The hidden dangers of roadside emergencies – and how to prepare
Roadside emergencies are a fact of life that every driver faces at some point.
Whether it’s a flat tyre, a dead battery, or something more severe, these unexpected situations can be stressful and potentially dangerous if not handled properly.
The key to reducing the impact of these roadside disruptions is preparation.
By understanding common roadside emergencies and taking proactive steps to be prepared, you can navigate these situations with confidence and reduce stress when the unexpected happens.
1. A flat tyre
A flat tyre is one of the most common and frustrating roadside emergencies.
Whether it’s from hitting debris on the road or simply due to wear and tear, it can bring your journey to a sudden halt.
How to Prepare: Always ensure your car is stocked with a spare tyre, a good jack, and a wrench.
Take the time to learn how to change a tyre, as this is a valuable skill that can save you time and money in an emergency.
If you’re not confident in handling this yourself, don’t hesitate to call for professional help, like Auto&General’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance, to ensure you’re back on the road quickly and safely.
2. A dead battery
Dead batteries are another frequent cause of roadside emergencies.
Whether your battery has simply run out of charge or there’s an issue with your vehicle’s electrical system, a dead battery can leave you stranded.
How to Prepare: Always carry jumper cables or an emergency jump-start kit in your car.
It’s a great idea to learn how to jump-start a car so you can assist others – or yourself – in the event of a battery failure.
But if you find yourself stuck without the ability to start your vehicle, roadside assistance services like Auto&General’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance can send a technician to jump-start your car and get you moving again.
3. An overheating engine
An overheating engine can happen unexpectedly, especially after a long road trip or during the warmer months.
If your car’s temperature gauge begins to rise, it’s essential to take immediate action.
How to Prepare: If your car starts to overheat, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and let it cool down before inspecting the issue.
Check the coolant levels in the radiator, and keep spare coolant or oil in your car for emergencies.
If you’re unable to resolve the issue, it’s always a good idea to get your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Having roadside assistance at your disposal can help you get the situation under control quickly, whether you need a tow or mechanical support.
4. You get stuck
Whether it’s heavy snow in the winter or mud in the spring, getting stuck is a scenario many drivers face, especially in South Africa’s unpredictable weather.
This can be particularly troublesome during severe weather events — just ask the 1,800 drivers whose vehicles were stranded on the N3 highway during last year’s heavy snowfall in KZN.
How to Prepare: Always carry an emergency kit that includes essentials like flashlights, food, blankets, and water.
If the situation becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to call for professional help.
5. Lockouts
Locking yourself out of your car is one of the most common—and frustrating—roadside emergencies.
Whether you leave your keys inside, lose them, or the lock malfunctioned, being locked out of your vehicle can be incredibly stressful.
How to Prepare: It’s always a good idea to have a spare key with you or someone you trust who can bring it to you.
If you do get locked out, remember to stay calm and avoid using makeshift tools, which could damage your car.
In these situations, Auto&General’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance is a great resource to have at your fingertips.
They can send a professional locksmith to safely unlock your car and get you back on your way.
6. Running out of fuel
Running out of fuel may seem like an avoidable mistake, but it happens more often than you’d think, especially when driving in unfamiliar areas or during long trips.
Whether you miscalculated your fuel level or there’s a problem with your fuel gauge, it’s always inconvenient to find yourself stranded with an empty tank.
How to Prepare: To avoid running out of fuel, keep an eye on your fuel gauge and fill up when you’re nearing half a tank, especially on longer trips.
If you do find yourself stranded with no fuel, don’t panic.
With Auto&General’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance, you can request an emergency delivery of 10 litres of fuel to get you back on the road.
The importance of safety during roadside emergencies
Navigating a roadside emergency can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar or unsafe area.
Staying calm and knowing the best course of action is crucial.
Key safety tips:
- Turn on your hazard lights: As soon as you pull over, activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you are in distress.
- Use your interior dome light: If it’s dark, turning on your dome light can help make you more visible to both passing drivers and potential help.
- Set up warning devices: Reflective triangles are important for increasing visibility and alerting approaching drivers to slow down.
- Stay in your vehicle: In areas with high crime rates, it’s safer to stay inside your locked car with your windows up while waiting for assistance.
Why you need reliable roadside assistance
Having reliable roadside assistance can drastically reduce the stress and risks associated with roadside emergencies.
Whether you face a flat tyre, a dead battery, or a lockout, knowing that professional help is just a phone call away can provide peace of mind.
Services like Auto&General’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance ensure that you’re never alone in a crisis, offering quick response times and professional support in a variety of roadside situations.
Click here to learn more about Auto&General’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
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