Waiting For A Tow Truck? 4 Things Not To Do

Waiting for a tow truck can be boring, but don’t let that boredom give you any ideas. After a car breakdown, it’s vital to remember that if you stay smart, you will stay safe.

Here are four things NOT to do when you’re on the roadside waiting for rescue: 

Drain Your Phone Battery

You’re not supposed to text and drive, so a car breakdown gives you the perfect opportunity to catch up on group texts and work emails. Right? Wrong.

Your tow truck driver might need to get in contact with you if he or she is unable to find your car. Roadside assistance might call and need more information to give to the tow dispatcher.

Don’t call for towing and immediately fire up a mobile game. Even if you have a car charger, it’s better to keep your phone data and lines clear and preserve your battery until the tow truck driver has reached you.

Strike Out on Your Own

Waiting for a tow truck takes too long — you’ve decided to gather your belongings and start walking. This is not only unwise, but dangerous. You’re not going to get anywhere, especially if you’re on the highway or in a remote location, and you could also become a sad statistic.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 4,735 pedestrians died in accidents in 2013. Staying in your car is the safer, smarter option.

Try Your Hand as a Mechanic

Now is not the time to play an auto mechanic. After a breakdown, leave your engine alone. Why?

First of all, car engines are extremely hot after driving, especially if overheating was part of the reason for the breakdown. If you try to take the caps off any fluid reservoirs, the pressure can cause the piping hot liquid to splash on you, causing burns.

Second, it’s harder than you might think to diagnose an engine problem. If you don’t know what a working car engine looks like, how are you going to pinpoint the problem? Stay patient while waiting for a tow truck and let your mechanic handle it.

Ignore Your Instincts

Your instinct is telling you that you should roll up your window and avoid talking to any motorists who stop to offer help. You don’t know them and they don’t know you. But then again, you do need help. Should you ignore your instincts and open the door?

Don’t do it. You could fall victim to a scam or serious crime, and you already have enough trouble with your broken-down vehicle.

You won’t be waiting for a tow truck for long if you call Stauffer’s Towing, Utah’s premier tow service available 24/7.