Top 5 Roadside Emergencies & How to Handle Them

Mr.Quickpick RSA
Jul 17
2 min read

Top 5 Roadside Emergencies & How to Handle Them

Top 5 Roadside Emergencies & How to Handle Them Whether you’re driving across town or on a long trip, roadside emergencies can happen when you least expect them. The key is knowing what to do — and who to call — when things go wrong.

Here are the top 5 most common roadside emergencies and exactly how to handle them safely:

1. 🚗 Flat Tire or Blowout

What to Do:

Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Pull over to a safe, flat area away from traffic.
If you have a spare and the tools, you can try changing it yourself — but only if it’s safe.
If not, call a professional roadside assistance provider.

Avoid This: Driving on a flat can damage your rim and make the repair more expensive.

👉 Best Option: Call a mobile tire change service for fast help, especially if you're on the highway or at night.

2. 🔋 Dead Battery

What to Do:

If you have jumper cables and a second car nearby, you may be able to jump-start the battery.
If not, avoid turning the key over repeatedly — it’ll only drain the battery further.
Keep your lights and radio off to preserve power.

Avoid This: Trying to jump a severely drained battery without knowing the proper method.

👉 Best Option: Call for a jump start or battery replacement service. Many providers can bring a new battery to you on the spot.

3. 🔑 Locked Out of Your Car

What to Do:

Check all doors (including trunk or hatchbacks).
Avoid using wire hangers, screwdrivers, or breaking a window — it could cost more in damages.

Avoid This: Calling a tow truck if all you need is a lockout service.

👉 Best Option: Contact a roadside locksmith or emergency lockout service. It’s fast, safe, and usually cheaper than the dealership.

4. ⛽ Ran Out of Gas

What to Do:

Safely pull over and turn on your hazards.
Don’t try to walk miles to the nearest station, especially in bad weather or on busy highways.

Avoid This: Running your car until it completely dies — this could damage your fuel system.

👉 Best Option: Call for fuel delivery. Most roadside providers can bring 1–2 gallons to get you to the nearest station.

5. 🛻 Vehicle Won’t Start / Unknown Issue

What to Do:

Don’t panic — check for obvious problems (lights left on, clicking sounds, etc.).
Look for warning lights on your dash.
If the car won’t turn over at all, it could be electrical or mechanical.

Avoid This: Guessing and wasting time under the hood without knowing the cause.

👉 Best Option: Call a mobile mechanic or towing service to assess the issue or take your car to a repair shop.