Breakdowns and accidents are a natural part of driving, and can be quite common in those early days as a new driver. Being able to handle them maturely and responsibly is a necessary lesson in life. Although they can be quite disconcerting at first, it’s good to have the knowledge and tools to be able to handle them. Car breakdown tips are important to know, since there are many different things that can go wrong.
As a new driver you may think that you’re going to be too careful to let your car breakdown or get into an accident, but they do happen. Being able to keep your cool and control what you can in those situations can not only help you but also help other drivers.
Here are some tips on what to do when your car breaks down.
(If you’ve already attended our driving school in Phoenix AZ then you will have some knowledge about this stuff. Printing this article and leaving it in your glovebox can be a helpful way of reminding yourself.)
What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down
Cars generally don’t break down for no reason, so identifying the reasons why they may do so before they happen can help to avoid them, or deal with them appropriately when they come up.
Here are some causes of minor breakdowns and simple solutions:
1. Dead Battery
When you’re first learning to drive you may be so focused on doing everything right that you forget to switch your lights off. This leads to one of the most common causes of cars not starting, which is of course a dead battery.
Having jumper leads ready in your car is the simplest solution to this problem. If you have the good fortune to suffer a dead battery in an area where many people are passing through, don’t be afraid to ask someone for a jump. Having the cables on hand can make this a very feasible way to get up and running again so that you can drive your car to a shop.
2. Out of Gas
Another seriously minor problem which occurs frequently throughout the world is running out of gas. This may be due to any number of reasons, simply forgetting to fill it up, or a faulty fuel gauge.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to calculate how many miles you get to a full tank, and recognizing remaining fuel as the amount of miles it indicates. Also having a jerry can full of petrol in the boot.
3. Flat Tire
Driving with a flat tire can be seriously dangerous, so recognizing when your tires do go flat is important. Usually you will feel the car pull to the left or right, bumping up and down, or you may hear the rubber hitting the ground in a funny way.
Ensuring your tires are high quality and have plenty of tread can help prevent this problem. Also investing in a decent space saver as well as the tools to change it will help you deal with it when it does happen.
4. Other Breakdowns
There are many other kinds of breakdowns. If your car won’t start and you’ve checked the fuel and battery, then call for assistance. There are many adequate roadside repair services available.
If your car breaks down while you’re driving then this is usually caused by a more serious problem such as engine oil problems or overheating. Pull over safely and ensure your car is completely off the road before calling a towing service.
5. Accidents
As scary as they seem, and no matter what we try to do to prevent them, accidents do happen. As a new driver, the sooner you realize this, the sooner you can start mentally (and physically) preparing to deal with them. If you’re young, then you’re likely to be blamed for any accidents you’re involved in, so being aware when you’re driving and taking responsibility for your mistakes is important.
6. Minor Collisions
Sometimes we overdo our turns or lane changes, or are going a bit fast for a red light, and we bump into another person’s vehicle. Regardless of who is at fault, you will want to have your insurance details handy. First ensure you aren’t injured, then check that the other people aren’t injured. If everyone is okay then start looking at the damage done to the vehicles. Share insurance details with the other driver, and remember to take responsibility for your part in the accident.
7. Major Collisions
Nobody is ready for a major accident, they can be caused by other drivers, dogs, or anything really.
Here are some things you should do if you’re in a moderate-to-severe accident:
- Stay calm – take several deep breaths, breathing out for longer than you breathe in. This will help you to reduce panic and stress, and help you to handle the situation.
- Check for injuries – without moving too much initially, start feeling around your body for any injuries. If you can’t move for any reason, then it may be best not to try and move at all.
- Get somewhere safe – if you can, put your hazard lights on and get out of the vehicle to safety.
- Identify any witnesses – if anyone around saw the accident, go to them and ask them for their version of the accident
- Make notes – write down the other driver’s name, license plate, and the make and model of their car.
- Call the authorities – often the emergency services will be called to assist with moving vehicles, aiding the injured, and determining the cause of the accident.
Driving School in Phoenix AZ and Surrounding Areas
Nothing can really prepare you for what to do when your car breaks down as we mentioned above, but at the very least, being a confident driver can help get you in the right mindset to handle these things as they arise. We also service surrounding areas such as Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Ahwatukee.