There are few sounds more sinking than the sputter of an engine while you are navigating a busy highway. Whether you are on the Van Wyck or the Grand Central Parkway, a sudden breakdown is stressful and potentially dangerous. The rush of passing traffic can make even a seasoned driver panic.
However, the key to staying safe is to remain calm and follow a strict set of procedures. Being prepared turns a terrifying event into a manageable inconvenience. By knowing how to react and who to call, you can get yourself and your vehicle to safety without unnecessary risk. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do when your car fails you in fast-moving traffic.
Prioritize Your Immediate Safety
The moment you realize something is wrong, your primary goal is to get out of the flow of traffic. Do not stop in the middle of a lane unless the car physically will not move.
- Turn on your hazard lights immediately. This signals to other drivers that you are experiencing an emergency and are moving slowly or stopping.
- Pull over to the shoulder. The right shoulder is safer than the left. If you can make it to an exit, that is even better.
- Park and engage the emergency brake. Once you are safely off the road, turn your wheels away from the traffic. This prevents the car from rolling into the highway if it is struck from behind.
Assess the Situation From Inside
Once you are stopped, your instinct might be to get out and check the engine. Do not do this. Highway shoulders are extremely dangerous places for pedestrians.
Stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. Lock your doors. Take a moment to breathe and assess what happened. Did the engine overheat? Did you blow a tire? Unless you are in a safe, designated rest area, do not attempt to change a tire or check under the hood yourself. It is time to call a professional for NYC roadside assistance.
Call for Professional Assistance
When you are stranded on a Queens highway, you need a reliable service that arrives quickly. You don’t have time to scroll through endless reviews; you need a towing company that Queens residents trust.
As a family-owned business operating since 1993, Cheap Towing is the go-to towing company in Queens. Whether you need a jumpstart, a tire change, or a flatbed tow, they specialize in getting to you fast. They are an inexpensive towing company that understands the urgency of a highway breakdown.
Why choose Cheap Towing?
- Speed: When looking for a tow truck queens ny, response time is critical. They offer 24-hour towing Queens NY services to ensure you aren’t stranded for long.
- Affordability: As their name suggests, they offer competitive rates. Unlike a random search for cheap towing buffalo ny, you need a specialized local expert right here in Astoria and Queens County.
- Versatility: From light-duty road service to hauling, they have the equipment to handle your specific vehicle.
While You Wait for the Tow Truck
After you have called for a Queens towing company, stay in your vehicle. If you must exit the car because of smoke or fire, exit from the passenger side, away from traffic, and move as far off the road/shoulder as possible.
If it is dark, turn on your interior lights so you are visible to your tow truck driver. When the Queens towing ny service arrives, do not exit the vehicle until the operator has positioned their truck to create a safety barrier between you and the traffic.
Know Your Towing Company’s Full Capabilities
While highway breakdowns are emergencies, it helps to have a tow company queens saved in your phone for other situations, too. A versatile towing company queens ny handles more than just engine failures.
Blocked Driveways
In a crowded city, coming home to find someone parked in front of your house is frustrating. Cheap Towing handles blocked driveway towing nyc. Whether you need blocked driveway towing brooklyn ny or blocked driveway NYC services in Queens, they can remove unauthorized vehicles to free up your space.
Junk Car Removal
Do you have an old vehicle taking up space in your garage? You can turn that eyesore into freed-up space. Cheap Towing handles junk car removal.
Be Prepared Before You Drive
No one plans to break down, but having a plan makes all the difference. Keep your phone charged and save the number for a reliable towing Queens, NY service like Cheap Towing (718-400-7058) in your contacts today.