When your car breaks down at night, you might potentially be in a vulnerable or unsafe situation, especially if you’re on the side of a highway or interstate. If you create a plan of action ahead of time, it will be easier to stay calm and remain level-headed, so you can get help as quickly as possible. Here are some tips for what you should do if your car breaks down at night.
Safely Remove Your Vehicle From the Road
The first thing you should do if you’re having car trouble at night is to safely remove your vehicle from the road. If all you can do is coast, do your best to maneuver the car towards the side of the road or shoulder, and park as far from the road as is safely possible. Once you’re in a safe place, exit through the passenger doors or the doors that aren’t facing traffic. If you can’t move the car off the road, don’t exit the vehicle to push it. Instead, put on your hazard lights and wait for help.
Increase Your Visibility
Next, make sure your vehicle is visible to other drivers. Turn on your car’s hazard lights. If your hazard lights don’t work or you want added visibility, tie a light-colored piece of cloth or clothing to your radio antenna. You can also prop open your hood to signal car trouble. If you need to exit your vehicle, use a flashlight or your phone’s flashlight to make yourself visible. If you have cones, flares, or reflectors in your car, place them around your car to make sure people know it’s there.
Call for Help
Take note of nearby signs, intersections, and mile markers so you can use them when calling for help. Call the police or 911 before making any other calls. If your car is blocking traffic or is in the middle of the road, the police need to know so they can send someone to direct traffic. They can also contact a towing company for you. If your car is on the road, the tow truck driver will need police assistance to safely direct traffic around them as they hitch your car to their truck. If your car is by the side of the road and isn’t impeding traffic, you can call roadside assistance or a 24-hour towing company yourself.
Tell Family or a Friend Where You Are
Be sure to call a family member or friend and tell them exactly where you’re located and what the plan is. This is an added step to keep you safe.
Call Us for 24-Hour Towing Services in AZ
If your car breaks down at night, you need a reliable, affordable 24-hour towing company in Arizona. Call us at Barnett’s Towing today at (800) 722-2302 or contact us online for 24-hour towing services. Our towing service area covers almost the entire state of Arizona, and we can help you 24/7 wherever you are. We have over 50 years of experience in the industry, and are a trusted, reputable 24-hour towing service.
