Home Home and Auto Automobiles Repairs When a Breakdown Turns Into a Crisis

If your car breaks down three blocks from home on a sunny, Sunday afternoon, you're going to be inconvenienced, but that's about all. However, if your vehicle stops in the middle of a four-lane highway during evening rush hour with a freezing rain blowing, everything changes.

"Become familiar with emergency procedures," stresses Donna Wagner, Vice President for the Car Care Council. "Think through the worst case scenario and figure out what to do. For example, if you can't get off the road, set up flares or reflectors. Exit the car away from the traffic. Raise the hood and leave it open."

Often motorists are completely unprepared for a breakdown, according to the Council. They need to know how to fix the simple things, like changing a flat tire. This not only means knowing the procedure, it also entails having the right jack and a good, inflated spare. If you haven't had experience with this process, the Council suggests practicing at home under familiar conditions.

Another worthy lesson is how to jump-start a car. Although there is nothing mysterious about connecting the cables to the battery, done incorrectly it can be dangerous. Learn the procedure or keep the instructions handy. And remember, you can't use something you don't have; buy jumper cables and put them in the trunk.

Having to abandon your vehicle is another intimidating scenario. The Council encourages motorists to stay with their vehicle if at all possible and wait for a uniformed law enforcement officer. However, if you must walk, leave an information sheet on the dash with your name, date, time you left and the direction you are walking.

Finally, be prepared with items such as reflectors, a blanket, tire inflator, first aid kit, bottled water, etc. Ask yourself what you would need if you were stranded in extreme heat or cold for an extended period.

The Car Care Council maintains that the best defense against an automotive crisis is a mechanically dependable vehicle. However, sound emergency preparation can mean the difference between an inconvenience and a tragedy.

The Council offers a new brochure, "A Roadside Emergency; Would You Know What To Do?" For your free copy and the pamphlet, "Are You Prepared For Winter?" Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to
Car Care Council
Dept. WE9-EMW
42 Park Drive
Port Clinton, OH 43452.

The Car Care Council is "the most widely respected source of car care information in North America." Their mission is to provide information to the vehicle owners about the importance of preventive maintenance, needed repairs and enhancements while improving safety, fuel conservation, and air quality. Our goal is to protect the owner's investment.

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