What to do When Your Car Breaks Down

Car trouble is a drag. Follow these tips to avoid more heartache.

• Get off the road Pull onto the right shoulder if you can, as far away from traffic as possible. Never try to push the vehicle out of the way.

• Get noticed Turn on hazard lights, raise the hood, place a reflector 10 feet behind your car, another one 100 feet back—and call AAA.

• Stay safe If your car is safely off the road, stay in it with your seat belt fastened. If it is safer to leave the car, stay as far as you can from it and the road. Do not stand in front of or behind the vehicle, or between it and traffic.

Find more auto safety tips at AAA.com/viasafety [2].

This article was first published in September 2011. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.