Not many people make it through their entire lives without experiencing a breakdown at least once. This sort of situation can be a mild inconvenience or a complete nightmare, depending on whether or not you take the necessary measures. You simply cannot be too prepared for this type of situation. This article will provide you with the information you need to ready yourself for a breakdown so everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Preventing Breakdowns
There are certain ways that you can reduce the chances of a breakdown with your car, such as getting routine work done in a timely manner. You should never wait very long to get even small problems with your car fixed, because they can quickly become much bigger and more costly. Those who are diligent about maintaining their vehicles have the lowest chances of experiencing a breakdown, but it is still always a possibility.
Keep a Spare Tyre in Your Car
While it might seem pretty obvious, you need to make sure that you have a spare tyre in your car at all times. If you ever get a flat tyre, you won’t have to worry about going to buy a new one right away. You can have the temporary tyre put on until you can get to a garage to have a proper one installed. If you do not have a spare tyre, you can get one very cheap.
Put Together an Emergency Kit
You should also put together an emergency kit that can make breakdowns go much smoother. This kit can make the difference between a slight inconvenience and a total disaster.
Some of the items that you should include in your kit:
• Phone charger: The last thing you want is to be stranded with your broken down car without a way to call for help. The charger will ensure that you can use your phone in this situation.
• Fire extinguisher: While it may be unlikely that you’ll ever need to use a fire extinguisher on your car, it is still good to have.
• Torch: If your car breaks down at night, you will certainly be glad you have this item.
• Water: You can use the water to stay hydrated while waiting for help, as well as for your radiator if your car overheats.
• First aid kit: If you get injured while driving, it is a good idea to have a standard first aid kit with bandages and other items.
Have a Breakdown Cover Policy
One of the best ways to be prepared for your car breaking down is to have the proper European breakdown cover. Roadside assistance services will provide you with a quick way to get the help you need. Whether you have a flat tyre or need your battery jumped, you will certainly be glad to have this type of cover. It typically doesn’t cost a lot to maintain one of these policies, and it can certainly be very useful.
It is important that you have the number of the roadside assistance service in your phone already so that you don’t have to fumble around for it if your car breaks down. Make sure that you know which specific services you have access to when buying the policy. Once you have made the call, you can expect a professional to come to your vehicle to help within a short amount of time. If the problem is too complex to solve on the roadside, you can get your car towed to a local garage.
Find a Safe Area to Pull Over if Possible
If you feel as though your car is going to break down altogether, you should try to get it off the road. This way you will be in a safe place until help arrives. While this is not always possible, you should always at least attempt to do it. If you cannot get your vehicle off the road, do not sit in it. Stand off to the side just in case someone driving by hits your car.
Don’t Panic
Remember not to panic if you ever break down, because it will only make the situation infinitely worse. Most people tend to make very bad decisions when they panic, so take a few deep breaths and try to stay as calm as possible.
Keep a Checklist
It’s always a good idea to keep a car breakdown checklist so you remember exactly what to do in this type of situation. It is very easy to forget some of these things when are having car trouble because of how stressful and chaotic the situation can be. Keep the checklist in your car within reach at all times. This way you can maintain a cool head and get through it all without any major issues.
