Car breakdowns can be frustrating, and if you’re unfortunate enough to experience it on a highway – dangerous as well. However, car breakdowns can happen at any time and to anyone. If you find yourself stuck on interstates 25, 70, 76, 225, 270, or anywhere along the Colorado state highway, you should remain calm. There are many state and federal helplines available to you.
Tips to Follow During a Highway Car Breakdown
So your car just broke down in the middle of the night on the interstate? You may be late for your leisure or business trip, but there are other priorities right now.
Here are some quick tips to keep yourself and your passengers safe in case of a car breakdown on a highway:
Switch on your Flashers
Immediately turn on your car’s emergency flashers to let other drivers know there’s a stationary car on the breakdown lane. For convenience, you can raise the hood to get assistance from other drivers. Don’t stand by the side of your vehicle during a breakdown.
If your vehicle has caught fire, it’s essential to get everybody out as soon as possible and move away from the car. If you have a fire extinguisher, use it, but only if you think the fire is within control. It’s equally important to protect other drivers by alerting them. Set up flares or triangles on either side of your vehicle so that other cars may slow down.
Gently Move to the Side of the Road
You should swerve to the right gently after turning on the blinker at the first sign of malfunction. If you’re on the interstate, try to find an exit and park your car safely ahead. Remember to signal every time you change lanes.
Examine the Damage
Try to identify the cause of the error or what led your car to be stalled in the middle of the highway. If it’s a flat tire, try changing it yourself if you have a jack. Ensure that you aren’t close to traffic while you’re at it.
Call for Assistance
Call roadside assistance if you can’t mend your vehicle by yourself. Consider calling a towing company if needed. Call 911 if any emergency situation develops.
Keep an eye out for police patrolling; they’re frequent on the interstate.
Stay in your Vehicle
Once you’ve called for assistance, stay inside your vehicle and keep your windows up. Don’t walk on the highway or the interstate, especially during rough weather.
Keep your safety paramount at all times, even if you’re walking up to another vehicle on foot. Never attempt to cross an interstate onto the other side.
For the safety of yourself and your passengers, it’s advisable to stay inside the car with the windows up and wait for help to arrive.
Who Should You Call for Help?
If it’s a non-emergency situation and you’re close to home, you can call a friend or a family member for assistance. Minor issues like running out of gas or a flat tire can be dealt with, but for more extensive problems, you may have to consider towing it to a mechanic shop nearby.
But if you’ve left home far behind, you’ll have to seek roadside assistance or inform your insurer and ask for roadside services.
For any emergency, or if you’re feeling unsafe, call 911 or local police immediately.
Know more about roadside services here.
How to Minimize Vehicle Breakdowns?
Proper maintenance and due servicing of your vehicle can prevent or, at the very least, minimize the risks of such breakdowns. Your car is a machine; and just like any other machine, it needs all its parts to function properly. By staying attentive to your car’s needs today, you can prevent a major mishap tomorrow.
Another measure you can take is to equip yourself with the necessary tools and emergency supplies. These can come in quite handy, especially during the rainy and winter months.
Here are some equipment that you should keep handy:
- Cell phone charger
- Extra medicines
- Drinking water and food
- Fire extinguisher
- Your car’s manual
- Emergency service contact numbers
- Tire pressure gauge
- Coolant
- Windshield washing liquid and a dry towel
- First-aid kit
- Tool kit with basic stuff such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrench, etc.
Get a Roadside Assistance Cover
A roadside assistance (RSA) cover provides assistance to car owners if their vehicle breaks down anywhere at home or on the road. An RSA cover can be useful if you’re stranded on an interstate without access to a mechanic or repair shop.
You can report the breakdown via call or an SMS to your insurer. They’ll dispatch a patrol vehicle to your location along with a mechanic. If the issue can’t be resolved there, or can only be resolved temporarily, they’ll do the necessary to transport your car to the nearest garage.
You can also purchase an RSA cover as part of your overall car insurance cover. Mostly, it’s available for cover as an optional add-on.
Don’t Leave it to Chance.
Car breakdowns can be dangerous for everyone. If you frequently use your car to commute on freeways or interstates, it’s pivotal that you keep it in prime function. With a bit of time, money, and effort, you can minimize all the risks of a breakdown.
At Auto Imports of Denver, we are European car specialists and a reliable dealer alternative in Denver. For over 30 years, we’ve been helping Denver residents drive their vehicles with pride and confidence.
Our factory-trained mechanics are adept with all European brands and models, including Mercedes Benz, Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Mini Cooper, Porsche, and more. We also use factory-grade tools and specialized equipment to keep your car in top shape.
Clock many happy miles on your vehicle without worry with AutoImports of Denver – your trustworthy auto dealer, minus the dealership price tag.
