Have you ever been rolling down the highway and had a car emergency completely interrupt your drive time? Car emergencies - we're talking accidents, flat tires, engine issues - can be stressful even when you're in the suburbs and traveling at low speeds in a familiar setting. When you're on the highway, however, traveling at high speeds and possibly in a place you've never been before, car emergencies can cause a whole new level of stress.
Four tips for highway car emergencies
That's why it pays to know how to handle them ahead of time, and our Orlando Toyota Collision Center is here with tips on how to do just that when you're out on the open road.
Tip #1: Pull over to a safe place. Your first step in a highway car emergency should be to figure out whether you should pull over or continue to drive to the nearest exit. We'll tell you that it's almost always in your favor to try to make it to an exit; stopping on the side of the highway is not the safest option. However, if you're miles from an exit and just can't make it there, pull over.
You'll want to choose a flat spot that's well clear of the highway so you're not near the passing cars. Additionally, if you're changing a tire, make sure you choose a spot that's free of sand and mud for safety's sake. Put your car in park, pull the emergency brake, and turn your front wheels away from the road. This is in case you get hit by a passing car - your vehicle will be pushed farther away from the road instead of onto it.
Tip #2: Make your vehicle visible. Your next step after you've pulled over should be to make your Orlando Toyota as visible as possible. Turn on your hazards and headlights and if you have road flares or a roadside triangle, put them to use. You can also call the police; they can send a car out to park behind you and turn on their flashing lights to give you even more visibility.
Tip #3: Get back in your car. Now's the time to get back in your car. You're a lot safer in there than you are standing on the side of the road. Make sure to lock your doors!
Tip #4: Call for help. You should also call for assistance at this point, whether it's to a roadside assistance company or a friend to bring you a can of gas. Your last resort should be leaving your car, so try to work it out for a tow if you simply can't move it.
Toyota of Orlando can get you the help you need
Have questions? Toyota of Orlando has answers (always). Call us at (407) 298-6006 to schedule auto repairs or get info. We're also conveniently located just off the highway at 3575 Vineland Road, off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.
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