## How to Handle an Engine Failure While Driving
Engine failure is one of the most dreaded experiences for any driver. It can be sudden and unexpected, leaving you stranded on the side of the road with no idea what to do. But don’t panic! By following these steps, you can safely handle an engine failure and get back on the road as quickly as possible.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
When your engine fails, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. If you’re on a highway or busy road, pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and set out flares or reflective triangles to warn other drivers.
Once you’re in a safe location, take a moment to assess the situation. Is there any smoke or fluid leaking from the engine? Is there any unusual noise or smell? This information can help you determine the severity of the problem and whether you can continue driving or not.
2. If Possible, Pull Over to a Safe Location
If your engine fails while you’re on a busy road, it’s important to pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. This could be a rest stop, a parking lot, or even the side of the road if there’s no other option.
Once you’re in a safe location, turn on your hazard lights and put your car in park. If you have a manual transmission, put the car in neutral. This will prevent the car from rolling away if the engine starts up again.
3. Call for Help
Once you’re in a safe location, call for help. You can call a tow truck, a mechanic, or even a friend or family member to come and help you. If you’re not sure who to call, you can always dial 911 and they will dispatch the appropriate help.
When you call for help, be sure to give the dispatcher your location, the make and model of your car, and a brief description of the problem. This will help them send the right help to you as quickly as possible.
4. Stay With Your Car
Once you’ve called for help, stay with your car. This will make it easier for the tow truck driver or mechanic to find you and get your car towed or repaired.
If you have to leave your car, make sure to lock it and take your keys with you. You should also take any valuables with you, such as your wallet, phone, and laptop.
5. Wait for Help to Arrive
Once you’ve called for help, all you can do is wait for it to arrive. This can be a frustrating time, but it’s important to stay patient. Help will arrive eventually, and then you can get your car towed or repaired and be on your way.
6. What to Do if Your Engine Fails and You’re Not in a Safe Location
If your engine fails and you’re not in a safe location, such as on a highway or busy road, it’s important to stay calm and do the following:
* **Turn on your hazard lights.** This will alert other drivers to your presence and help prevent an accident.
* **Pull over to the side of the road as far as possible.** This will give you more room to maneuver and reduce the risk of being hit by other vehicles.
* **Set out flares or reflective triangles.** This will help other drivers see your car and avoid hitting you.
* **Call for help.** Use your cell phone to call for a tow truck, a mechanic, or even a friend or family member to come and help you. If you don’t have a cell phone, you can try waving down another driver for help.
7. What to Do if Your Engine Fails and You’re in a Remote Area
If your engine fails and you’re in a remote area, it’s important to stay calm and do the following:
* **Stay with your car.** Leaving your car in a remote area can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know the area well.
* **Conserve your resources.** If you have a cell phone, use it sparingly to conserve battery power. If you have a flashlight, use it only when necessary.
* **Stay warm.** If it’s cold outside, stay in your car to stay warm. If you have a blanket or sleeping bag, use it to keep yourself warm.
* **Ration your food and water.** If you have any food or water with you, ration it so that you have enough to last until help arrives.
* **Be prepared to spend the night.** If help doesn’t arrive before nightfall, be prepared to spend the night in your car. Gather any supplies you can find, such as blankets, pillows, and food, and make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Engine failure can be a scary experience, but by following these steps, you can handle it safely and get back on the road as quickly as possible. Stay calm, assess the situation, and call for help. With a little preparation and patience, you’ll be back on your way in no time.
