What should I do if my car breaks down?

If your car breaks down, the first thing to do is stay calm and get it off the road if you can. Turn on your hazard lights right away, and carefully steer your vehicle toward the shoulder or the safest nearby spot. Once stopped, make yourself as visible as possible, keep your hazards on, and if you have reflective warning triangles or flares, place them behind your car to alert other drivers.

Next, decide whether it’s safer to stay inside or get out. If you’re on a busy road or highway, it’s often best to stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives. But if you’re in a safer location and it’s possible to exit, do so from the side away from traffic. Avoid standing directly in front of or behind your car, positioning yourself someplace safe is more important than trying to fix something yourself.

Once you’re in a secure spot, call West Hartford Towing. When you call, be ready to tell us your exact location, landmarks, road names, or mile markers help a lot. Describe what happened (flat tire, engine trouble, etc.) and your vehicle’s make and model so we can dispatch the right help. Also, let us know where you want your vehicle to go (a repair shop, your home, etc.).

• While you wait, lock your doors and conserve your phone battery. If it’s dark or visibility is low, keep your interior lights on if it’s safe, so the inside of your car is visible. We’ll get a tow truck to you as quickly as possible and make sure your vehicle is transported safely.