Don’t Breakdown! Here’s How to Deal with Common Roadside Emergencies

Surely, having a universal muffler or other technologically advanced car components can help a vehicle perform at its best. However, even if the vehicle has brand new and high quality car parts, unexpected car breakdown may happen any time. That’s why it’s so unexpected!

A wise driver would be prepared for any car breakdowns and emergency roadside car problems, such as flat tire and dead battery. Refer to the guide below on how to deal with them.

Flat Tire

Tools required: bottle jack, gloves, Hi-vis vest, spare tire, socket wrench 

A flat tire never happens when it is convenient. When it does happen, it is essential to know how to replace your tire. Here’s what to do:

1. When you notice that you have a flat tire, find a flat and stable place to change your tire.
2. Turn off the engine right away and turn the hazards on.
3. Remove the wheel trim, then place the jack in the recommended lifting spot.
4. Raise the jack to clear the wheel from the ground. Remove the nuts and bolts.
5. Fit your spare tire into your boot. Make sure to tighten all the nuts using your hand, in stages first then in a diagonal sequence.
6. Release the jack to lower the wheel before you finally tighten the wheel nuts, in a diagonal sequence.

Dead Battery

Tools required: jump leads, second vehicle 

To jumpstart a dead battery, you’ll need another functioning vehicle (and the permission of the owner of course). Position the cars so they’re facing each other but not touching, then turn off the ignition and remove both keys.

1. Attach a red clip of the jumper cable to the positive terminal of your car’s battery, then attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the functioning car’s battery.
2. Attach a black clip to the functioning car’s negative terminal.
3. The other black clip must be clamped to an unpainted metal surface on your car, away from the battery.
4. Turn on the engine of the functioning vehicle and charge it for a few minutes.
5. When all else fails, it is time to call for professional help.

Overheating Engine

Tools required: antifreeze and coolant, engine oil, gloves

One of the reasons why engines overheat is a leak in the cooling system. A defective pressure cap can also cause an engine to overheat, so make sure to check it once you experience such roadside emergency.

1. As soon as you see, hear, or smell any signs of the engine overheating, find a safe spot to park and turn the vehicle off right away.
2. Allow the engine to cool down before doing any further action.
3. Check the engine oil level of your vehicle. Make sure that the oil reaches the full mark.
4. Then, check the coolant levels and its strength in the radiator. Top it with antifreeze and coolant if required so that it can function properly.
5. If the coolant level is still low even if you already top it up with coolant, it indicates a possible leak. Look for any noticeable drops.
6. If you see any signs of leaking, take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.

Whether your car is old or brand new, it can break down for various reasons at any time. That is why it is essential to be prepared for as much circumstances as you can. Ensure that you’ve put together an emergency roadside kit and always have it in your car.