A car breaking down on the side of the road has to be one of the most aggravating and stressful situations for anyone. Whether your vehicle experiences a dead battery, a blown tire, or a collision, it’s important to take precautions in these possible emergency tow situations.
Before you head out on a road trip or even a simple commute, make sure you have the number of a reliable towing company saved in your phone. (We recommend 289-312-1833 if in the Durham Region!) This way, you can rest assured that if need be, help is always just a call away.
At Oshawa Towing, we understand how annoying an unplanned roadside emergency can be. So, if you need assistance, we’re here to help! While hoping you never have to use it, here are 5 things to prepare in case you ever get stuck in an emergency roadside situation:
1. Stay calm
Car troubles are frustrating and typically unplanned when they happen. The most important thing to do is to remain calm and try to get your vehicle off the road and away from traffic. Take some deep breaths and remind yourself that everything will be ok. Make sure you are safe first, then try and solve the problem. If the issue is beyond your control or knowledge, call a towing service to come and help you.
2. Make yourself visible
If you’re on a busy highway or on a very dark road, it is imperative that you try and get your vehicle away from traffic and make yourself as visible as possible. Be sure to turn on your hazard lights (4-ways) right away so that other drivers see you in advance and give you more space.
3. Have an emergency kit in your car
This piece of advice doesn’t require a lot of work. It’s more of a leave it and forget it kind of tip. It’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car. In some extreme cases, these can end up saving one’s life. As alluded to in a previous blog post about winter driving, always be sure to have gloves and a tuque in case you get stranded in the cold for a long period of time. Water and snacks such as trail mix or protein bars can also go a long way. It may be worth keeping something reflective in your vehicle even if just a vest or armband. Being stranded on a busy highway at night can be very dangerous.
4. Learn how to change a tire
Although most towing companies are able to change a tire for you, it is a good life skill to have. Even if you don’t have the capacity to change a tire, it is good to carry a spare and know where everything is found on your vehicle. It may end up saving you a lot of time and money in the future. And who knows, perhaps you can help out a friend in a non-emergency situation should they ever need a tire change.
5. Know where you are
It’s a lot easier for tow truck operators to get to you faster if they know exactly where you are. Your phone or car may have a GPS, but they aren’t always accurate or functional. You may also not have any signal if in a more remote location. If calling the company while on a highway, try having the name or number of the nearest exit. If you are in a more rural area, give them the nearest intersection or last landmark you saw. At the end of the day, it is always good practice to rely less on your GPS and be observant of your surroundings instead.