What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down While Traveling
Summer vacations are an American past time. Families plan and save all year to be able to travel to popular destinations across the country in the summer months. With the economy struggling to recover from the worst recession in recent memory however, many vacationers scale their travel plans back, opting to take the family automobile out on the open road to arrive at their favorite vacation spots. By driving themselves, travelers can save money they would have spent on airfare, and invest it in things like hotel accommodations or extra spending money at their final destination. There are dangers, however, in choosing this course of action. Most notably, as travelers take to our nation's highways in droves, they need to be aware of the very real possibility of car breakdowns and roadside emergencies. This article details the unfortunate possibilities and offers some valuable advise on how to deal with (and avoid) the worst automotive problems.
Summer vacations are an American past time. Families plan and save all year to be able to travel to popular destinations across the country in the summer months. With the economy struggling to recover from the worst recession in recent memory however, many vacationers scale their travel plans back, opting to take the family automobile out on the open road to arrive at their favorite vacation spots. By driving themselves, travelers can save money they would have spent on airfare, and invest it in things like hotel accommodations or extra spending money at their final destination. There are dangers, however, in choosing this course of action. Most notably, as travelers take to our nation's highways in droves, they need to be aware of the very real possibility of car breakdowns and roadside emergencies. This article details the unfortunate possibilities and offers some valuable advise on how to deal with (and avoid) the worst automotive problems.
Preventing Emergencies Before They Happen
The most effective means of preventing roadside emergencies is properly caring for your car before you take to the road. If you are going on a long trip in the family roadster, you may want to get that tuneup that you have been putting off. At the very least, you should have the oil checked and your car examined by a qualified professional. Finding fluid leaks or old, worn belts and dealing with them prior to your trip can be the difference between a safe trip and a lengthy, dangerous roadside emergency.For more detailed info click here Cardan Shaft Manufacturers and Universal Joint Manufacturer in India
Checking your tires is also very important. Not only should they be looked at for substantial wear to determine if they need to be replaced, but the tire pressure should also be checked using the appropriate tools. Don't forget to check your spare and make sure that you have all of the necessary tools to change a tire should the need arise (spare, jack, tire iron, etc...).
Once you've checked the mechanical state of the vehicle, it's time to tend to the smaller things that can be overlooked. You'll want to check the lights and blinkers to make sure they all are functioning properly. Check your windshield wipers as well, because you never know when you may run into inclement weather while on the highway.
The old saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly applies to automotive emergencies. By insuring that your car is in tip top shape before you take the road, you are limiting the chances of having a breakdown or being involved in a serious emergency like a car accident.
Emergency Roadside Safety Tips
Despite your best efforts to prevent them, roadside emergencies are going to occur. They happen every day all over the country and chances are if you have driven for any real amount of time, they will happen to you too. The #1 rule for any type of mishap, regardless of the specifics, is to REMAIN CALM. A level head and steady hands will go a long way to helping you survive your emergency situation unscathed. The most important factor to consider is the safety of yourself, your passengers, and the other individuals you share the road with. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you will be dealing with little more than an inconvenience, one that can easily be solved by phoning The Automobile Association of America's Emergency Roadside Assistance or a local towing service.
In instances where your car has broken down on the highway, you should take immediate action to get your car to the side of the road, where you will be out of the flow of traffic. If you suffer a tire blowout or your car engine stalls while you are driving DO NOT JAM ON YOUR BRAKES! This is a common error. Your best course of action is to remove your foot from the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally.For more details click here Automobile safety
Other roadside safety tips:
Pull all the way to the right side of the highway whenever possible, while doing your best to stay on the pavement.
If you have a flat tire, try and pull over to a level surface so you'll be able to safely install your spare. As soon as it is safe to do so, turn your emergency hazard lights on to alert other motorists that your car is in distress.
DO NOT BRAKE SUDDENLY! Small mechanical errors can turn into serious wrecks with this type of behavior. Coast to a stop if it is at all possible.
If it is safe to do so, remove pets or children from the car and move them to a safe distance. If you are on a busy highway, it may be safer and more advisable to remain in the car until help arrives.
Exit the car using the door that is farthest from oncoming traffic.
If you have emergency flares or cones, be sure to use them prior to attempting to service your vehicle.