The proper way to handle a breakdown will depend on where it occurs. The first concern is the safety of you and your passengers. Fifth Gear Automotive’s auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX can provide the professional automotive repair services you need. Observe the following steps for your safety:
1. Turn on the hazard lights. This warns other drivers that the vehicle is disabled. Leave the hazard lights on until the vehicle can be safely towed to one of the area auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
2. If the breakdown occurs while driving, pull over onto the right-hand shoulder of the road. If there is not a safe location to pull into, signal to turn, and move over into the right-hand lane. Remember to signal lane changes.
3. When the breakdown occurs on a residential street, pull into a parking spot or a nearby parking lot. Turn the wheel away from the road, and into the curb, and apply the emergency brake.
3. If you were able to move the car to the right-hand side of the road, get out through the passenger door. If smoke or flames are visible from the engine compartment, move a safe distance away, and call 911 for assistance.
However, if the car has simply stalled in heavy traffic, it may be safer to remain in the car with the flashers on. If you have roadside assistance give them a call, otherwise call a tow truck or 911 for a tow to the nearest auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
In addition, if you are not stuck in heavy traffic, set up flares or triangles if available. Place one approximately 10 feet behind the vehicle and one further away if possible. Raise the hood of the car; it is the universal sign of a disabled vehicle. In heavy traffic, remain in the car with the flashers on until assistance arrives.
4. Wait for help.
With the proper tools and in a safe location you may be able to resolve the problem. Common problems include:
A Dead Battery
A jumpstart may recharge the battery. Keep a set of quality jumper cables in the trunk. Purchase longer cables to increase the chances they will reach the battery of a Good Samaritans vehicle.
An annual electrical system check, and having the battery tested every few months once it nears the last 6 months of its warranty can prevent having a dead battery surprise you. If you have weakening battery, contact Fifth Gear Automotive for the installation of a new battery in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
A Flat Tire
When a tire blows out, hold the wheel steady, and pull over to the right-hand shoulder of the road, if possible. When the flat tire is on the road/highway side, and during heavy traffic, call for a tow truck. It is preferable to be late to an appointment than to risk injury by a distracted driver. However, if you were able to move to a safe area you can change the tire if you know how.
Have the tires rotated as recommended, routinely examine the tire tread (uneven wear can indicate improper inflation or the need for a wheel alignment), check the tire pressure every month (including the spare), and provide a wheel alignment when purchasing new tires. Fifth Gear Automotive can provide the tire and wheel services you need in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
An Overheated Engine
Keep an eye on the temperature gauge, especially during the summer. The temperature gauge provides a warning when the vehicle is overheating. If overheating occurs, pull over to a safe location. Turn off the AC and turn on the heat. While this may be uncomfortable, the heater pulls hot air away from the engine.
However, if there is steam coming from under the hood, turn the car off, and open the hood. Do not remove the radiator cap, until the vehicle has cooled and the pressure is off the system. Opening the radiator cap can cause scalding from hot antifreeze.
When the engine is cool, verify there is coolant in the radiator overflow reservoir. The overflow tank is typically a clear plastic container near the radiator. If the tank is empty, a coolant leak in the system is likely.
Adding coolant may provide a temporary solution enabling you to reach one of the local auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX. Once the car has completely cooled, (radiator hoses should be soft), open the radiator cap. Utilize a rag or cloth over the cap, twist gently, and open away from your face. Add coolant, or water in a pinch, up to the “full” line. Once the coolant is replaced, start the car, and check the temperature gauge.
Do not pour cold water into a hot radiator and engine to avoid serious damage to these components. Our certified mechanics can provide the repairs your car requires in our auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX.
Never attempt to repair a disabled car on a busy highway, call a tow truck. Also, to avoid damage to the radiator and engine, do not continue to drive when the temperature gauge stays on hot. If your car is overheating, bring it to Fifth Gear Automotive’s auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX for reliable repair.
At Fifth Gear’s auto repair shops in Lewisville, TX our certified automotive technicians strive to exceed your expectations by providing the best quality automotive repair services available. For reliable auto repair, contact Fifth Gear Automotive today.
