Smart ways to fix car in an emergency

DANIEL ADAJI explores smart, practical ways to fix a car in an emergency for a splendid driving experience

Car emergencies can happen at any time, often in the most inconvenient places. Whether it’s a dead battery, a flat tyre, an overheating engine, or a sudden breakdown, knowing how to handle these situations can save time, money, and even your safety.

Safety first: immediate steps to take

Before attempting any repairs, ensuring safety should be your top priority.

If you are driving and notice an issue, pull over to the side of the road or into a safe parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you are on a busy road, stay inside the car unless necessary.

Many accidents occur when people try to fix their cars in dangerous locations. If you are on a highway, move as far off the road as possible. On a narrow street, use warning triangles to alert oncoming traffic.

Identify the problem

Determine if it is a flat tyre, overheating, or battery failure. If you are unsure or the issue seems complex, calling roadside assistance is the best option.

Check if you have the necessary tools and spare parts before proceeding.

If your car suddenly loses power or makes unusual noises, resist the urge to keep driving. A minor issue can quickly become a major repair if ignored.

Always keep an emergency kit in your car, including a flashlight, a reflective triangle, first aid supplies, and basic tools. If it’s nighttime, use a flashlight or your phone’s light to inspect the issue.

How to fix a flat tyre

A flat tyre is one of the most common roadside emergencies. You will need a fully inflated spare tyre, a jack, a lug wrench, and wheel wedges.

Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and place wheel wedges behind the tyres. Loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the car with the jack. Use the jack to lift the car until the flat tyre is off the ground.

Take off the loosened lug nuts and carefully pull the flat tyre off. Align the spare tyre with the lug bolts and secure the lug nuts by hand.

Carefully bring the car back down and tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern for even pressure. Make sure the lug nuts are tight and the spare tyre is in good condition.

If you do not have a spare, you can use a tyre sealant like Fix-a-Flat. Shake the can and insert the nozzle into the valve stem. Inflate the tyre and drive cautiously to the nearest service station.

Modern cars come with tyre pressure monitoring systems that alert you to low tyre pressure before a full blowout. Always check your tyres regularly to prevent unexpected flats.

Jumpstarting a dead battery

A dead battery can leave you stranded, but with jumper cables or a portable jump starter, you can quickly get back on the road.

To use jumper cables, find another vehicle with a working battery. Ensure both vehicles are off before connecting the cables. Connect the red (positive) clamp to the dead battery’s positive terminal, and then to the good battery’s positive terminal. Connect the black (negative) clamp to the good battery’s negative terminal, and then to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car.

Start the working car and let it run for a few minutes. Try starting the dead car. If it starts, let it run for at least fifteen minutes before driving. Carefully disconnect cables in reverse order.

If no one is around to help, use a portable jump starter. Follow the same connection steps and turn on the device. Start the car and let it run for a few minutes.

Regular battery maintenance can prevent unexpected failures. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them with a wire brush.

Overheating engine: quick fixes

An overheating engine can be dangerous if not handled properly. Signs of overheating include the temperature gauge moving into the red zone, steam coming from under the hood, or strange smells appearing from the engine.

Turn off the air conditioning to reduce stress on the engine and turn on the heater to pull heat away. If the temperature continues rising, stop immediately. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Wait at least thirty minutes for the engine to cool.

Check coolant levels and add coolant or water if necessary. Inspect for leaks, and if a hose is broken, temporary fixes like duct tape can help.

Fixing a stuck accelerator

A stuck accelerator can be a terrifying experience, but knowing how to respond quickly can prevent a crash. If your gas pedal becomes stuck while driving, the first thing to remember is to stay calm and avoid panicking. Keeping a clear head will help you take the right steps to regain control of your vehicle.

As soon as you realise the accelerator is stuck, firmly press the brake pedal with steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes, as this can reduce braking effectiveness, especially in vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes. Shift the car into neutral to disconnect the engine from the wheels.

This will stop the car from accelerating, allowing you to slow down safely. If shifting to neutral is not possible, turn off the engine, but avoid locking the steering wheel by turning the key only partially.

Once you have brought the car to a safe stop, carefully inspect the pedal area for any obstructions. Sometimes, floor mats or debris can get lodged under the accelerator, causing it to stick.

If you find anything, remove it immediately to prevent the issue from happening again. Afterwards, have a mechanic inspect your car to diagnose the problem and ensure your accelerator functions properly before you drive again.

Dealing with brake failure

Experiencing brake failure while driving is extremely dangerous, but acting quickly and methodically can help you avoid a collision. If your brakes suddenly stop working, try pumping the brake pedal rapidly to build up hydraulic pressure. In some cases, this can restore braking power. If pumping does not work, immediately shift to a lower gear to slow down the vehicle.

If you are driving a car with a manual transmission, gradually downshift through the gears to reduce speed. For automatic cars, shifting into a lower gear (such as “L” or “2”) can also help slow the car without brakes. Another option is to carefully engage the handbrake. Pull it up slowly and steadily—applying it too quickly can cause the rear wheels to lock, leading to a skid.

Look for a safe place to slow down, such as a gravel shoulder, grassy area, or an uphill road. If you are on a highway, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Avoid turning off the engine until you have slowed down significantly, as doing so can disable power steering, making it harder to control the car. Once you are safely stopped, call for assistance and do not attempt to drive until your brakes have been properly inspected and repaired.

Fuel-related emergencies

Running out of fuel can be an inconvenience, but it can also be dangerous if it happens in a remote or high-traffic area. If your car runs out of fuel, the safest option is to pull over to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights, and assess your location.

If you are near a gas station and it is safe to walk, you may be able to get fuel in a portable container. However, if you are in a risky location such as a busy highway or an unfamiliar area at night, it is best to call for roadside assistance.

Some modern vehicles have emergency fuel reserves, which may allow you to drive a short distance to a gas station. Check your owner’s manual for details on whether your car has this feature. If your car stalls but still has fuel, a clogged fuel filter could be the cause.

Try tapping the fuel pump area under the car to loosen any debris and attempt to restart the engine. However, this is only a temporary solution, and you should have the fuel system checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Electrical failures and quick fixes

Electrical issues can cause several problems in a vehicle, from non-functioning headlights to power window failures. If your headlights suddenly stop working at night, pull over safely and check the fuse box. A blown fuse is often the cause and can be replaced easily if you have spare fuses in your emergency kit. If the battery terminals are corroded or loosely connected, cleaning and tightening them may restore power.

If power windows stop working, try pressing the switch multiple times. Sometimes, electrical glitches cause temporary malfunctions. If that doesn’t work, attempt to manually pull the window up while pressing the button. In cases where the car’s electrical system fails, a jump start may be needed. Keeping a portable battery jump starter in your car can be a lifesaver in such situations.

Regular vehicle maintenance can also prevent many emergencies. Check your tyre pressure and tread regularly, keep all fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid) at the recommended levels, and ensure your battery is in good condition.

Additional tips for staying safe

When dealing with a vehicle breakdown or roadside emergency, prioritising safety is crucial. Here are a few more tips to ensure you stay protected in such situations.

If a problem is beyond your expertise, don’t hesitate to call for roadside assistance. Attempting to fix complex mechanical or electrical issues without the necessary knowledge and tools can be dangerous. Many modern vehicles have intricate systems that require professional handling, and trying to fix them yourself could lead to further damage or even personal injury. Instead, call a trusted roadside assistance service or mechanic to handle the situation safely.

If you experience a breakdown at night, visibility becomes a major concern. To alert other drivers and prevent potential accidents, use flares, hazard lights, or reflectors to make your car more noticeable. Keeping a reflective vest in your emergency kit can also help make you visible if you need to step out of your vehicle. Position warning triangles or flares at a safe distance behind your car to give oncoming traffic enough time to react.

If you need to leave your vehicle to seek help, always secure your belongings. Hide valuables under seats or in the trunk, and if possible, take essential items like your phone, wallet, and identification with you. An unattended car with visible valuables may attract theft, adding further complications to an already stressful situation.

By following these safety measures, you can minimise risks and handle roadside emergencies more effectively.

Being prepared for car emergencies can save you from stress, delays, and even dangerous situations. Whether it’s a flat tyre, a dead battery, or an overheating engine, knowing how to handle common problems ensures a safer driving experience. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit, maintain your car regularly, and practice these smart repair methods to stay ready for any roadside emergency.