10 tips to deal with situation when car breakdown on the road

1. Get the vehicle out of the roadway: If a problem arises while driving, turn the car to the side of the road and out of the flow of traffic as soon as it is safe to do so. Take care in getting out of the vehicle – it is best to exit from the side of the car that faces away from traffic, which may be the passenger side door.

2. Make your car visible: When you have brought the car to a stop out of the way of traffic, indicate that you are stopped by using your emergency flashers. Reflective triangles, road flares, and small orange cones can be used to alert other drivers to your location. If you can safely exit the car, raise the hood and hang something white out the window or tie it to a side view mirror to alert other drivers to proceed around you.

3.Call for help: The next step on the list is to call roadside assistance or the police to alert them to your predicament.

4. Assess the situation: If you know that you can tackle the issue yourself (if your car has run out of petrol, for example, and there’s a service station nearby), go ahead.

5. If your car has a flat tyre, do not change it unless it can be done safely: If the flat is one the side of the car away from traffic and you can address it without putting yourself in danger from other vehicles, then do so. However, safety takes precedence over scheduling or other concerns – it is better to wait for a tow if changing the tyre would put you in harm’s way.

6. Learn how to repair your car: If you can positively identify the problem, know how to address it, and can do so safely, then go ahead.

7. Be careful with strangers: While there are plenty of good-hearted people out there whose only intention is to help, the world also has its share of jerks that will take advantage of another person down on his or her luck.

8. Stay with your vehicle: If you’ve called for roadside assistance, you’ll want to be there when the tow truck arrives.

9. Keep an eye out for uniformed police officers: All highways and major roads are patrolled regularly. It’s only a matter of time before an official comes to your location to provide assistance.

10. Above all, use common sense: No two breakdowns are the same – location, time of day, the problem, and other factors make each incident unique. If you are familiar with the area and can find help within a short walk.

Source: http://newcarsplus.com.au/car-broker-blog/car-maintenance-tips/10-tips-dealing-car-breakdowns.carbroker