A breakdown far from home can leave any driver stranded. Here’s how to assess the problem and decide what to do next.
No driver or vehicle is immune to roadside trouble. Experienced motorists may have seen it all, but for inexperienced drivers, an unexpected breakdown can quickly become stressful. Their first instinct is often to grab a phone and call someone who knows more about cars. That's why the first rule of any road trip is simple: keep your phone charged and make sure you have service. A charger that plugs into your car's 12-volt outlet is always worth carrying.
There's nothing wrong with calling someone for advice. But do you really have to wait for help every time something goes wrong? Are there problems even a beginner can handle alone? Absolutely. Here are some common examples.
There are two options: install the spare tire or repair the puncture on the spot. A tire plug kit can work for certain punctures, provided the damage is suitable for repair and you know how to use the kit. If the leak is slow, an air compressor may help you maintain pressure temporarily.
Never drive on a flat tire. If the tire has serious damage or you're in an unsafe location, call roadside assistance. Tire sealant may be an option for certain small punctures, but follow the product instructions and your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
The window may be broken, or the power window mechanism may have failed. If it's cold, wet, or raining outside, you'll want to cover the opening as soon as possible.
A simple temporary fix is to stretch a sheet of plastic over the opening and secure it with tape. Make sure it doesn't obstruct your view or interfere with driving.
An old roadside tip suggested swapping a burned-out headlight bulb with the working bulb on the other side. On many modern vehicles, however, replacing bulbs isn't that simple.
Rear light bulbs are often easier to access, depending on the vehicle. Carrying spare bulbs that fit your car is a better solution. Never drive without functioning headlights, brake lights, or turn signals when they are needed for safe operation.
Driving with too little engine oil can quickly destroy an engine. The safest option is to call for a tow. If the oil level is low but the engine isn't showing signs of dangerously low oil pressure, adding the correct engine oil may help you reach a nearby repair shop.
Check your owner's manual for the required oil specification, and never substitute transmission fluid, industrial oil, or other technical fluids for engine oil. If the oil pressure warning light comes on, shut off the engine as soon as you can safely pull over. Have the cause of the oil loss checked.
Your jump starter is sitting at home in the garage, and the engine won't start. If you have a manual transmission, push-starting may be possible on some vehicles, but only if the owner's manual permits it and conditions are safe.
With an automatic transmission, push-starting generally won't work. You'll need a jump-start from another vehicle or a compatible portable jump starter. If you don't have jumper cables, roadside assistance or a helpful passing motorist may be your best option. Always follow the correct jump-start procedure for your vehicle.
This can happen if the hydraulic clutch system loses pressure or the clutch cable breaks.
Although some experienced drivers may be able to move a manual-transmission vehicle without using the clutch, attempting it can damage the transmission and make it difficult to stop safely. The best option is to pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and call for a tow. Don't attempt this workaround in city traffic.
A failed thermostat can cause an engine to overheat, although other cooling system problems can produce the same symptoms.
If the temperature gauge enters the danger zone, pull over safely and shut off the engine. Turn off the air conditioning. Running the cabin heater may help reduce engine temperature temporarily in some circumstances, but don't rely on it to keep driving.
Wait until the engine has cooled completely before checking the coolant. Never open the radiator or coolant reservoir cap while the system is hot. If the engine continues to overheat or coolant is leaking, call for a tow.
Some automakers include spare fuses in or near the fuse-box cover. Check your owner's manual to find them and identify the correct fuse.
Never bridge a blown fuse with candy-wrapper foil, cigarette-pack foil, or copper wire. These improvised fixes can cause overheating, electrical damage, or a fire.
If you have no spare fuse, the owner's manual may identify a compatible fuse from a nonessential circuit that can temporarily be used instead. Only do this if the manual confirms it is safe, and never borrow a fuse from a critical safety system.
Even a minor collision can leave a vehicle with loose bodywork. If a bumper has caught on an obstacle and its mounting points are damaged, it may be safer to have the vehicle towed than risk losing the bumper or damaging attached components.
Modern bumpers can contain fog lights, sensors, wiring, grilles, and decorative trim. Before driving, check for fluid leaks, damaged tires, loose parts, and anything that could interfere with steering, braking, or the wheels. Don't remove a damaged bumper unless you can do so safely and understand what equipment is attached to it.
If the vehicle may be unsafe to drive, call for roadside assistance. Document the damage and follow your insurer's instructions.