When your personal vehicle hits a bump in the road, it’s crucial to have a strategy for handling those unexpected breakdowns. We gathered insights from owners and CEOs, focusing on their go-to methods, from joining AAA and keeping a tool kit to combining preparedness with quick action. Here are the top four responses we received, packed with real-life experiences and practical advice.
- Join AAA and Keep a Tool Kit
- Practice Preventive Maintenance
- Stay Calm and Use Roadside Assistance
- Combine Preparedness with Quick Action
Join AAA and Keep a Tool Kit
I’m driving an older car, which probably needs to be replaced and will have something go wrong sooner rather than later, but it’s still running, so I don’t want to get rid of a perfectly good car, though reliability just can’t be trusted on longer road trips and such. I recently joined AAA and keep a basic tool kit in my car for emergencies. One time, when my battery died unexpectedly, I was able to use my portable jump-starter to get back on the road without needing to call a tow truck.
John Frigo
Ecommerce Manager, Best Price Nutrition
Practice Preventive Maintenance
Being a vehicle owner and expert, I like to always be prepared to cope with unexpected breakdowns in my automobile. I prefer preventive maintenance in the form of ensuring timely servicing and inspection of my car. This involves ensuring that certain critical parts of the vehicle, such as the battery, the tires, and fluid levels, are fully functional to reduce the risk of damage. Besides, I have in my vehicle a few basic items that would help out in an emergency, including a portable jumper, some tire-repair tools, and a first-aid kit. Such preferences enhance the preventive attitude in me but also enable me to correct small errors myself when they appear.
I recall one particular incident that remains etched in my memory. It happened while we were on a road trip with my parents and siblings. As we were driving in isolation, the next thing that happened was that the car began to overheat. In light of my past knowledge, I took the car over to the side of the road to evaluate the condition. I found out that there was a significant loss of coolant because one of the hoses had a tiny leak. Thankfully, in my spare basket of the car, there was a tube of coolant and some tools. I managed to repair the leak, refill the coolant, and proceed to drive toward a service center where more detailed attention would be provided.
This case highlighted the significance of preparedness and being educated. I managed to avert any major disruption to our trip by remaining cool under the circumstances and using whatever tools I had on me. It’s a lesson that when it comes to unforeseen problems, such as issues with a vehicle, having the proper tools and information makes all the difference.
Ranjeet Singh
Owner, Eco Autos
Stay Calm and Use Roadside Assistance
The way we deal with unexpected breakdowns is to stay calm, assess the situation, and call for roadside assistance if needed. I always let my crew keep a basic toolkit and jumper cables in the truck, which has come in handy more than once. One specific experience our crew had was when the truck broke down on the way to the job site. They then realized that it was a battery issue, so they used the jumper cables to get it started and made it to the job on time. It reminded us how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.
Amaury Ponce
Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services
Combine Preparedness with Quick Action
When faced with unexpected vehicle breakdowns, my go-to method is a combination of preparedness and quick action. I know “preparedness” sounds as though it contrasts with “unexpected,” but you can be prepared for the unexpected. I always keep an emergency kit in my car, including jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, and a fully charged power bank for my phone.
A specific experience that reinforced this approach happened last winter. I was driving on a remote highway when my car suddenly lost power. The temperature was dropping rapidly, and cell reception was spotty. Thanks to my emergency kit, I was able to stay warm and eventually call for help using my backup power bank. While waiting, I used a car repair app to diagnose the issue, which turned out to be a failed alternator.
This experience taught me three key lessons:
- Regular maintenance can prevent many breakdowns.
- Always be prepared with an emergency kit.
- Stay calm and assess the situation before taking action.
Now, before any long trip, I do a quick car check and ensure my emergency kit is fully stocked. These simple steps have given me peace of mind on the road and have helped me handle subsequent minor issues with confidence.
Cristian Anaya
CEO & Owner, DSK Auto Sales & Services
