Don't put your safety at risk when your car breaks down

Having your car break down on the road can be a nerve-racking experience, especially if you’re out of town. If you’re prepared to fix a flat or trouble shoot your engine then you might be just fine but a lot of people these days are helpless when it comes to roadside repairs. Aside from being stranded you are also at risk of being approached by criminals. Often when we are in need we let our guard down to anyone willing to help us out of a jamb. Now most people might stop out of the kindness of their hearts but you should always be weary.

There are a few things that you should consider before that inevitable break down. First carry a reliable form of communication like a cell phone. Communication is the best way to summon trustworthy help. I would even suggest you buy a pre-paid phone and keep it in the glove box. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rushed out of the house without my phone.

Second, carry a laminated emergency contact card in your glove box. This card will contain phone numbers and e-mail addresses to help you out of your predicament (you should store these in your phone too but the card is there in case you forget your phone). If your phone has internet capabilities then you can easily access the resources below. If it doesn’t then call a friend with internet access and have them look it up for you.

Roadside service contracts like ones offered through AAA are great but if you don’t have such a subscription consider using these sites for help.

1. For help with TOWING try www.towing.com for assistance in your area.

2. For a local MECHANIC use something like www.iatn.net or www.cartalk.com

If a stranger approaches your vehicle do not feel obligated to open your door or window to talk to them. If they give you the heebie-jeebies just tell them you’ve already called for help and they are on the way.