Car Trouble: When to Call for Help, and What to Keep in Your Car
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Quick answer: If your car breaks down, get as far off the road as you can, turn on your hazards, and call for help. AAA says waiting outside the car, away from the road, is safest because a stopped car may be hit (AAA). Keep an emergency kit: NHTSA lists a cell phone and charger, first-aid kit, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, tire gauge, jack, gloves, basic tools, water, food, medicines, washer fluid, maps and blankets (NHTSA).
⚠ Safety first:
- Call 911 for a crash with injuries, a fire, or if you feel unsafe.
- Never work on a car on the traffic side, and never get under a car held up only by a jack (AAA; NZTA).
- Stuck in snow? NHTSA says stay with the car, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and run the engine only briefly to stay warm (NHTSA).
- Don’t drive through flooded roads: Ready.gov says a foot of water will float many cars (Ready.gov).
Steps: easiest & free first
- Get safeFREE
Hazards on, parking brake on, off the road as far as possible (AAA). - Call for helpFREE
Have your location, car make/model and plate ready for the dispatcher (AAA). Check your insurance, rental agreement or auto club for roadside coverage. - Wait away from trafficFREE
Get passengers out and away from the road (AAA). - Fix it only if it’s easy and safeFREE
See flat tire, jump-start, check engine light. - Build your kitFREE
Start with NHTSA’s list. For winter add a shovel, ice scraper, sand or cat litter, and blankets (NHTSA). - Check recallsFREE
Look up your VIN at NHTSA twice a year; recall repairs are free at the dealer (NHTSA).
⚠ When to call a pro: smoke or steam, a flashing check engine light, brakes that feel wrong, a crash, or any repair on a busy road. Renting a car or using a shared/borrowed car? Call the rental company or owner’s roadside number first. See roadside help & emergency kit.
💡 Prevent it: Ready.gov suggests keeping your gas tank full in case of emergencies (Ready.gov).