How Most People React When Their Car Breaks Down (And What To Do Instead)

We’ve all seen how people react when their cars break down. Usually, it’s a combination of a sinking feeling and frustration. There’s also occasionally some panic when they’re in the middle of nowhere. But of course, your car breaking down is something that is likely to happen at some point during your life. Therefore, it’s a good idea to figure out how people react and what you should do instead. Here’s our thoughts on the matter. 

Immediately pop the hood and stare into the engine without knowing anything

One of the first things you’ll see people do when they break down is open the hood of the car, stare into the engine, and start tinkering around with things wondering what’s wrong. Unfortunately, poking things when you don’t know what you’re doing is dangerous, especially when the engine’s hot. Also, it’s often counter-productive because most people aren’t mechanics and don’t know how to fix engines by the roadside.

The best thing to do in this situation is to lift the hood only if it’s safe away from heavy traffic. Lifting the hood can indicate that you’re signalling a problem which can encourage people with more knowledge to stop by and help you out. However, the focus should be on safety and calling for help first. You need to get roadside assistance immediately before trying to diagnose anything yourself. 

Try to restart the car constantly in frustration

Another thing you’ll notice is that many people try to restart the car constantly with a sense of frustration, but of course constantly restarting a car just floods the engine with gas and drains the battery further, making it even harder to start.

The best approach is to stop trying to start the car after one or two tries and then look for other reasons for why it might not be starting. For example, you could have a warning light on or an odd smell coming from the engine. There could also be other issues like a fuel gauge that’s empty. It’s often a good idea to remedy these issues first before trying a couple more times to see if the car starts. If it doesn’t start then that’s the time to call for a towing company. 

Staying glued to the phone and scrolling social media

When some people break down, it can also be an opportunity for them to doom scroll. Many people do this while stranded and hesitate to call for roadside assistance. It’s a way of minimizing the situation. However, don’t be like this. Call for help right away and get roadside assistance via whatever company you use. If you need a tow service, that can be helpful. Alternatively, call the emergency services if you’re in a dangerous spot. They can close off the road and protect you from oncoming traffic. 

So there you have it. Some of the ways most people react when they get stuck at the side of the road. Don’t be like this and be especially careful in cold weather to get assistance when you can. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.