eventually coming to a stop.
Steer Towards the Side of the Road
As your vehicle is slowing down, turn your wheel to guide your vehicle over towards the nearest shoulder. Be mindful of other drivers around you as you navigate over to the side of the road. Apply the parking brake once you get into position to ensure that your vehicle remains at a stop.
Increase Your Visibility
Once you’ve safely brought your vehicle to a stop on the side of the road, it’s time to take steps to ensure that your vehicle is visible to anyone else driving in the area. Your hazard lights are a good start towards this goal, but there’s more that you can do. Travel with warning triangles and road flares that you can quickly set up in the event of a breakdown to make your vehicle more visible to passing drivers.
Stay In Your Vehicle
There may be a compulsion to abandon a vehicle that has broken down, but the reality is that you are in much more danger outside your vehicle than inside of it. Unless you’re doing something specific, stay inside your vehicle while waiting for the help you need. This should help minimize the risk you have of sustaining injuries from other drivers around you.
Call for Assistance
Now that you’ve properly taken care of your breakdown, it’s time to get the help you need. A towing service, mechanic, or roadside assistance service can provide you with the help you need. They’ll get your vehicle to your trusted repair shop in Silver Spring, MD so that whatever caused the breakdown can be addressed so your vehicle can get back on the road.
Want more driving tips or service for your vehicle after it breaks down? Visit our DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring blog today for more Lexus service & repair tips!
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