5 Essential Emergency Roadside Tips Every Driver Should Know

Being stranded on the side of the road due to a vehicle breakdown can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. Whether you're on a busy highway or a quiet street in Thane, knowing how to handle roadside emergencies can make a significant difference in your safety and how quickly you can get back on the road.

At National Towing Service, we've assisted thousands of stranded motorists over the years, and we've compiled these essential emergency roadside tips to help you stay safe and get the help you need quickly.

1. Move to a Safe Location

If your vehicle experiences a problem while you're driving, the first and most important step is to get to a safe location. Here's what you should do:

• Signal and slowly reduce your speed
• Pull as far off the road as safely possible
• If you're on a highway, try to reach an exit or rest area if your vehicle can make it
• Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers
• If it's dark, turn on your interior lights so you're more visible

Remember, your safety is the priority. If you can't pull completely off the road, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. This is especially important on busy roads or highways where exiting the vehicle could be dangerous.

2. Make Your Vehicle Visible

Once you're in a safe location, make your vehicle as visible as possible to other drivers and emergency services:

• Keep your hazard lights on
• If it's safe to exit the vehicle, place reflective triangles or flares about 50 feet behind your vehicle to warn approaching traffic
• Raise your hood to signal that you need assistance
• If it's dark, use a flashlight or your phone's flashlight to increase visibility

Being visible not only helps emergency services locate you more easily but also alerts other drivers to your presence, reducing the risk of accidents.

3. Assess the Situation and Call for Help

Once you're safe and your vehicle is visible, assess the situation to determine what kind of help you need:

• Try to identify the problem if possible (flat tire, engine trouble, etc.)
• Determine your exact location using landmarks, mile markers, or your phone's GPS
• Call for appropriate assistance:
  • For emergencies or unsafe situations, call 100 (Police)
  • For professional towing and roadside assistance in Thane, call National Towing Service at +91 7021027747
• Provide clear information about your location, vehicle type, and the nature of the problem

4. Know Basic Troubleshooting for Common Issues

While waiting for professional help, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can take for common vehicle issues if it's safe to do so:

Flat Tire

If you have a spare tire, jack, and the necessary tools, and you're in a safe location away from traffic, you might be able to change the tire yourself. However, if you're unsure or in an unsafe location, it's better to wait for professional assistance.

Dead Battery

If your vehicle won't start and you suspect a dead battery, and if you have jumper cables and another vehicle available:

1. Position the vehicles close enough for the cables to reach both batteries
2. Turn off both vehicles
3. Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery
4. Connect the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the good battery
5. Connect the negative cable to the negative terminal of the good battery
6. Connect the other end of the negative cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery (not to the negative terminal)
7. Start the vehicle with the good battery, then try to start the vehicle with the dead battery

If this doesn't work, or if you're uncomfortable performing a jump start, call our professional battery jump start service in Thane.

Overheating Engine

If your temperature gauge is high or you see steam coming from under the hood:

1. Pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine
2. Wait at least 30 minutes for the engine to cool down
3. Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot
4. Once cooled, check the coolant level (if low, this could be the cause)
5. Call for professional assistance as this could indicate a serious problem

5. Stay Safe While Waiting for Help

Once you've called for assistance, it's important to stay safe while waiting:

• Remain in your vehicle with doors locked if you're on a busy road
• If you must exit the vehicle, do so from the passenger side to avoid traffic
• Stay visible by wearing bright clothing or a safety vest if available
• Be cautious of strangers offering help; it's generally safer to wait for the professional assistance you've called
• Keep your phone charged; use a car charger if available
• Stay hydrated and comfortable; keep emergency supplies like water and snacks in your vehicle

Remember that professional towing services like National Towing Service in Thane are equipped with the right tools and expertise to handle vehicle breakdowns safely and efficiently. Our 24/7 car towing and bike towing services ensure that help is always just a phone call away.

Be Prepared Before Emergencies Happen

The best way to handle roadside emergencies is to be prepared before they happen. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Maintain your vehicle regularly with scheduled service appointments
• Check tire pressure, oil levels, and coolant levels before long trips
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle including:
  • Reflective triangles or flares
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
  • Jumper cables
  • Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
  • Water and non-perishable snacks
  • Blanket or extra clothing for cold weather
  • Portable phone charger
• Save emergency contact numbers in your phone, including National Towing Service: +91 7021027747

By following these essential emergency roadside tips, you'll be better prepared to handle vehicle breakdowns safely and efficiently. Remember, your safety is always the top priority, and professional help is just a phone call away with National Towing Service's 24/7 towing services in Thane.