What You Should NEVER Do When Your Car Breaks Down

Image of car being towed by Mundie's Tow Truck Company

Car troubles can get the best of us. No matter who you are, what your situation is, or where you live, breaking down on the side of the road is a frustration like no other. While it’s easy to jump into full panic mode and try to conduct roadside repairs right then and there, you could worsen the problem and put yourself at risk simultaneously. As a towing company that’s called for roadside assistance on the daily, we have accumulated a series of tips over the years to help you and other stranded drivers in your time of need. To get you through, please abide by this list of “nevers” when it comes to a car breakdown:

1.    Never Overlook a Minor Issue

One of the biggest mistakes car owners make is disregarding an issue. While some issues are smaller than others, vehicular problems don’t heal on their own. Unlike a human body that can work its way through colds and diseases, cars are machines. They require regular maintenance and adequate attention to keep them running smoothly. So, if something feels off when you’re driving or your “check engine” light starts beaming, don’t write it off as a fun little car quirk. Take it in for an inspection before the problem worsens. More likely than not, the longer you leave a car issue, the more expensive the repairs get.

2.    Never Stop Abruptly When Driving

Car troubles can be unnerving. In fact, they can be downright terrifying; however, the last thing you want to do is come to an abrupt stop in the middle of the road. Not only could this cause surrounding traffic to smash into you – and other drivers – but being parked in the middle of the road makes it especially hard for emergency vehicles to access you. Of course, there’s not much choice in the matter should your car some to a stop on its own. However, if your car is giving you warning signs of trouble, such as smoking, shaking, or emitting weird sounds or smells, slowly exit heavy traffic and find a safe place to stop.

3.    Never Let Your Emotions Take Over

A tear or two of frustration may be unavoidable; however, you don’t want to be problem solving in a highly emotional state. Kicking the wheels of your car or throwing tools at the hood is not going to get you anywhere. Do your best to remain calm and call a towing company for assistance. Not only does this prevent you from attempting unsafe and inefficient roadside repairs yourself, but it also puts you in a safer position. And at the end of the day, the most important thing is your safety.

4.    Never DIY Your Roadside Repairs

This has been touched on throughout but it’s so important, it deserves its own section. Not only is it detrimental to your safety if you attempt roadside repairs without a thorough understanding of mechanics, but it could worsen the problem – and bring about a slew of new ones. Rather than tinker with your engine, call a towing company to do it for you.

Call a Towing Company You Can Trust

With Mundie’s Towing and Recovery, we have the means to get your car off the side of the road safely, quickly, and affordably. No matter the extent of your problem, our towing company is filled with experienced experts who will prioritize your safety and well-being. In theme with our today’s article, we will NEVER let you down!