We’ve probably all had that awful feeling when our vehicle starts making an unusual noise or won’t start — and it happens right when we need to get somewhere (like a wedding, a very important business meeting, or a much-needed vacation)! These are the worst times to have this happen to you. Almost immediately, panic sets in. After the immediate frustration wears off, understanding how to respond to this situation will help to reduce the stress caused by the situation.
Here are some ways to manage car troubles when everything else depends on the outcome — and you don’t lose control of the problem, or make it worse!
Calm Down & Find Out What Happened to Your Car
This might be easier said than done, but taking a couple of minutes to compose yourself before trying to figure out what happened to your car could really improve your chances of resolving the problem. Move to a safe spot, turn on the hazard lights, and breathe. None of your anger is going to repair anything (it may even interfere with your ability to think clearly).
What is happening now is that you need to figure out what is going on with your car. Do you have a flat tire? Dead Battery? Did you see a warning light? The sooner you find out what is wrong with your car, the sooner you can solve the problem.
Get Help – But Be Careful Who You Choose
As mentioned before, not all towing services or roadside assistance providers are created equal. For older commuter cars, simply getting a tow may be fine, but for high end cars or performance cars, you want a provider that is familiar with those kinds of vehicles. Specialized equipment, such as hydraulic tilt trays and soft straps, are used to load/unload the vehicle in such a way as to protect the vehicle from scratches/scuffs.
If you have a high value car or a car with low ground clearance, you want to avoid a basic tow and instead enquire the help of a prestige car transport Newcastle service. Ask for a flat bed or tilt tray tow truck – both of these types of tow trucks lift the vehicle completely off the ground and therefore eliminate the risk of damaging the undercarriage of the vehicle and excessive wear and tear.
Determine If It Would Be Better to Stay With the Car (and When Not to)
Depending on where the car breaks down, it may not be the best idea to stay with the car. If you experience a breakdown in a busy area (such as a highway) or in an unsafe location, move to a safer location as soon as possible. Gather up your essentials (cell phone, wallet, etc.) and wait in a safe location close to the vehicle. An ideal location would be in a location that blocks you from traffic (a median, divider, etc.).
If the vehicle breaks down in a quieter location (such as a parking lot) or at night/bad weather, it is typically okay to stay in the vehicle until assistance arrives.
Prioritize Your Safety
Regardless of whether you are waiting for roadside assistance, a tow truck, or another form of transportation, your number one priority is your safety. If you are in a hazardous area, seek shelter immediately. Lock your car doors and keep your car windows closed.
Communicate Clearly with the Tow Truck Driver
When the tow truck arrives, it is a good idea to explain to the driver what led to the breakdown. Explain if the vehicle stalled, made strange noises, or did not start. Also, if the vehicle was experiencing any existing problems, or if the vehicle has any unique characteristics (i.e. a lower body kit, sensitive sensors), let the tow driver know prior to him loading the vehicle. A seasoned tow driver will appreciate the heads up and adjust his methods accordingly.
Also, it may be wise to take a few photos of the vehicle before he loads it onto the tow truck. While you may not expect anything to go wrong, having those photos will give you proof in case anything goes wrong during transportation.
Make Sure the Rest of the Day Unfolds As Planned
Vehicle breakdowns do not have to ruin the rest of the day. If the vehicle breakdown is a significant event, call someone that can drive you while the vehicle is taken care of. Surprisingly, many people underestimate how well the day can continue to flow once the vehicle problem has been turned over to a professional. A reputable prestige car transport service will inform you of the status of your vehicle and the vehicle’s destination.
If you have a road trip planned, or have scheduled an itinerary related to traveling, have a backup plan for transportation as much as possible. Even just knowing which car rental agencies are nearby can be the answer to saving the day.
Maintain Your Vehicle to Prevent Similar Problems
While vehicle breakdowns can occur to anyone, many of the causes of frequent vehicle breakdowns can be prevented through regular maintenance. Regularly checking the following items can greatly decrease the chance of experiencing a major breakdown and the associated anxiety:
· Battery Condition: Especially if you use your vehicle rarely, check or replace your battery every three years.
· Tire Pressure and Tread: Tire pressure and uneven tire wear can lead to a blowout. Blowouts seem to always occur at the worst possible time.
· Fluid Levels: Checking your oil, coolants, and transmission fluids are easy checks that are often overlooked.
· Warning Lights: Don’t ignore a check engine light. Although it may appear to be a suggestion, ignoring the light could turn a minor problem into a major one.
High End Cars Need More Maintenance
Because high end and performance cars are designed with precise engineering to run at peak performance levels, they require a little bit more maintenance than average cars. Neglecting to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule or using less-than-skilled mechanics can cause problems that will surface when you least expect them.
Managing the Emotional Stress Factor
There is a large part of this that doesn’t get talked about enough. When your vehicle breaks down – especially on a big day – breaking down isn’t just a mechanical issue; it creates an emotional response. Anger, Shame, Guilt towards others who rely on you are just a few of the feelings that can arise from the breakdown. However, the truth is that vehicle breakdowns occur to everyone at some point, and yelling at someone isn’t going to repair a flat tire or a faulty alternator.
Take a minute to gather yourself and focus on what can be done at that moment. Maybe that means calling roadside assistance or maybe that means finding a quick replacement for transportation. The goal is to remain logical and calm. Most of the time, the worst part of the ordeal is the initial shock, and once help is on its way, the situation becomes more manageable.
The Bottom Line
Vehicles can break down at the worst times, Plans can change, and basically every problem will become a story you will laughably tell later. What makes the most difference is being prepared for the unexpected and staying level-headed when things don’t go according to plan.
