Most people do not wish to have their vehicle breakdown, but it does happen. There are many simple things you can do to prevent breakdowns of your vehicle, however. Nothing is one hundred percent fool proof, though, so even if you do the maintenance to prevent breakdowns it’s also important to know what to do to handle a breakdown, especially if you’re in a situation that could become dangerous as well as what to do to help prevent the breakdown from becoming dangerous.
First of all, to prevent breakdowns in your car, there are several things you can do. Keep up with your vehicle’s recommended oil changes and when you are getting the oil changed have the tires, belts and other fluids checked at the same time. One of the main types of breakdowns occurs in the cars electrical system. To help prevent these types of breakdowns, have your battery check regularly and keep jumper cables in the car. Tires can cause problems as well. Make sure they are rotated and balanced regularly and replaced when they need to be.
While it’s not possible to prevent all breakdowns, you can take steps to help keep breakdowns from becoming disasters. First of all, anytime you are going on a road trip make sure someone else knows the route you’ll be taking so that if there is a problem they’ll know where to look for you to send help.
Your insurance may offer roadside assistance, but if it doesn’t you might want to subscribe to a auto club that does in case of emergencies. Additionally, having a cell phone with you can help you get the necessary help as soon as possible.
Finally, keep your car stocked with an emergency kit that includes flares, jumper cables, first aid, water, oil and other fluids, an atlas and a blanket.
If and when your car does breakdown you’ll first want to get out of traffic. Pull over to the side of the road or onto an exit ramp if you can. Also look around for mile markers, road signs, and landmarks – anything to assist help in finding your location. Once you’ve called for help, remain in your vehicle until help arrives. If you cannot get your vehicle out of traffic, put on the hazards, raise the hood if you can and then get out of the vehicle and move away from traffic until help arrives.
Other things to keep in mind:
If you live in an area that has a winter season, prepare your car before that first snow storm hits. Put on snow tires and have the car checked for proper fluid levels as well as have the brakes, lights and exhaust system checked. Once the weather gets cold, always keep at least a half of a tank of gas in your car. When you are in your car, dress in layers and have emergency blankets and cold weather clothing stocked in case your car breaks down.
If you are driving in the rain always use your headlights, allow more distance for stopping and slow down. If it begins raining so hard that your visibility is impaired, pull off the road until the rain subsides.
Tips for Choosing a Car Seat:
1. Make sure that the seat you purchase states that it meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
2. Avoid using seats more than six years old or seats that have been in a car accident. If you are unsure, don’t use the seat because even if it looks okay, it may not be structurally sound.
3. If you begin using a seat that you’ve previously used for an older child, call the manufacturer to check for recalls.
4. Check your state laws to find out when your child is okay to move out of the booster seat.
5. Avoid using any blankets, extra padding or supports underneath your infant or child in the car seat because they could affect how well the restraints actually restrain the child.
