A quick refresher on what to do when car trouble strikes in the middle of nowhere

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Cars break down, sometimes when people least suspect it.  But more often when they’re not maintained well.  Whether during long-distance drives or going to the grocery just around the corner, car trouble may strike.  Here are a few public service reminders on what to do when the breaks down and help is nowhere near.

Don’t panic

This should be on the top of the to-do lists of every emergency situation.  Panicking never helped anybody.  Remain calm and gather and organize your thoughts.  Think about the car and what the problem could possibly be.  Don’t make rash decisions.

Move the car to the side of the road

This is one of the most important things a driver should first do after experiencing car trouble.  Even during old abandoned roads, there’s still a chance cars might be passing by.  Move the vehicle to the side of the road to avoid any possible collisions.

Keep the hazard lights blinking and stay inside the car if the car can’t be moved

Dead batteries or an empty gas tank may prevent owners from moving their cars.  If this happens in the middle of a busy street, drivers and passengers should remain inside the car until help comes.  Also, hazard lights should be blinking to warn oncoming vehicles.

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In all these cases, once safety is guaranteed, drivers or passengers should call for help or examine the vehicle if the problem is fixable by themselves. 

Jeff Lupient is the president and CEO of the MN-based firm Lupient Automotive Group. For more insightful reads on everything automotive, visit this blog.