For most drivers, roadside emergencies can come out of nowhere. In the moment, it can be difficult to determine exactly how to get out of your situation. Fortunately, there are several quick and easy solutions for many of the most common issues. Check out this guide for what to do in common roadside emergencies.
Running Out of Gas
No matter how it happens, running out of gas can be a huge inconvenience for anybody. If this happens, the best thing you can do is pull your car over and fill up a spare gas can at the nearest station you can find. This location can easily be accessed via your smartphone, but depending on where you are, it might be difficult to walk to. In that case, you’ll have to find someone willing to take you to the nearest gas station.
Getting a Flat Tire
Flat tires are among the most annoying emergencies because, in most situations, you can’t immediately tell what caused them. It could be something as noticeable as broken glass or a nail, or as inconspicuous as a tiny rock that gets into the wrong place. Should this happen, you’ll need to replace your flat tire with a spare. Use a jack to lift the tire so you can safely remove the lug nuts with a wrench, replace the tire, and bring it back down. If you don’t have a spare tire, there are still several available options for you to try, such as making an inflation kit or calling roadside assistance.
Getting a Dead Battery
If your car doesn’t start at all when turning the keys, you don’t need to worry. As long as you have a set of jumper cables, you can quickly give your battery a charge with help from another vehicle. Connect the positive cables to the positive terminals, and connect one end of the negative cable to a metal surface under the hood of your car. This process may take a few minutes, but it should give you enough of a boost to safely get back on the road.
Getting Into a Car Accident
While remembering what to do in common roadside emergencies is important, it’s understandable that after the sudden shock of a car accident, the mind slips into panic mode. The important thing is to remain calm and not leave the scene of the accident. Make sure no one is injured, and call 911 if you find any injuries. You’ll have to exchange insurance information with the other party in case the police don’t respond, and to report the accident to your insurance provider. If your vehicle is too damaged to drive following the accident, make sure you call a tow truck and arrange for another way to get home.
