What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down: A Step-by-Step Guide

A car breakdown is one of those situations nobody wants to experience, but being prepared can make all the difference. Whether you're on a busy highway or a quiet back road in the Triangle area, knowing exactly what to do can keep you safe and get you back on the road faster.

Step 1: Get to Safety First

The moment you realize something is wrong with your vehicle, your first priority should be getting to a safe location.

• Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers
• Try to coast to the shoulder or nearest exit if possible
• Avoid stopping on curves or hills where visibility is limited
• Get as far off the road as possible to avoid traffic

If you can't move your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives, especially on busy highways.

Step 2: Make Your Vehicle Visible

Once you're safely stopped, take steps to make sure other drivers can see you:

• Keep your hazard lights on
• If safe to exit, place reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle
• Turn on your interior dome light at night
• Raise your hood to signal distress (if safe to do so)

Step 3: Assess the Situation

Try to determine what caused the breakdown:

• Did the engine overheat?
• Did you run out of gas?
• Is there a flat tire?
• Did warning lights come on?

This information will be helpful when you call for assistance.

Step 4: Call for Help

Now it's time to get professional help. When calling a towing service, be ready to provide:

• Your exact location (use GPS coordinates if possible)
• The make, model, and color of your vehicle
• A description of the problem
• Your contact phone number

For fast, reliable service in the Triangle area, call Dolooma Towing at 1-877-47-PULSE. We're available 24/7 and typically arrive within 30-60 minutes.

Step 5: Stay Safe While Waiting

While waiting for help to arrive:

• Stay in your vehicle if you're on a highway or busy road
• Lock your doors for security
• Only exit if you're in a safe location away from traffic
• Don't accept rides from strangers – wait for professional help

When to Call for a Tow vs. Roadside Assistance

Sometimes you might just need roadside assistance rather than a full tow:

Roadside assistance can help with:

• Jump starts for dead batteries
• Lockout service if you're locked out
• Flat tire changes
• Small amounts of fuel delivery

You'll need a tow if:

• The engine won't start after a jump
• There's significant mechanical damage
• Multiple warning lights are on
• The vehicle isn't safe to drive

Prepare for the Unexpected

The best way to handle a breakdown is to be prepared before it happens:

1. Keep emergency supplies in your car (flashlight, water, first aid kit)
2. Save a reliable towing company's number in your phone
3. Consider roadside assistance coverage
4. Keep your cell phone charged during long trips
5. Perform regular vehicle maintenance

Trust the Triangle's Towing Experts

At Dolooma Towing, we understand how stressful a breakdown can be. That's why we're committed to fast response times and professional service throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding Triangle area.

Need help now? Call 1-877-47-PULSE for 24/7 emergency towing and roadside assistance.