Most people hit the road ready to get to their destination without a hitch. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When your car breaks down, it’s good to be prepared with the knowledge of how to proceed to keep yourself and your car as safe as possible until a towing company comes to help.

Before the tow truck shows up to give you and your car a lift, here are three things you should do:

• Pull Over to Safety: The most important thing to do when your car breaks down is to find a safe place to pull over and get out. As soon as you notice there are problems with the vehicle, like smoke coming from the hood or an odd sound inside the car, find the nearest shoulder or parking lot to turn into. This way, you can turn the car off and get out while you wait for the towing company. If you happen to get stuck while driving up or down a hill, turn your wheels, and use the parking brake before you leave the car.
• Signal for Help: If your car breaks down on a freeway or another road with traffic, it’s crucial to signal to other drivers that your car is unable to move. If your car’s battery still works, turn your hazard lights on to indicate to passing cars that they should move around you. If you don’t have reflective signs to place around the perimeter of your car, simply pop the hood to indicate you need some assistance.
• Call for Backup: As soon as you can, call your preferred auto body shop to see if they can send a truck to your location. If you don’t have access to a cell phone, look for an emergency phone on the highway, signal for help from another driver, or relocate to a commercial area where you can borrow a phone. Towing services usually offer 24-hour service, so be ready to give an exact location, as well as the information on your car’s make and model once you’ve reached them.

If you’re a driver in the Hilton and Spencerport, NY, area and are in the market for a new collision repair company to keep on file in case of a car emergency, consider working with Heinrich Collision. This team of professionals offers 24/7 towing services and will help you get your car to the shop safely any time of the day or night, leaving you with total peace of mind. Visit them online or give them a call at (585) 392-7800.