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What to Do in an Emergency Roadside Breakdown

posted on 12/21/2020 2:19:00 PM

Emergency roadside breakdowns are never something you plan for. Even so, it is critical to be prepared - a breakdown can happen to any driver at any time. Should you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, it’s important to know how to handle yourself and your car. The good news? A little bit of preparation can go a long way in addressing a roadside breakdown quickly and safely. Don’t forget to listen to our podcast below for additional information!

Vehicle Breakdowns: What to Know

Breakdowns are nothing new. They’ve been happening as long as automobiles have been on the road! Thanks to cell phones and Google, it is easier than ever to contact a towing company, locate an auto shop and get your repairs done quickly. But, this doesn’t mean dealing with a breakdown is a walk in the park!

An emergency roadside breakdown occurs when you are not able to get where you’re going because a component of your vehicle has stopped functioning as intended. You will need to stop operating the vehicle and get help. Surprisingly, roadside breakdowns are more common than ever before. This is due to the fact that vehicles today have longer lifespans. The average age of cars on the road is 11 years old!

Types of Breakdowns

While breakdowns can have many causes, there are two types of breakdowns recognized in the automotive industry:

1. Total Breakdown – A serious problem has occurred and you can no longer drive the vehicle. Where you stop is where you stop, and the car is not moving until help arrives.

2. Partial Breakdown – The vehicle is still operational, but it’s not functioning well. You can drive the car a short way if needed, making it easier to exit the highway or find a safe place to pull over away from high traffic areas. But, your plans are going to need to wait until you can get your car looked at.

So, what are the most common causes of roadside breakdowns?

Top 10 Reasons for Vehicle Breakdowns

1. Battery Issues

Batteries can die due to poor alternators, cold temperatures, belt issues, or simply needing to be replaced. Make sure you’ve got jumper cables in your vehicle!

2. Flat Tires

Stray screws and sharp objects can render your tires useless at any time. Check your tread regularly and make sure you have a jack and proper tools in your trunk to change a tire if needed.

3. Running out of Gas

This is an easy one to avoid...don’t forget to fill up your tank!

4. Alternator Problems

Your vehicle’s alternator produces the electricity needed to operate your car and accessories, like headlights, turn signals and the radio. The car can’t function without it!

5. Dead Spark Plugs

When spark plugs lose their “spark”, the ignition system will malfunction. Make sure to replace these regularly!

6. Broken Starters

The starter turns the engine over when you twist your key. If this is broken, you’re not going anywhere!

7. Coolant Leaks

Coolant is fluid that takes heat away from the engine and disperses it through the radiator. Continuing to drive with a coolant leak can do significant engine damage – stop right away!

8. Lock-Outs

While this isn’t exactly a breakdown, you clearly won’t be driving without your keys. Whether you lose your keys or lock them in the vehicle, this situation is as frustrating as it gets. Consider keeping a spare key in your wallet just in case. Watch the battery level of your key fob, too!

9. Engine Trouble

This term is broad, but definitely not something to ignore. Engine issues are most common among older vehicles and cars that do not receive regular maintenance. You might notice bad smells or strange noises when engine problems begin.

10. Transmission Issues

The transmission is the unit that transfers power from the engine to the drive axels. Transmission malfunctions are most common in hilly or mountainous regions.

My vehicle broke down. What should I do?

Safety is always the top priority. Be aware of your surroundings – many breakdowns occur on highways or other high traffic areas. The first order of business is to get your vehicle out of the line of traffic. For total breakdowns, the shoulder of the interstate might be the best you can do. In the case of partial breakdowns, you may be able to navigate to an exit, side road or parking lot. It’s best to find well-lit areas with many other people around for your safety.

When on the side of the road, other drivers often fail to slow down or move over, making this a dangerous place to be. Turn your hazards on. You have extra protection by staying inside your vehicle, but if you need to get out, use the passenger side door. Keep your eyes on oncoming traffic at all times and stay as far away from moving vehicles as possible.

Next, you need to call for help. Always have a charged cell phone on you when you drive! If you’re near home, call your local auto shop and towing company. You can also call friends and family to let them know what is going on. If you are in a place you’re unfamiliar with, use your phone to Google local towing services. You’ll be able to find reviews online, too. Pro Tip: most insurance policies will cover towing costs, so remember to ask for two receipts: one to keep and one to send to your insurance company.

If you happen to be broken down in a location without cell service, the best case scenario is for the police or highway patrol to stop by and help. It’s always a good idea to let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to arrive, especially when traveling in remote areas. This way, they can notify authorities if you do not show up to your destination. To find additional tips when dealing with a roadside breakdown, view this resource from AAA.

IMPORTANT: The side of the road is not the place to attempt auto repair, no matter how experienced you are. It’s just not safe!

What can I do to avoid a roadside breakdown?

The best way to reduce your chance of a breakdown is through routine maintenance. By sticking to a maintenance schedule, it’s much more likely that you and your automotive professional will catch small issues before they turn into big problems. Components and systems that need repair or replacement can be addressed right away to help keep your car in tip-top shape. Listen to this episode of our podcast to learn more about the importance of routine maintenance.

Driving in Wisconsin? You Need a Winter Emergency Kit!

Lastly, don’t forget to have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. This will contain items to help you if your vehicle breaks down, gets stuck, or slides off the road during chilly months. Your emergency kit should include:

Blankets and winter gear (hats, mittens, etc)
Tow straps
Jumper cables
Flashlight
Duct tape
Shovel
Kitty litter
An emergency contact list with phone numbers of family, friends, towing and roadside assistance services

Check out this article for additional items to keep in your winter emergency kit.

By preparing for the possibility of a roadside breakdown, you’ll be in a much better place should it happen to you. Always drive equipped with your winter emergency kit, a charged cell phone, and safety on top of mind. These simple steps will help make a roadside breakdown (a little) less of a headache!

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