We all rely on our cars and we often take them for granted. They enable us to lead independent lives as well as give us the freedom to do what expand our horizons both personally or in a work capacity. However, a car is made of intricate parts and that means that things can go wrong.
Should you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having a car that is broken down, it is important to identify what you need to do to ensure that you are safe and you get your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. Often, many people do not have car breakdown cover either that is not offered in the place of living or you are not aware of it. But if you do then it will offer you complete peace of mind at the time of need.
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Breaking Down on a Major Road or a Highway
In Pakistan, most of the major roads or highways (except well planned motorways) are considered to be dangerous roads because of the speed at which vehicles travel and so, breaking down on a major road or highway can present a number of problems. Should your vehicle develop a problem while on a Highway then it is advised that you move over to the hard shoulder as soon as possible.
Remember to park as far to the left-hand side of the hard shoulder as possible to ensure that there is space between your vehicle and the busy road. You should also turn your wheels towards the outer edge of the hard shoulder in case it begins to roll. Then you should ensure that you put your warning lights on so other drivers are aware that you are present.
Additional Reading: How to Find Best Car Insurance in Pakistan?
If possible, you should make sure that you can be seen so it is recommended that you wear a jacket that has reflective material to be easily visible, particularly during hours of darkness. In case you have any passengers in the vehicle, then ensure that they leave the vehicle via the door that is nearest to the left-hand verge and move onto a safe place.
You should call your breakdown cover provider if you have breakdown cover arrangement in place and inform them of your location. You can do this by using your smartphone. You should then wait for the breakdown assistance to arrive but do not seek out a solution to the problem with your vehicle yourself.
If your vehicle is repaired on the side of the road then you should re-enter the highway safely by waiting for a gap and gaining speed before moving back onto the highway.
Breaking Down on Smaller, Lesser-known Roadside
Breaking down on smaller, quieter roads will mean that you are not in as much danger as you are when you break down on a Highway, however, there is always the potential for danger, particularly if you could be an obstruction on the road.
If you break down on a smaller road you should put your warning lights on immediately and put on your reflective clothing and use a torch if you have one. If the weather is dark then you could place your side lights on in order to give other road users the best chance of seeing you. It is also better to let your family and friends know about your situation as it is considred dangerous to be stuck on such roads during the odd time due to safety issues such as robbery.
Again, if you have passengers in the vehicle it is vital that they are removed from the vehicle and taken to a position alongside the road where the risk of danger is reduced. If you are carrying a warning triangle then this should be placed around 50m behind the vehicles to warn other road users that your vehicle is up ahead. You should have your emergency kit with you that you can try in case of a breakdown such as tyre puncture etc.
Now is the time to call for car breakdown cover assistance so that your vehicle can either be repaired or towed to a garage for repair.
Car Breakdown Cover is Crucial
Car breakdown cover is a new concept in Pakistan and that is why we are trying to create a needed awareness for the masses. You should research on the potential providers or insurance companies that offer car breakdown cover as an additional service. As a motorist car breakdown cover should provide you with complete peace of mind whenever you start a journey in your vehicle. It will enable you to safely have your vehicle repaired without having to worry about searching for a local garage.
The above guidelines are also applicable if you are either in Pakistan or on an international travel and driving a car somewhere in abroad. Finding the right car insurance and cover is simple when you compare providers at Mawazna.com. Find the right cover from the right provider and you will have real confidence in your vehicle, even if it does break down.
“Mawazna Karein Apne Liye, Apno key Liye”
