Immediate Actions (Regardless of Location):
1. Safety First! Turn on your hazard lights immediately. This alerts other drivers to your stalled vehicle. If you're on a road with little to no shoulder, try to move the vehicle as far off the road as possible, even if it means pushing it a short distance.
2. Assess the Situation: Are you in a safe location? Is there oncoming traffic? Are you on a hill? Is it dark or stormy? These factors influence your next steps.
3. Shift to Neutral (if safe): If the vehicle is still rolling or you can easily shift without strain, try shifting to neutral. This can help prevent damage to the transmission and make it easier to push if needed. Do not do this if you're on a hill or if you feel resistance.
4. Try to Restart: Attempt to restart the engine. If it's a simple stall, this might solve the problem.
If the Vehicle Doesn't Restart and You're in a Safe Location:
5. Check for Obvious Problems: Look for any visible issues like a loose gas cap, broken belts, or leaking fluids. Do not attempt to diagnose complex mechanical problems on the side of the road.
6. Call for Help: If you can't restart the vehicle or you suspect a serious mechanical issue, call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. If your cell phone has no signal, look for a landline phone at a nearby business or residence.
If the Vehicle Doesn't Restart and You're in a Dangerous Location:
7. Stay in the Vehicle (if possible): If you are on a busy road or highway with limited shoulder space, remaining in your vehicle is generally safer than exiting.
8. Call for Help Immediately: This is your top priority.
9. Alert Others: If possible and safe, try to alert others to your situation.
10. Wait for Help to Arrive: Remain calm and patient.
Things NOT to do:
* Don't attempt major repairs on the roadside. This is dangerous and could make the situation worse.
* Don't leave the vehicle unattended unless absolutely necessary.
* Don't stand in the roadway.
* Don't overexert yourself trying to push the car.
In short, prioritize safety, assess the situation, and call for help when necessary. Having roadside assistance is highly recommended, especially for older vehicles or those you're less familiar with.
