Car Problems on the Road: 10 Tips to Handle Them Like a Pro

Picture this - you're cruising down the highway, music playing in your vehicle, enjoying the views, when suddenly, your car sputters, and a disconcerting light on the dashboard starts blinking. Car trouble on the road can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right knowledge and preparedness, you can turn a potentially disastrous situation into a manageable one. Let’s look at 10 tips to help you handle car trouble on the road like a pro.

How To Deal With Car Troubles On The Road?

By implementing the following knowledge-imparting tips, car troubles may not trouble you so much:

Park on the sideways

When faced with car trouble, the first and most important step is to stay calm. Panic can lead to poor decision-making. Safely park your car to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights, and if it's dark, use your mobile’s flash to ensure your vehicle is visible to other drivers. Keeping yourself and your passengers safe should be your top priority.

Check and assess the problem

If your car suddenly stops working in the middle of the road, it is important to check the cause. Open and check the bonnet of the car to see if there is any problem with the engine, battery, and the leads connected to it. Also check the condition of the tyres for any punctures. See if any external object is hampering the movement of the car.

Contact your insurer

If you own a car insurance policy, such as the own damage policy, you get a list of add-ons which you can include in your policy to enhance the policy’s coverage. One such add-on that can assist you during a sudden on-road emergency is the emergency roadside assistance add-on. This add-on provides various services to you in the event of the breakdown of your car on the road. To avail this service, get in touch with your insurer who will then provide immediate assistance to you. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under motor insurance policy.*

Call on the helpline number

If your vehicle has stopped working on a highway, call the highway helpline number, who will assist you immediately. When calling for assistance or describing your location, be as clear and specific as possible. Use landmarks, distance markers, or GPS coordinates to help the tow truck or roadside assistance service locate you quickly. Accurate information can expedite the process and reduce your wait time.

Get in touch with your emergency contacts

It is important that you inform your emergency contacts such as your parents, partner, siblings, or friends, about the situation. Share your current location if you can, which might allow them to reach out to any emergency services that can provide you assistance.

Additional Tips For Your Assistance

Along with the tips mentioned above, you can take guidance from these additional tips as well to deal with an on-road emergency:

Basic maintenance

Prevention is often the best cure. Regular vehicle maintenance can significantly reduce the chances of breakdowns. Make sure you follow your car manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, and other essential services. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to leave you stranded.

Know your vehicle

Familiarize yourself with your car's manual and understand its basic components. Knowing where essential parts of the car are located can be helpful. Additionally, understanding about the different types of fluids or lubricants in your vehicle such as clutch fluid, air conditioning fluid, or braking lubricant can make it easier for you to identify the problem.

Carry essential tools

Keep a basic toolkit in your car, including items like a jack, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, and a flashlight. These tools can help you deal with common issues like flat tires or a dead battery. Don't forget to carry a spare tire that's well-inflated and in good condition.

Learn basic DIY repairs

While not everyone is a mechanic, having some basic automotive knowledge can come in handy. Learn how to change a flat tire, jump-start a dead battery, and replace a blown fuse. You can find countless tutorials and guides online that can teach you these essential skills.

Keep Emergency Supplies Handy

In addition to your toolkit, pack an emergency kit with essential supplies like bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit, blankets, and a portable phone charger. These items can be a lifeline in case you're stuck for an extended period while waiting for assistance. Also Read: Car Starting Problems: Reasons, Fixes, & Troubleshooting

Car Insurance For Roadside Emergencies

As mentioned earlier, your car insurance policy has the provision of offering you with roadside assistance. Depending on the circumstances, your car may require additional repair work. For example, if your car gets stuck in a flood-like situation, there are chances that the water might cause damage to the engine. Getting the engine repaired can be expensive. You can be prepared for such situations with the help of another add-on, the engine protector (EP) add-on. If your car’s engine has suffered damages which hamper its functioning, the EP in car insurance provides financial coverage for repairing those damages. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under motor insurance policy.* Also Read: 8 Tips for Car Maintenance to Extend Your Vehicle's Life

Conclusion

By referring to the tips given above, you can certainly avoid unpleasant situations the next time your car stops working in the middle of the road. If your vehicle is not insured, it is important to get it insured immediately. Use the car insurance online calculator to get a suitable quote for the policy. If you already own a policy, but do not have the necessary add-ons, you can add them during renewal. Just remember that add-ons increase the price of car insurance during renewal. *Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.