You may be all set to begin a road trip with friends and family. Before leaving for the trip, check if your car is in tip-top condition. Even though you are fully prepared for the trip, you can mind yourself amid an unexpected on-road emergency. You must be prepared for common roadside emergencies, as they can happen to anyone. Review the safety tips and learn how to handle them, as they can save your and someone else’s life.
In this article:
1. Here Are The 5 Common Roadside Emergencies And How You Can Tackle Them
2. Final Words
1 Here Are The 5 Common Roadside Emergencies And How You Can Tackle Them
Tire Blowout
Cars with worn-out or poor-quality tires often go flat. It may also happen because of leaking valves, an external object the tire ran over, or a sudden blowout on the road. You must be prepared for such a situation.
Materials required:
- Jack
- Spare tire
- Lug wrench
- Brick or tire stop
Steps:
- Find a secure spot and park your car. Place a brick behind the good tire, so the car doesn’t move independently.
- Remove the hubcap and find the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to loosen the nuts a little. Do not remove the nuts completely from the tire. You can loosen the nuts easily before jacking up your car.
- Place the jack under the car carefully and at a secure point. Use the jack to lift your vehicle from the ground. Remove the nuts and leave the top nut until last.
- Remove the final nut from the flat tire and take off the flat tire. Place the spare tire in the same position and secure it with the lug nuts by tightening it on alternating sides like a star pattern.
- Release the jack and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts using the wrench.
Dead Battery
Winters are extreme in Canada. So, your car’s battery can often be drained. You can jumpstart your car and be on the road in no time. Carrying good quality jumper cables is extremely important.
To learn more about jumpstarting your vehicle, click here.
Overheated Engine
You can learn that your car’s engine is extremely hot when you start seeing smoke flooding out from under the hood of the car. Figuring this out while traveling can be a nerve-wracking situation. Be calm and follow these steps.
Materials required:
- Antifreeze & Coolant
- Engine oil
- Gloves
Steps:
- Turn off the car immediately and get out right away.
- Open the hood and allow the car to cool.
- Be sure the engine is extremely cool before touching anything.
- Use the dipstick and check the oil level. The oil level should reach the ‘full’ notch. If it is low, refill as needed.
- If you see the coolant is low, there is a leak. Check around for any noticeable leaks.
- If you find leakage, take your car to an experienced mechanic.
Brake Failure
Brake failure can be one of the most dangerous vehicle emergencies. It is hard not to panic in such a situation. If you are in this condition, do not panic. Stay calm and follow these steps:
- Reduce Speed Immediately. If you’re driving a manual transmission, shift to a lower gear. Newer car models also have dual brake systems that give you partial braking power.
- Turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers.
- Carefully apply the emergency brake. Hold the button while gradually pulling the emergency brake. Remember that this can cause the back wheels to lock and cause skidding.
- If your car is about to hit something, redirect to the softest spot in sight. Look for shrubs rather than trees.
- Do not turn the ignition while driving, as this will take away the power steering. This can be fatal.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Monitoring the weather forecast is extremely important before going on the trip and while on the road, especially in areas prone to storms. Keep a check on these points:
- Check for significant weather advisories, i.e., heavy rain, excessive lightning, hail storms, wind, etc. These weather warnings are issued to keep the public aware of dangerous conditions. If such warnings are issued, ensure you find a shelter to spend some time in.
- If the conditions are favorable for developing tornadoes, take action and move to a safer place. Remember, never try to outrun a tornado. If you happen to be caught in a tornado, leave your vehicle and take shelter immediately.
- Monitor your tire tread and maintain proper inflation. Slow down when it’s raining, and avoid driving through standing water.
2 Final Words
Roadside emergencies are common, and anyone could become a part of them. It is best to be prepared for such situations. Carrying the right equipment and being vigilant is extremely important. You can face a roadside emergency while driving, no matter how good a driver is. It is best to know common roadside emergencies and how to avoid them to stay safe while on the road.
