In case of a breakdown on the road

Artur Owczarek

Brand Product Manager Moje AutoHe has been involved in the automotive industry for years. He is passionate about cars and detailing. On his blog, he shares his knowledge and experience, offering tips on how to effectively care for your car and extend its life.

What comes to your mind first when you hear the phrase "Road breakdown"? Because I have a flat tire and engine failure. In each of these situations - if possible - you should pull over to the side of the road as quickly as possible and mark the vehicle correctly. First, turn on the hazard lights.

Securing the accident site on the road

An element that will undoubtedly be useful in case of any accident on the road is a reflective vest. And even - and this won't be overzealous - a set of vests for each passenger. Of course, we know best how many people travel with us in the car, and it does not have to be a set for five or seven seats. Generally, I assume that the driver puts on a vest when leaving the vehicle, regardless of the time of day. That's why it's worth having it on hand, I have it packed in protective foil in my door pocket.

If it is a breakdown on a road with heavy traffic, we should also ask passengers to leave the car and wait on the roadside. Such behavior on an expressway or motorway is now mandatory.

The second element - which is mandatory in the car - is the warning triangle. Just like a reflective vest, it must be made of good quality material, otherwise it will not fulfill its role on the road. And the same rule here - the triangle should be placed in an easily accessible place. Some car manufacturers design a storage compartment for it, but sometimes we have to take care of it ourselves. Then the optimal solution will be the organizer that I carry in the trunk.

(photo: My Car)

The place where the triangle is placed is very important for our safety and that of others. The distance from our car depends on the road category, which is worth remembering. In the city - in a built-up area - we place it on the vehicle at least 1 meter high or place it a few steps behind it. Outside built-up areas it is 30-50 meters, for my own safety I prefer the upper limit. Because the higher the speed, the shorter the time for other drivers to react, which is taken into account by the regulations applicable to expressways. We place a triangle on them 100 meters behind the vehicle.

All in all, there are few rules to remember, and triangle manufacturers also come to our aid by placing a short cheat sheet on the packaging.

On-site wheel replacement or towing

Only now can we take action. In the case of a flat tire, we know what to do, but whether to do it successfully is another matter. Therefore, I encourage you to systematically inspect the condition of the spare or spare wheel or repair kit. In addition, a jack and a wrench to unscrew the bolts (recently, while waiting for the seasonal tire change, I witnessed a situation in which the driver could not find the cover for the bolt protecting the wheel against theft). In the previously mentioned organizer I also have a pair of protective gloves and a so-called flashlight. headlamp. In such situations, it is a very, very useful gadget in my car.

(photo: My Car)

An engine or other component failure is practically impossible to repair on the road. Then we must either call roadside assistance (this is obligatory on the highway) or ask another driver to tow the vehicle. In both situations, you will need a telephone. It works, so don't forget to take the cable with you Chargers to the 12V socket.

Roadside assistance will be able to take your car away. In the case of towing on your own, everything depends - as usual - on our foresight and preparation. In the past, car manufacturers placed appropriate hooks for towing ropes under the bumpers, today they use a screw-in eye, which we cannot cope without. So let's check where it is located in my wheel replacement tool kit.

(photo: My Car)

When towing is necessary

The tow rope should also be in the trunk of our car. I know from experience that it must be very durable, because there is nothing worse than it breaking or failing while driving. Therefore, in such a set of connected vehicles, with the help of a link to towbar, the first driver cannot move or brake suddenly! The length of the tow rope is from 4 to 6 meters.

When towing, you should also follow basic rules. First of all, the vehicle that will be pulled cannot be smaller (in mass) than the broken car! Next, the braking system must work. Thirdly, we put a warning triangle on its back. In built-up areas, we try not to exceed 30 km/h, beyond 60 km/h. Before towing, it is worth determining the method of communication, either with lights or a sound signal, and maintain eye contact at all times.

And it's best that such a situation never happens, which is what I wish for you and myself. Have a nice trip!