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Experiencing a car breakdown can be a stressful and frustrating ordeal, leaving you feeling uncertain about your next steps. Equipping yourself with the right knowledge and strategies ahead of time can transform this situation into a manageable one. In today's article, we'll walk you through the actions to take when your vehicle unexpectedly fails, helping you to remain calm and in control as you navigate the challenges of a breakdown and what to do before the tow truck arrives.

1. Stay Calm and Pull Over

The first thing to do is remain calm. Take a deep breath and assess your surroundings. If you’re on a busy road, try to stay focused and get steer your vehicle to the side of the road or to an exit if possible.

2. Notify Other Drivers

Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you are experiencing trouble.

3. Assess the Situation

Most professionals recommend staying inside your car with your seatbelt fastened, windows up, and doors locked until help arrives, unless it is unsafe to do so (i.e.: the car is on fire). In the event that it is dangerous to stay with the vehicle, it is typically recommended that you carefully move to higher ground or behind a barrier.

4. Identify the Problem

Try to determine what went wrong. Is there a flat tire, an overheated engine, or a dead battery? If a warning light triggered related to one of these issues, it will give you an idea about what happened.

5. Determine Next Steps: Repair or Call for Help

You may know how to fix some concerns. For example, if you know how to fix a flat tire and have a spare or "donut tire" handy, you may decide to perform the repair yourself. However, if the vehicle is in an area where you feel unsafe performing the repair or replacement, it's best to call for assistance. For any roadside issue, you can contact a roadside assistance provider like Rapid Towing, or, if you're part of a motor club, give them a call.

Once you have a roadside service provider on the way, all you need to do is wait.

Roadside Assistance in Rapid City, South Dakota

In the event of a car breakdown, staying calm and knowing your next steps can make all the difference. Whether you need a tire change, a jump start, or reliable towing services, our team is here to help you get back on the road safely and swiftly. If you find yourself stranded in Rapid City, SD, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our dedicated roadside assistance team is just a phone call away, ready to provide the support you need, 24/7.

Remember, when you're in a jam, we’ve got your back!