Let’s be real—cars have a sixth sense for knowing the worst time to break down. Maybe you’re already running late, dressed up for something important, or in the middle of nowhere where the only landmarks are cows. Whatever the case, knowing what to do when your car decides to take an unplanned nap is key to staying safe and getting back on the road.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Move to Safety
First things first—don’t panic. Sure, your car might be making a noise that sounds like a dying blender, but now’s not the time to freak out.
- If you can, steer your car to the right shoulder or another safe spot away from traffic.
- If you’re on a highway and can’t make it to the right, pull over as far left as possible. If that’s not an option, put on your hazard lights and hold tight.
- Do NOT stop in the middle of the road. You may be having a bad day, but there’s no reason to make it worse by getting hit.
Step 2: Turn On Your Hazard Lights
The universal “Hey, I’m not just chilling here for fun” signal. Turn them on immediately so other drivers know your car isn’t moving and (hopefully) won’t try to squeeze by at 80 mph. If it’s nighttime, consider using road flares or reflective triangles if you’ve got them.
Step 3: Diagnose the Issue (If You Feel Like a Mechanic Today)
Feeling brave? If you’re in a safe place and not on the shoulder of a busy highway, pop the hood and take a look.
- Flat tire? You might be able to change it—assuming your spare isn’t just a distant memory from when you first bought the car.
- Battery dead? If you have jumper cables and a friendly passerby, you might get lucky.
- Weird smoke or burning smells? Step away from the vehicle. Seriously. That’s not a DIY situation.
If you don’t know what’s wrong and don’t want to pretend you do, skip to Step 4.
Step 4: Call for Help
This is when you’ll be really glad you have a roadside assistance plan. If you’ve got Avid Home Auto, just call our 24/7 roadside assistance team, and we’ll send help your way.
- Got roadside assistance? Call the number and let them know where you are.
- No roadside assistance? You’ll need to Google a tow truck, and fair warning—this is when your wallet starts crying.
- In a sketchy location? Call 911. If you’re broken down in a dangerous spot, the police can help direct traffic or get you to safety.
Step 5: Stay Inside If You’re in a Bad Spot
This part is crucial. If you’re on the highway or a busy road, stay inside your car with your seatbelt on. Too many roadside accidents happen because people get out in traffic. If you must get out, make sure you’re as far from moving vehicles as possible.
If you’re in a safe, well-lit place and can wait outside, go for it—just don’t wander too far.
Step 6: Be Prepared for Next Time
Let’s be honest, after one breakdown, you’ll want to avoid another at all costs. Here’s how to be ready:
- Keep an emergency kit in your car. Flashlight, jumper cables, first aid kit, bottled water, road flares—you know, the usual “just in case” stuff.
- Stay on top of maintenance. Most breakdowns happen because something was almost broken for a while but ignored (we’ve all been there).
- Get a vehicle service contract. Because surprise repairs cost way more than a service contract ever will. Plus, with Avid Home Auto, you get roadside assistance included—so you never have to worry about being stranded.
Final Thoughts
Breaking down sucks. But stressing over a huge repair bill? That’s even worse. With Avid Home Auto, you won’t just have help when your car breaks down—you’ll also have coverage for major repairs, so you’re not stuck paying thousands out of pocket.
If you want peace of mind every time you hit the road, get a quote today. Your future self will thank you.