How To Handle Common Roadside Emergencies: A Towing Guide
Experiencing a roadside emergency can be a stressful and overwhelming situation. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or running out of fuel, knowing how to handle these common issues and understanding the need to call for professional roadside assistance services can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and getting back on the road quickly with the help of a towing company.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some helpful tips and tricks to efficiently handle roadside emergencies.
Also Read: Locked Out? Here’s What To Do And How A Towing Company Can Help
Flat Tire
A flat tire is a common roadside emergency that can occur unexpectedly. To handle this situation efficiently, follow these steps:
- Find a safe location away from traffic to pull over.
- Turn on your hazard lights and apply the parking brake.
- Locate your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.
- Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them yet.
- Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire.
- Mount the spare tire and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground and use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts.
- Ensure the spare tire is properly inflated, and get your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Dead Battery
Dealing with a dead battery can leave you stranded. Follow these steps to handle this situation:
- Turn off all electrical accessories in your vehicle.
- Locate the positive and negative terminals on the battery.
- Attach the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal and the negative (black) cable to a metal surface away from the battery.
- Start the functioning vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
- Attempt to start your vehicle. If it starts, let it run for a while to recharge the battery.
- If your vehicle doesn’t start, contact a professional roadside assistance service provider like Action Towing for battery-boosting services.
Running Out Of Fuel
Running out of fuel can happen when we least expect it. Here’s what you can do:
- Safely maneuver your vehicle to the side of the road.
- Turn on your hazard lights and ensure your vehicle is visible to other drivers.
- If possible, call a roadside assistance service like Action Towing for fuel delivery services.
- If assistance is not immediately available, use caution and walk to the nearest gas station to purchase fuel. Carry a portable fuel container if necessary.
- Once you have fuel, return to your vehicle and carefully add fuel to the tank.
- Start your vehicle and ensure it’s running smoothly before continuing your journey.
Overheated Engine
An overheated engine can lead to severe damage if not addressed promptly. Follow these steps to handle this emergency:
- Pull over to a safe location away from traffic.
- Turn off the engine and let it cool down for at least 20 minutes.
- Open the hood of your vehicle to allow heat to dissipate.
- Check the coolant level in the radiator (once the engine has cooled down). If it’s low, carefully add coolant or water if coolant is not available.
- Contact a professional roadside assistance service for further assistance and to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
Locking Wheel Nuts
Discovering that you’ve lost the key for your locking wheel nuts can be frustrating, especially when you need to change a flat tire. Here’s what you can do:
- Check your vehicle’s glove box or any other compartments for the key. Sometimes it may be stored in a designated spot.
- If you can’t find the key, seek professional roadside assistance for lock-out services that have specialized tools to remove locking wheel nuts.
- Avoid using excessive force or improvised tools, as this can damage the nuts or the wheel itself.
Vehicle Breakdown In Inclement Weather
Experiencing a breakdown during inclement weather adds an extra level of urgency. Follow these guidelines for your safety:
- Turn on your hazard lights and pull over to a safe location, away from traffic.
- If possible, move to the passenger side of the vehicle to avoid being exposed to passing vehicles.
- Contact a professional roadside assistance service like Action Towing for immediate assistance.
- Stay inside your vehicle, especially during severe weather conditions, until help arrives.
- Keep warm by using blankets or extra clothing if necessary.
Electrical Malfunctions
Electrical malfunctions can cause various issues, from malfunctioning batteries to non-functioning lights. Here’s what you can do:
- Check the battery connections and ensure they are clean and securely attached.
- If your lights or other electrical components are not working, check the corresponding fuses in your vehicle’s fuse box.
- If you are unable to identify or resolve the issue, contact a professional roadside assistance service for further diagnostics and repairs.
- Remember, when faced with a roadside emergency, prioritize your safety and contact a reliable roadside assistance service like Action Towing for prompt and professional assistance.
About Action Towing
Action Towing in Edmonton takes great pride in being recognized as a reputable and dependable towing company. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals has provided the Edmonton community with high-quality services at competitive prices for many years. Learn more about Action Towing and our services.
Looking for professional flatbed towing services? Contact us now.
