First Car Breakdown Experience: What Do You Do?

First car experiences are always interesting since you get to make mistakes as you learn. However, when you encounter your first car breakdown, it can quickly get complicated and messy. Picture yourself in a scenario where your car breaks down, you're in a hurry to get to your destination, and it's getting late. What do you do?

Move Your Car to Safety 

Start by moving your car to a safe location. If your car breaks down on a busy highway, it will block traffic. You'll have to deal with angry drivers who are annoyed by your "highway parking." 

If possible, try to steer your car to an area where it doesn't obstruct traffic. Don't forget to turn on your hazard lights. If you can't steer it to the side, turn on your hazard lights for better visibility. Also, you can set up reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle as a perimeter. 

Once you're done with car safety, focus on your safety. Get back to your car, lock the doors and try to remain calm. Don't stand in front, behind, or at the side of your car.

Assess the Situation 

Suppose you have dealt with car issues before; this would be the time to diagnose the problem. Unfortunately, this is your first car breakdown so your only option is to figure out who to call. Is it your insurance company or a tow truck company?

Check if your insurance offers roadside assistance. If it's not available, your next step is to find a towing company. If you're traveling as a group with your friends, it isn't wise to use their cars as an alternative to a tow truck. 

The idea sounds reasonable, but it doesn't account for potential damage, towing capacity, and driving skills. Professional towing companies have the tools and experience to tow your vehicle safely. 

The extensive experience you get when hiring a tow company ensures your vehicle arrives at the repair shop safely. Also, tow truck drivers know how to navigate corners and busy streets without damaging your car. 

Call a Towing Company 

Since DIY towing isn't an option, call a professional towing company. However, before you pick up your phone, gather enough details about your situation. The towing company will need to know your location, type of car, the presence of obstructions if any, and the cause of the car's breakdown. 

Towing companies need as much detail of your situation as possible to help them figure out the best response. 

Prepare for Towing 

If you're close to the city, it shouldn't take long before the towing company arrives. Before that happens, decide if you want to ride with the tow truck driver and the final destination. Do you have a preferred repair shop, or will the towing company take your car home? 

If you have passengers in your vehicle, make arrangements to deliver them to their destinations. You can hail a cab as you wait for the towing company. Call your mechanic and ask if they're available to work on your car. 

Tow Your Car 

With everything set, wait for the towing company to arrive. Once there, verify their identification and provide any documents they might need. They'll require you to sign a few documents, such as the release of liability form. However, just to be sure, confirm that you understand what you're signing. 

After you sign, you can choose to help or allow them to load your vehicle without your assistance. The driver will tow your car to your preferred destination for repair. 

It's that simple when you work with a professional towing company such as AA Wrecker Service. We're a 24- hour towing company headquartered in Haltom City, TX, and have been in operation since 1955. We specialize in all types of towing, and we're here to help when you need us. Contact us today, and we'll help solve your car predicament.