Stranded up on the roadside is the last thing a driver wants, and especially when the journey is long. Yet many drivers find themselves pulled over on a highway, waiting for someone to come and repair their broken-down vehicle.
In this post, we have highlighted a few common reasons why drivers end up stranded on the road, along with steps to minimize the chances of ending up there.
Flat tires
Often drivers contact emergency flat tire change services for assistance when on the road. Unmaintained roadways – full of debris or potholes – increase the cases of flat tires and blowouts. To minimize the risk, always check the pressure of all tires before hitting the road. Rotate the tire periodically to keep them in top condition. Make sure you drive safely and avoid road debris and potholes as much as possible.
Run out of gas
No matter how much you’re in a hurry, never skip filling up your tank, even if the indicator shows ¼ full. It’s better to wait for a few minutes at a gas station than stranded for hours on an empty road, with no filling station nearby. Keep a track of your mileage if you have an unreliable fuel gauge.
Car battery issues
Rarely a vehicle with battery issues gives you a hard time while driving; however, once you turn off the engine, you may find it difficult to turn it back on. To keep your vehicle’s battery in good condition, keep the car running, and especially when you’re using the air conditioning or radio. Turn the lights off each time when you leave the vehicle. Even if your vehicle’s battery shows no warning signs or problems, change it every five years.
Overheating
Car overheat is doubtlessly a scary experience, especially when you see the smoke coming out from the engine. To avoid such a horrible experience, check the fluid levels frequently to ensure they are at recommended levels, as mentioned in the owner’s manual.
Even a well-maintained vehicle can experience an occasional breakdown and leave you stranded on the road. Call for roadside assistance at once whenever you need to repair a flat tire or replace failed batteries.