There’s nothing worse than breaking down, especially if it's somewhere dangerous like the motorway. The dread of hearing those sounds of your car simply giving up, or seeing smoke coming from your bonnet, can be more than terrifying. However, you’re not alone because car breakdown moments are common, so best thing you can do is to do everything possible to try and prevent it from happening.
Why dead batteries always seem to happen at the worst times
Dead batteries often seem to happen in the most unfortunate of situations and at times when you could have really done without the car breaking down. With a dead car battery, they usually occur due to short trips or extreme temperatures. They can often occur from leaving the electronics on, and some are more common in older cars that have seen better days. The cold weather that many experience might be the reason why your car’s battery is no longer working, but the same can happen with hot weather, too. Short drives don’t allow a battery to fully recharge, and that can drain it completely if you don’t realize when you’re out on the road.
Check on your fluids
It’s important to check your fluids to make sure they’re all topped up. From your engine oil to your windscreen wash. These are all important to making sure that your car is running efficiently and with as few problems as possible.
Assess tires
Tires should be assessed before you go out onto the road. The reason is that often there can be problems with tires that could have been spotted just by walking around the car before driving off. Check for bulges or any flatness in the tires that might need addressing.
Check that all lights are working
It’s good to check all lights are working before you leave. From your headlights to your brake lights and indicators. By checking all of these over, you’ll ensure that everything is working as it should be.
What to do if you find yourself stranded anyway
If you find yourself stranded, anywhere and at any time, the most important thing to do is not to panic. You don’t get anywhere by panicking, so it’s good to take a few deep breaths before assessing the situation fully. Make sure your hazards are on and that you’ve moved the car where possible, as well as yourself, a safe distance from any road. Call for help by dialing emergency services, and try to flag down anyone who might be able to help otherwise.
