How to handle a car emergency on the highway

 Car emergencies are almost always stressful situations regardless of what road you're on when they occur. And when they happen on the highway, stress gets ratcheted even higher. That's why our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to share tips with you and help you deal with a car emergency on the highway with as little stress as possible - check out our tips below. 

Tips for a highway car emergency 

• If you have a car emergency on the highway - like a flat tire or engine failure - you should pull off the road immediately. You want to get out of the flow of traffic so no one hits you and makes the situation worse. Look for a flat space on the shoulder that's a good way away from the road where you can park your car. 
• Once you've parked, turn on your hazard lights, apply your parking brake, and be sure to turn your front wheels away from the road. On the off chance that someone does hit your car, you'll be pushed away from the road instead of onto it. 
• If you have a flat tire that needs to be changed, you need to find a spot on the shoulder that's flat and free of sand (changing a tire in the sand is extremely dangerous because the jack can move around while you're working). 
• If there's no shoulder available where you're driving (hello, I-4), you should try to make it to the next exit or at least the next piece of the shoulder. Never stop on the highway unless you have no other option (like if you have a car fire) - it's extremely dangerous. 
• Your next step should be to make yourself as visible as you possibly can. As noted, turn on your hazard lights. If you have road flares or hazard triangles, now is the time to put them to use. If you're in a bind, call the police - they probably can't help you get your car up and running, but they can at least turn on their lights to make you more visible to other drivers. 
• Once you've found a safe spot for your car, get back inside of it. It's much safer to be in your car than on the side of the road where other drivers may not see you until it's too late. 
• Finally, call for help. Whether you're calling roadside assistance or a tow truck to get you to a mechanic, now's the time to dial. 

Get back on the road with Toyota of Orlando 

Want more tips, or need some assistance after a highway car emergency? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week and our service center is ready to get you back on the road. You can reach us at (407) 298-0001 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.