While no one ever wants to deal with their car breaking down, this already bad situation can quickly become worse if it takes place while you’re in the middle of nowhere. Especially if you’re not particularly mechanical, fixing your own problem with your vehicle might be out of the question, leaving you to think of some other option. So whether you’ve been traveling to a new area or you’re simply in a less populated area around your own stomping grounds, here are three tips for handling car issues when you’re in a desolate area.
Always Be Prepared
The more prepared you are for this type of scary situation, the less you’ll freak out if and when you should find yourself broken down on the side of the road. As part of being prepared for the worst, you should always keep some type of emergency kit stowed away in your car. This should include things that could help with vehicular problems, like jumper cables and a spare tires, as well as things that will help you survive for a while if you’re stuck at your car, like extra food and water as well as a blanket. To make sure this situation doesn’t go from bad to worse, Matt Schmitz, a contributor to Cars.com, gives some advice to help you not run out of gas, too, like turning off your car accessories.
Make Safety Your Priority
Being broken down or stopping on the side of the road can put you in a lot of physical danger if you’re not careful. If there are other cars on the road that are speeding by you, you’re going to want to do everything in your power to ensure that you and your car are seen and that you stay out of the way of traffic. To help with this, Cheryl Knight, a contributor to YourMechanic.com, recommends that you put out traffic flares or warning triangles so that other drivers are aware that there’s a disabled vehicle ahead. Also, try to stay in your car if you can, as it will protect you in the event that you get hit by another car.
Get The Help You Need
Hopefully just because you’re in a desolate area doesn’t mean that you don’t have any cell service. If you can get a phone call out, Deanna Sclar, a contributor to Dummies.com, advises that you call either a roadside assistance company or that you phone the local police authorities for help. Both of these groups will be able to get the right people to you so you can get your car fixed and get back on the road. If you don’t have service wherever you’re stopped, try to find the nearest phone or establishment so you can call for the help you need.
To help you safely make it back to civilization, consider using the tips mentioned above if you ever have car troubles when you’re in a desolate area.
