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3 Things You Should Do When Your Car Breaks Down On The Freeway

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Traveling at freeway speeds can be frightening if your car suddenly shows signs of wearing down. Whether you have to pull over due to a flat tire or your vehicle is blowing smoke, learn what you should do when your car breaks down on the freeway.

Get as close to the side of the road as possible

As soon as your engine light turns on, you feel your vehicle jostling due to a loose tire, or you see smoke coming out of your hood, pull over as soon as you can. Don't wait until you can make it to your nearest exit, since you run the risk of causing more damage to your vehicle or causing an accident on this high-speed roadway.

Turn your hazards on and inch your way to the roadside until you are completely out of traffic. Always pull over on the right-hand side, not the left.

Call your auto insurance company

Your insurance company can guide you toward getting roadside service such as Ruhls Diesel Repair if you have the service already, or contact a towing service for you if you don't. Keep your children and pets in the car if you are getting out of your vehicle to assess the damage, and always stay on the furthest side of your car away from traffic. Turn hazard lights on so drivers can know to go around you.

Open your hood so people know you are pulled over due to vehicle trouble. This also makes your vehicle easier for a tow truck to spot. If you see a police cruiser on the freeway, attempt to flag them down by waving your arms or grabbing a blanket and waving it in the air. Even if they cannot assist you, a cop can still call in for assistance for you, or help guide traffic around your vehicle so everyone can stay safe.

Contact family members

Contact your closest family members so they know where you are and that your vehicle has broken down. Keep them updated so they know when the tow truck has arrived, if a cop has pulled over to assist you, or if a kind passerby has stopped to see what they can do to help. Keep your family updated until you are safely at your home or at a repair shop, depending on where the tow truck takes you.

Breaking down on the freeway can be a scary ordeal, but if you know what to do, you can safely get back on the road or back home without issue. Use these tips to keep you and your car protected in the event of your car failing you while driving at high speeds.


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