What to Do If You Break Down and Have No Cell Service

Breaking down is always a frustrating and nerve-wracking experience, but breaking down without cell service can be even more worrying. Fortunately, there are still things you can do to stay safe and get a tow. If you find yourself stranded without cell service after your car breaks down, follow these steps.

Get Your Car Off the Road

As your car starts to behave as though it is going to stop, turn on your flashers to alert other drivers of an issue, and pull off to the side of the road, if you are able to do so. Once you get to the side of the road, turn the tires so that they are facing away from traffic and engage your emergency brake. If you are unable to get your car to the side of the road before it stalls, turn on your flashers. If it is safe to do so, get out of the car and move to the side of the road yourself. Lifting up your hood will also alert other drivers to the issue.

Call 911

Even though you don’t have cell service, your phone should still be able to dial 911. Under FCC rules, any cellular provider that picks up the signal must put emergency calls though, so even though your phone may not have service, another provider will connect your call. On some highways, there may also be roadside phones you can use to call for a tow, but don’t leave the area to try to find one. Use such as phone only if it happens to be near your location.

Only Walk for Help if It Is Nearby

If you break down in a populated area near a location with a phone, walk there. In other instances, don’t leave your car to wander for help. You should also decline help from strangers who stop to offer assistance, for safety reasons.

Barnett’s Towing can get you and your car to where you need to be, no matter where you break down. For a tow truck in Arizona, please call (800) 722-2302.