A car breakdown can occur at any time, even when you drive.
It is common to panic when your car suddenly comes to a halt, moreover if it is your first time experiencing it. So, what must you do in the event of a car breakdown?
Should you continue to drive and put yourself at risk? Or should you stop the car to take a quick check on the damage?
Read on as we share tips and necessary steps that you should take if your car breaks down while on the road.
Tips for car breakdown while driving
Slow down vehicle, turn on hazard lights
Make sure to slow down your car if the car seems off while driving. Do not forget to use hazard lights to let other motorists notice your car situation.
Avoid a sudden brake. Move your car slowly to the left lane to avoid traffic congestion.
Keep the danger warning light on even if the car has stopped or is parked on the side of the road.
Push the car
What if the car stops in the middle of the highway? Try to push the car to the roadside (if you can). Doing so will help to ensure the traffic flow unbothered.
Use your left shoulder to move the car while controlling the steering wheel with your right hand.
Please seek help from the others if you cannot push the car alone.
Wear high visibility (safety) vest
The high visibility vest is a mandatory safety element in every vehicle. You can wear the vest before getting out of the car when it breaks down, preferrably at night or during bad weather.
The vest will help make you more visible to other people on the road and prevent any untoward incident.
Display a warning triangle
Make sure you keep a warning triangle in your car to be used at such times. You will have to place the warning triangle on the road at least 45 meters behind your vehicle on the same side of the road to signal other road users.
Check your vehicle
Check your car damage as an early measure. You may open the front bonnet of your car to find out the problem.
Seek roadside assistance from your insurance company
Roadside assistance offers various services and varies among insurers. Their assistances include repairing (jumpstart, flat tyre replacement, and gas delivery), towing service, and others.
For example, if your car runs out of fuel, you may contact your insurer. Phone their hotline number to seek gas delivery service. However, please check your assistance coverage as the service offered varies across insurance providers.
To your knowledge, roadside assistance is usually made available to comprehensive policyholders only. You may purchase additional roadside assistance coverage if your policy does not cover it.
Call 15550
You may also dial Accident Assist Call Centre (AACC) at 15500 to get immediate help in the event of a car breakdown. This service is offered under Insurance Industry and Takaful Malaysia.
The hotline is available for 24 hours and covers other services as followed:
- Roadside Emergency Assistance
- Towing Service (to be paid by you)
- Assistance to review coverage and connect you with the insurance company
- General vehicle insurance claim inquiries
- Accident procedure investigation
- Notification of Complaint
- Notification of any fraud
Get towing service assistance
Comprehensive policyholders can usually enjoy benefits and towing service assistance for free. Call your insurance company to inform your car breakdown situation.
You can request towing service to help tow your car to the workshop.
To your knowledge, most insurance companies offer towing service benefits for free (limited distance and coverage amount). If your workshop’s location exceeds the set distance, you will have to pay for the remaining balance.
Do not use a private towing service. Their services are usually more expensive than your insurance company.
Please refer to our previous article to learn more about towing service assistance.
What causes quick damage to cars?
Several factors may cause your car to break down frequently. The followings are the ‘unhealthy habits’ that most drivers often do while driving.
- Do not warm up the car engine before driving
- Often press the brakes when going downhill
- Only refuel when the tank is almost depleted
- Ignore the unusual noises in the car
- Rest your hands on the gear often
Note that your car may also be prone to break down due to failure to perform car maintenance according to the proper period.
A regular car service is vital to ensure your car performs at an optimum level. Read our previous article to learn more about car maintenance service tips that every driver should know.
Don’t panic if your car breaks down!
Car breakdown may happen regardless of place and time. Please do not panic if this situation happens to you. Follow these shared tips to help you manage the situation better.
Make sure to service your car regularly to prevent any possible damage. Do not take this matter lightly for your safety on the road.
Meanwhile, ensure the validity of your vehicle insurance to enable you to get access to roadside assistance from your insurer in case of any untoward incident.
We advise you to purchase comprehensive insurance for your car. For your convenience, visit Bjak to compare across 15 insurance companies. Get a free quote in just 3 minutes.
Also read:
