A car breakdown can happen when you least expect it. Whether you are commuting to work, heading out of town, or driving through League City, TX, knowing what to do can help keep you and your passengers safe while you wait for help.

If your vehicle suddenly loses power, overheats, gets a flat tire, or develops another problem on the highway, follow these steps.

Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location

If your vehicle is still able to move, turn on your hazard lights and carefully guide it toward the right shoulder or another safe area away from traffic.

Try to get as far away from active traffic lanes as possible. Avoid stopping near curves, narrow shoulders, or other areas where approaching drivers may have difficulty seeing your vehicle.

If your car cannot move and you are stuck in a traffic lane, keep your hazard lights on and call for emergency assistance.

Make Yourself Visible

Once you are stopped, keep your hazard lights flashing. At night or during bad weather, turn on your parking lights as well.

If you have emergency warning triangles or road flares and can safely place them without walking into traffic, they can help approaching drivers see your vehicle sooner.

Visibility is especially important on busy highways where vehicles may be traveling at high speeds.

Stay Inside When Traffic Is Heavy

In many highway breakdown situations, staying inside your vehicle with your seat belt fastened is safer than standing near moving traffic.

If you are able to pull completely away from traffic and need to exit the vehicle, use the passenger side whenever possible.

Never stand directly behind or in front of a disabled vehicle on the highway.

Figure Out What Went Wrong

Some problems are easy to recognize.

A flat tire may cause the vehicle to pull strongly to one side. A dead battery may prevent the engine from starting. Running out of fuel can cause the engine to lose power, while overheating may produce steam or a rising temperature gauge.

Even when the problem seems obvious, avoid attempting repairs if doing so would put you dangerously close to highway traffic.

Call for Roadside Assistance

If you cannot safely fix the problem yourself, professional roadside assistance is usually the safest option.

League City Towing provides 24 hour roadside assistance for drivers in League City and surrounding areas. Services include tire changes, jumpstarts, battery assistance, fuel and diesel delivery, vehicle lockout service, and towing.

When you call, be ready to provide:

Your location or nearby highway exit

The direction you are traveling

Your vehicle make and model

A description of the problem

Whether the vehicle is safely off the roadway

Providing clear information helps dispatch send the right equipment for your situation.

Do Not Attempt Dangerous Highway Repairs

Changing a tire or checking an engine may sound simple, but highway shoulders can be extremely dangerous.

If your vehicle is close to moving traffic, waiting for a professional tow truck or roadside technician is usually the safer choice.

Professional towing companies have equipment designed to safely handle disabled vehicles while reducing the amount of time drivers spend exposed to highway traffic.

Know When You Need a Tow Truck

Not every breakdown can be fixed on the side of the road.

You may need towing service if your vehicle has:

A major mechanical failure

Engine or transmission problems

Serious overheating

Accident damage

Multiple damaged tires

Electrical problems that prevent the vehicle from starting

A roadside technician can help determine whether the vehicle can be repaired where it stopped or needs to be transported to a repair facility.

League City Towing provides light duty, medium duty, heavy duty, flatbed, and long distance towing, allowing the appropriate truck to be dispatched based on the vehicle and situation.

Prepare Before Your Next Breakdown

A little preparation can make an unexpected roadside emergency much easier to handle.

Consider keeping a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle with a flashlight, phone charger, reflective warning triangles, basic first aid supplies, drinking water, and other essentials.

Regularly checking your tires, battery, fluids, and fuel level can also reduce the chance of being stranded.

Need Roadside Assistance in League City, TX?

If your vehicle breaks down on the highway, focus on getting yourself and your vehicle somewhere safe before attempting repairs.

When you need professional help, League City Towing offers 24 hour towing and roadside assistance for cars, trucks, and other vehicles throughout League City, TX and surrounding areas.

Call 281 332 3500 for roadside assistance or towing service.