My Car Has Broken Down… Now What?

Asian young woman looking at broken down car engine on street. Opening hood and calling for help on cell phone

It’s the question you never want to ask, but should know the answer to: “Who can I call to get a jump start if I break down?” Depending on where you are, you should call a family member, mechanic, or your roadside assistance contact if you break down. Here’s what you need to do if you break down on the road, courtesy of the North Penn Mazda service team.

Get Off the Road

Breaking down is never convenient, but the important part when it happens is to avoid panicking and safely get off the road. If your car suddenly dies or you hear a worrying noise, turn on your emergency lights and safely drive into the breakdown lane or off the road. Come to a full stop, put your vehicle in park, and turn the vehicle off.

Assess the Situation

Once you’re off the road, you need to assess what’s going on so you know what to do next. Try to turn your vehicle on again and note what happens, including any strange sounds or smells. Even if you can’t find the exact problem, make sure you can describe what happens when you try to start the car.

Know Who to Call

If you aren’t near any family or friends who can come and jumpstart your vehicle, there are other people you can call. If you have roadside assistance, you can call them and they’ll send out help — or you can call a mechanic yourself. You should call 911 if there’s been an injury or a collision was involved.

Who Can I Call to Get a Jump Start? Find Out in Colmar, PA

It’s important to have a pair of jumper cables on hand so when you call someone to get a jump start, you’re prepared. Contact North Penn Mazda today to order an emergency kit for your car.