You can’t always predict a breakdown, but you can be prepared for one. If your car starts acting up while you’re on the road, it’s important to get to safety as soon as possible. Northgate Towing in Cincinnati, OH, provides reliable emergency roadside assistance 24 hours a day. Here, their team explains four things you should do if your car breaks down on the road. 

4 Steps to Take When Your Car Breaks Down & You Need Roadside Assistance 

1. Pull Over 

Whether your car’s making strange noises or has completely shut down, you need to get it off the road as quickly as possible. As soon as you notice signs of trouble, turn on your hazard lights and pull over to the side of the road. Try not to brake suddenly; take your foot off the gas pedal and slow down gently. Once you’re in a safe location, turn off the engine, put the car in park, and set the emergency brake. 

2. Make Your Car Noticeable 

If the battery is functional, keep the hazard lights on. Also, place reflective triangles or flares near your vehicle to make it visible to other drivers. This is particularly important at night or in inclement weather. 

3. Call for Roadside Assistance

Next, call roadside assistance. You should keep the number for your local tow or emergency services company in your wallet, phone contact list, or glove box at all times, so you’ll have it in a case of emergency. Northgate Towing offers 24-hour roadside assistance and towing throughout the Cincinnati area. 

4. Remain in the Car 

If it’s safe to do so, stay in the car while you wait for the tow truck or emergency assistance to arrive and tell passengers to do the same. This will keep you safe from oncoming traffic, as the car is more visible than you are. If you must leave, put a white bag or T-shirt in the window to signal to law enforcement or passerby that you’ll be returning to the vehicle.

If you live in the Cincinnati area, make Northgate Towing your go-to company for reliable roadside assistance. They also provide lockout service, jump-starts, and vehicle recovery. Call (513) 825-8036 to speak with a friendly staff member or visit their website for more information.