What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down: A Complete Guide

A car breakdown can happen to anyone, at any time. Whether it's a flat tire on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway or an overheated engine in the middle of Gulshan, knowing what to do in those critical first minutes can keep you safe and minimize damage to your vehicle. This guide covers everything you need to know.

The First 5 Minutes

What you do immediately after your car shows signs of trouble matters more than anything else. Stay calm, think clearly, and follow these steps:

1. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers.
2. Slow down gradually - don't brake suddenly.
3. Steer your car to the far left side of the road or onto the shoulder.
4. If you're on a highway, try to reach the nearest emergency lane or rest area.
5. Put the car in park (or first gear for manuals) and engage the handbrake.
6. Turn off the engine if it's safe to do so.

Staying Safe While Waiting

Your personal safety is more important than your car. Follow these guidelines while you assess the situation or wait for help:

• Stay inside the car with doors locked if you're in an unsafe area or heavy traffic.
• If you exit the vehicle, stand behind the guardrail or on the sidewalk - never behind the car.
• Place a warning triangle at least 30 meters behind your car (50 meters on highways).
• Keep your phone charged and accessible.
• At night, keep your interior lights on so others can see you.

Quick Self-Assessment Checklist

Before calling for help, run through this quick checklist to see if it's something you can resolve yourself:

1. Flat tire? Check if you have a spare, jack, and lug wrench.
2. Engine won't start? Check battery terminals and try a jump start.
3. Overheating? Let the engine cool for 20-30 minutes before checking coolant.
4. Out of fuel? Check if there's a nearby station you can walk to.
5. Electrical failure? Check if the battery connections are secure.

When to Call for Professional Help

Some situations require professional roadside assistance. Don't attempt to fix these yourself:

• Transmission failure - the car won't go into gear or makes grinding noises.
• Complete electrical failure - no lights, no power, no response.
• Smoke or fire - exit the vehicle immediately and call emergency services.
• Fuel system issues - strong fuel smell or visible leaks.
• Any situation where you feel unsafe attempting a repair.

How GearOn Roadside Assistance Works

With GearOn, help is just a tap away. Open the app, tap Roadside Assistance, and your location is shared automatically with the nearest available mechanic. You'll see real-time ETA, the mechanic's profile, and upfront pricing. Most requests in Dhaka are responded to within 15-20 minutes.

No one plans for a breakdown, but being prepared makes all the difference. Keep this guide saved on your phone, maintain an emergency kit in your car, and know that GearOn is always ready to help when you need it.