Tips for when your car breaks down.

GETTING OUT OF THE WAY

If you break down on the roadway, try to pull to the right shoulder.  Get out of the way of vehicles that are driving on the road.  Make sure you turn your hazard lights on.

If your vehicle breakdowns on a highway or a road with a higher speed limit, be very cautious and stay in your vehicle.

Notify law enforcement if you are blocking the roadway or if you are leaving your vehicle.  Let them know that you called a towing company.  This will help you avoid having your vehicle impounded by the police.

If you’re changing a tire, make sure you are as far off the road as possible and be aware of oncoming traffic.

LET OTHER DRIVERS KNOW YOUR VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE

Again, make sure to turn on you hazards.

Carry warning triangles in your vehicle.

GET HELP

Anytime you’re blocking traffic, notify the police or Highway Patrol of the situation.  They can help with traffic control and your safety.

If you can’t get your vehicle started, contact a towing company to get you off the road as soon as possible.

Know your vehicle. Is it a two wheel drive, four wheel drive, or all wheel drive? Front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, standard transmission or manual transmission? Has it been altered or lowered? It is loaded with special equipment? Do you have passengers that need to ride with? Pets? Are you towing a trailer? Have hazardous material? All of this is important information to give to the towing company.

Know where your vehicle is located.  Providing the towing company or law enforcement with good information will get us there faster.  Route numbers, mile markers, GPS direction, landmarks, the street name as well as the nearest cross streets will all help.

HELP IS ON THE WAY

Giving a callback number is a great help.  We can communicate directly with you which can save time and minimize misunderstandings.  Make sure to answer your phone.

HELP HAS ARRIVED

Make sure you stay in your vehicle until the tow truck operator tells you otherwise.

If you’re requesting a tow, know where you want your vehicle taken.

Check with your auto insurance provider for towing insurance coverage. It’s an extra to your policy, but the insurance company will pay for the towing services.

Winter Travel Tips

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.

Before you travel

Have a mechanic check the following items on your car.

Install good winter tires.

Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

FUEL
Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

Plan long trips carefully
Call 511 to find out road conditions before you travel.

Dress warmly
Wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.

Carry food and water
Store a supply of high-energy "munchies" and several bottles of water.

Winter Car Kit
Keep these items in your car: