What to do if your vehicle breaks down
Some handy tips on how to manage a vehicle breakdown situation carefully.
Tracker South Africa has provided motorists with handy tips on how to avoid a vehicle breakdown and how to manage the situation carefully in the event that it happens anyway.
Vehicle maintenance:
• Service your vehicle when you’ve reached the mileage or annual service interval and make sure you always use a reputable mechanic. The mechanic should ensure that the battery terminals are clean and protected from corrosion.
• Make sure you test your tracking device to ensure that it is functioning optimally. If you have a Radio Frequency (RF) unit, ask your tracking company to test it, or test your unit via your app in the case of a GPS/ GSM unit.
• Check your oil, water and tyre pressure regularly.
• If you find any faults in your vehicle, get them fixed as soon as possible to avoid getting stuck, especially when travelling long distances.
• In case of a puncture, ensure you have a spare tyre and the necessary tools to replace the tyre stored in your vehicle.
Personal safety:
• Ensure that you have all the key contact numbers, such as police, your tracking service, insurance and tow operator saved on your phone and written down and stored in your vehicle.
• Don’t run out of fuel. Make sure you fill up when the petrol light comes on. People often overestimate how much fuel is left.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged and that you have a portable charger on hand.
• Plan your journey in advance by ensuring you have the correct directions to your destination. Make sure you enter the destination in your GPS or chosen app before heading off on your journey to avoid distractions en route.
• Be cautious when driving on the roads. Avoid driving over foreign or suspicious-looking objects, rocks or packets, as these could damage your vehicle, leading to a breakdown.
During a breakdown:
• Switch on your vehicle’s hazard lights.
• Put your warning triangle on the road about 50 metres behind your vehicle.
• Call for roadside assistance immediately. Do not accept help from strangers.
• If you’re stranded in a deserted area, let your family know and call on your security company or Tracker Guard if you are a subscriber for protection.
• If it is safe to do so, i.e. your car is safely on the verge of the road, stay inside and keep all your doors locked and your windows closed.
• Source: Tracker South Africa
