What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway

It’s every driver’s nightmare: you’re cruising down the highway when suddenly, your car starts to sputter, and before you know it, it’s completely stopped. Whether it’s due to mechanical failure, a flat tire, or a fuel issue, a breakdown on the highway can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. However, knowing how to react can help you stay safe and handle the situation with ease.

If you find yourself stranded on the highway, don’t panic. Follow these essential steps to stay safe and ensure help arrives, whether that’s calling for a tow truck in Brooklyn or handling the situation yourself if possible.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First things first, try to remain calm. A clear head will help you make better decisions. Quickly assess the situation and determine if it's safe to continue or if you'll need immediate assistance.

Is your car in a hazardous position? If you're on the side of the road or in a lane where vehicles are speeding by, you’ll need to take immediate action to protect yourself and others.

Do you have any obvious issues? If you’ve run out of gas, it’s possible to walk to the nearest station, but if the car is overheating or showing signs of a mechanical failure, it’s best to wait for help.

2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights

As soon as your car breaks down, immediately activate your hazard lights. This is crucial for your safety, especially on a highway where traffic can be fast-moving. Flashing lights signal to other drivers that your car is not functioning properly and that they should take extra care when approaching.

If it’s dark: Turn on your headlights and use any other available lights to increase visibility.

During daylight: Even in bright conditions, flashing hazard lights alert nearby drivers that something is wrong.

3. Move Your Vehicle to the Shoulder (If Possible)

If you’re able to, try to move your vehicle to the shoulder or as far off the road as possible. The safer your car is, the less likely it is to be hit by passing traffic.

Don’t attempt to push your car on your own: If you’re on a busy highway, it’s best to stay in your vehicle. Even if you’re on a quiet road, don’t risk trying to push the car unless you’re sure it’s safe.

If your car won’t start: If you're unable to move your car, you can still remain safe by ensuring you're as far from traffic as possible. Place road flares or reflective triangles if you have them to warn oncoming drivers.

4. Check for the Cause of the Breakdown

If you feel confident in your car maintenance knowledge, you can take a quick look to see if you can identify the cause of the issue.

Flat tire: If you have a spare tire, tools, and the knowledge, you can change it yourself. However, if you’re on a busy highway, it’s often best to wait for assistance to avoid any potential accidents.

Engine overheating: If the engine is hot, do not attempt to open the hood immediately. Give it time to cool down. Overheating can indicate a more serious issue, like a broken radiator or coolant leak.

Fuel issues: If you’ve run out of gas and are close to a gas station, you might be able to walk to refuel. If you’re too far away or unsure, calling for help might be the safest option.

If you're unable to identify or fix the problem, it's best to wait for professional help, like a tow truck in Brooklyn, to ensure your safety and the proper handling of the situation.

5. Call for Roadside Assistance or a Tow Truck

After ensuring your safety, it’s time to call for help. If your car is inoperable or you're unsure of the problem, it’s best to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck in Brooklyn.

Roadside Assistance: Many insurance providers offer roadside assistance as part of your policy. Call the number provided by your insurer, and they will send help.

Tow Truck Services: If you don’t have roadside assistance or you need immediate help, you can call a local tow truck service in Brooklyn. Make sure to provide the following information:

Your exact location (mile marker or exit, if possible)

The make and model of your car

The issue you are experiencing

Whether your car is on the shoulder or in a lane of traffic

Whether you need a flatbed or a regular tow

Having this information ready will help the tow truck driver arrive quickly and efficiently.

6. Stay Inside Your Vehicle (Unless It's Unsafe)

If you are stranded on the highway and traffic is heavy, it’s generally safer to stay inside your car. If the area you’re stopped in is particularly dangerous (such as a high-speed lane), it may be necessary to leave the vehicle, but you should only do so if absolutely necessary.

Keep your seatbelt on: When waiting in the vehicle, always keep your seatbelt on. This will protect you in the event of another vehicle hitting yours.

Wait for help: If you're unsure about the situation or don’t have roadside assistance, calling a tow truck in Brooklyn to handle the situation will allow professionals to safely get your car off the road.

7. Stay Visible and Be Cautious Around Traffic

If you need to exit your vehicle to assess the situation, be very cautious. Always stay alert to traffic and make sure you are visible.

Use safety markers: If you have road flares, reflective triangles, or cones, place them behind your vehicle (at least 100 feet if possible). This will alert other drivers and prevent accidents.

Watch for fast-moving traffic: Don’t stand too close to the road and avoid walking in between moving vehicles.

8. Prepare for Future Breakdowns

While you can’t always predict when a breakdown will happen, there are steps you can take to minimize future risks:

Routine maintenance: Regularly service your car to keep it in good working condition. Change the oil, check fluid levels, inspect tires, and ensure your brakes are in good shape.

Emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit in your car, including essentials like:

A flashlight

Jumper cables

A first-aid kit

Water and snacks

Flares or reflective triangles

A tire jack and spare tire

Basic tools

Insurance: Check if your insurance policy includes roadside assistance and make sure you have the contact information readily available.

Conclusion

Car breakdowns are never convenient, but knowing what to do when it happens can make the situation much easier to handle. By staying calm, assessing the situation, and following the right steps, you can ensure your safety and get the help you need quickly.

If you're in Brooklyn and need assistance, don’t hesitate to call a tow truck service. They can safely remove your vehicle from the highway and take it to a repair shop, allowing you to continue your journey with peace of mind.

Staying safe on the road means being prepared for the unexpected. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be better equipped to handle any car troubles that may arise during your travels.