It’s never a convenient time for your car to break down on the side of the road, but sometimes unfortunately, life happens and things are out of our control.
In our current situation in South Africa, getting stuck on the side of the road is really not ideal. A car breakdown causes a lot of stress and can often leave you feeling unsure about what to do. Here are some helpful tips and guidelines on what to do if you are ever in the unfortunate position of your car breaking down.
What to do if your car breaks down? 1
- Try and stay calm, do not panic in this situation.
- If you are able to, pull off the road safely and as far as possible on the left shoulder.
- Turn on your hazard lights. This will make you more visible to other motorists.
- If you are unable to move your car off the road and you are afraid that you might get hit by another car, rather get out of your car, always making sure it is safe to exit your car, and stand on the side of the road in a safe spot. Ideally, in this situation, it would be better to stay in your car and lock the doors.
- Contact a professional emergency roadside assistance company. Most insurers provide this as part of your insurance policy. If you still have the manufacturer’s maintenance and warranty on your car, they might also be able to provide you with roadside assistance.
- Be aware of your surroundings when directing the emergency assistance to your location. Stress the fact that you are vulnerable so that they can get to you as soon as possible.
- If you are able and skilled enough to repair your own car, try and do so. Please don’t try to repair your car if you are unsure.
- Do not try and seek help from other motorists. There are people out there that might see an opportunity to rob you and cause you harm. Rather be patient and wait for professional assistance.
- Do not leave your car’s bonnet open. You want to be aware of anyone approaching your car.
- Only accept help from a uniformed police officer, metro police or emergency services provider.
- Please be vigilant. This is very important when it comes to your safety.
How to prevent your car from breaking down? 1
- Always make sure your car is well maintained and that your car is serviced at least once a year.
- Check your tyre tread and tyre pressure often. Do it at least once a week or when you put in fuel.
- Check your car’s water and oil level. If it is using more water or oil than usual, this will help diagnose a problem before it happens.
- Check the brake pads and discs of your car.
- If you hear any strange noises coming from your car, rather find a safe place to stop (petrol station, shopping mall, etc.) and assess where the noise is coming from. Then seek assistance from there.
- Make sure you always have more than enough fuel to reach your destination.
- Try and avoid objects that might be lying in the road. This can cause serious damage to your car.
- Always make sure someone knows of your whereabouts, even if you are popping off to the shop to buy milk.
- Always make sure you have enough airtime to make a call and, of course, that you have enough battery to power your phone.
We are living in dangerous times and this could literally mean a life or death situation in some cases. Always be safe while travelling and be vigilant of your surroundings.
It’s important to maintain your car and to carefully follow relevant safety tips. It is important to consider getting car insurance too.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Source:
1 https://www.wheels24.co.za/News/12-things-to-do-if-your-car-breaks-down-20150109
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