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Writer's pictureAnchor Towing & Recovery Halifax

What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down | Tips from Anchor Towing & Recovery, Halifax, Nova Scotia




Experiencing a car breakdown can be a stressful and daunting situation. Whether you’re on your way to work or heading out for a weekend trip, a sudden vehicle malfunction can disrupt your plans. At Anchor Towing & Recovery, we understand how crucial it is to handle such situations safely and efficiently.


Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when your car breaks down, ensuring your safety and minimizing inconvenience.


1. Stay Calm and Safe


The first and most important step is to remain calm. Panic can lead to poor decision-making. Ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers by following these guidelines:


Move to a Safe Location: If possible, steer your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe area away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.


Stay in Your Car: If you’re on a busy road, it’s safer to stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened. Exiting your vehicle on a busy highway can be extremely dangerous.


Call for Help: Use your phone to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. If you’re in a hazardous situation, dial emergency services.


2. Assess the Situation


Once you’re safe, try to identify the cause of the breakdown if it’s safe to do so. Common issues include:


Flat Tire: Check if one of your tires is flat. If you have a spare tire and the tools, you might be able to change it yourself or call tow service so they can safely change it for you.


Engine Overheating: If your engine is overheating, you’ll likely see steam coming from the hood. Turn off the engine immediately and wait for it to cool down before checking the coolant level.


Dead Battery: If your car won’t start and there are no other apparent issues, the battery might be dead. A jump-start could get you back on the road temporarily.


3. Make Yourself Visible


Ensuring other drivers can see you is crucial to avoid accidents:


Use Hazard Lights: Keep your hazard lights on to alert other drivers.


Set Up Reflective Triangles or Flares: If you have them, place reflective triangles or flares behind your car to increase visibility, especially at night or in bad weather.


4. Call for Professional Assistance


If you’re unable to fix the problem yourself, it’s time to call a professional towing service:


Contact Anchor Towing & Recovery in Halifax: We offer fast and reliable towing services. Our team will arrive promptly to assist you, ensuring your vehicle is safely towed to your preferred location or a trusted repair shop.


Provide Your Location: Give the towing service your exact location using landmarks or a GPS pin to help them find you quickly.


5. Wait Safely


While waiting for help to arrive, follow these safety tips:


Stay Inside Your Vehicle: Unless you’re in immediate danger, remain inside your car with the doors locked.


Keep Your Phone Charged: Ensure your phone is charged in case you need to make additional calls or provide updates to the tow truck driver.


Monitor Your Surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid accepting help from strangers. Wait for the professional assistance you’ve called.


A car breakdown can be an unexpected and stressful event, but knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference. By staying calm, ensuring your safety, and calling a reliable towing service like Anchor Towing & Recovery, you can handle the situation efficiently and get back on the road as soon as possible.For immediate assistance, contact us at 902.457.1700 or visit our website to learn more about our services at https://


Contact Us


Need roadside assistance or towing services? Anchor Towing & Recovery now at 902.457.1700 for prompt and professional help.

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