Emergency Roadside can be a lifesaver when you’re stranded. You can get it through car insurance companies, credit card providers, or even smartphone apps.
It can help you change a flat tire, bring fuel when your tank runs out, or unlock your car when locked out. Some plans even cover a jump-start or tow to the nearest repair shop.
Whether you’re driving on a paved road or off-road, the first sign of a flat tire is a vague wobble in your steering wheel. You may also hear a dull thud that coincides with the wheel rotation. Either way, it’s important to slow down, flash your lights and find the first safe location to pull off the road. Getting out of your vehicle in the middle of a highway carries a high risk of being struck by a passing vehicle.
Once you’re pulled over, it’s a good idea to get out and look at the damage. Try to identify the source of the puncture, and if possible, locate the object that caused it. It’s essential to remember that the location of a puncture can significantly impact its ability to be repaired. For example, a puncture to the sidewall of your tire can often be fixed with a plug repair; however, one in the tread can cause it to deflate and quickly become unusable.
You’ll also want to check to see if you have a spare in the trunk of your vehicle. If not, you’ll need to call the roadside assistance company to get one delivered. Then, you can start the process of changing your flat tire.
Ideally, you’ll have the proper tools to do this in the back of your vehicle, either in the trunk or in storage cubbies on the side of the car. You’ll also need a lug wrench. Locate these items and use them to loosen the lug nuts on your flat tire (they’re likely very tight). Once you’ve removed the lug nuts, use the jack to raise your flat tire off the ground.
At this point, you’ll need to decide whether you can safely drive with the flat tire on the ground or if it needs to be replaced. The last thing you want is to have to replace your flat tire in the middle of a trip. This is why having emergency roadside service can be invaluable. It will help you save time and money on costly repairs and replacements.
Locked Out
Getting locked out of your car is one of the most frustrating roadside emergencies. It can also be easily fixed if you know how to handle it yourself. However, if you don’t have the time or knowledge, Encore Protection’s on-demand emergency roadside assistance service (coming soon!) can help.
A lockout is a labour dispute between workers and management where they refuse to work for the employer, usually in a strike action. A famous example is the Danish teachers’ lock-in of their schools on 2 April 2013, which eventually ended with a government intervention.
In case of a lockout, stay safe by turning on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Dead Battery
A dead battery can be one of the most frustrating roadside issues, especially for those on a time schedule. Whether you’re running late for an important appointment or just want to get some shopping done, a dead battery can ruin your day. But don’t worry, you can often revive a dead battery with the right tools and knowledge.
A common cause of a dead battery is user error. If you’ve left an overhead light on or used too much accessory power, your alternator may not have had enough time to charge up the battery. If you notice a swelling or bulging in your vehicle’s battery case, this is another sign that the battery is dying. Finally, if you notice the distinct odor of sulfur, this is a sign that your battery is leaking.
You can test your battery’s voltage with a multimeter to see if it’s still alive. A fully charged lead-acid battery should register at about 12.7 volts or more. If your battery is below this level, it’s dead and will not take a charge.
To start a dead battery, you can connect the black (negative) cable of a working car to the negative terminal on your dead vehicle’s battery. Then, attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted metal spot like a clean bolt on your vehicle’s chassis to ground the battery. This prevents sparking while you try to start the vehicle.
You can also try reviving a battery by pouring baking soda into the cells of the dead battery. This method works by neutralizing the acid in the electrolyte and converting it to sodium sulfate, which is non-corrosive. This can help extend your battery’s life and prevent future failures.
Electrical Shock
It’s estimated that 30,000 non-fatal electrical shock injuries occur in the United States each year. Children and adults often get shocked after chewing on cords or sticking metal objects into outlets. Other causes include old or damaged wiring, getting water on household electronics and attempting DIY electric projects. While a light shock might result in only fright or pain, a more serious one can paralyze the heart and cause internal damage.
Symptoms of electrical shock aren’t always obvious, but they can include a weak or irregular pulse, loss of consciousness, and severe burns on the areas where the electricity entered and exited the body. If you’re near someone who’s had an electrical shock, call 911. Switch off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box, remove fuses and disconnect all power points before approaching the victim. If you can’t turn off the electricity, use something that doesn’t conduct electricity, like a dry wooden broom handle or rubber, to separate them from it. If you’re trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, perform CPR until medics arrive.
A severe shock can also cause muscle spasms that make it difficult for a person to let go of the source of electricity. If this grip is strong enough, the person may fall or become unable to breathe, which can lead to death. Infection, respiratory arrest, and psychiatric problems are also complications of electric shock.
Even if someone who’s had an electric shock seems uninjured, they should be taken to the hospital to check for heart damage. The shock can disrupt heart rhythm and lead to cardiac arrest in more severe cases.
If you see downed power lines, stay well back and encourage others to do the same. You should never try to cut through them or approach any object that could be touching them. If you’re in a vehicle, put it in park and don’t leave it. If you’re outside, stay at least 6 metres away and don’t walk through a fallen wire. This is especially important in areas where high voltage lines are used to transmit electricity.