Driving on the I-10 or Loop 101 requires focus. But even the best drivers run into mechanical trouble. Perhaps you hit road debris and feel the wobble of a flat tire, or maybe the Arizona heat spikes your temperature gauge, leading to engine overheating.
When your vehicle fails on a busy freeway, it is more than just an inconvenience. It is a safety issue. As local towing experts in Phoenix, we see this every day. Here is the professional protocol you should follow to keep yourself and your vehicle safe until our truck arrives.
1. Secure Your Vehicle Immediately
If you lose power or hear a tire blow out, do not panic. Your goal is to get out of the traffic flow.
- Signals On: Activate your hazard lights immediately. This signals to other drivers that you are moving below the speed limit.
- Aim for the Right Shoulder: The right shoulder is the safest zone. Avoid the left median if possible, as it is closer to the fast lane.
- Park and Turn Wheels: Once you are fully off the road, engage your parking brake. Turn your steering wheel away from the road. If your car is struck from behind, this angle ensures it goes into the dirt, not back into traffic.
2. Assess the Issue (Safe vs. Unsafe)
Once you are stopped, try to identify the problem without exiting the vehicle on the traffic side.
- Tire Issues: If it is a flat tire, do not attempt to change it on the freeway side. It is too dangerous. Our roadside assistance team has the equipment to change it safely or tow you to a shop.
- Dead Battery/Alternator: If the car just shuts off and won’t restart, it could be the alternator or battery. You likely need a tow truck rather than just a jump start.
- Overheating: If steam is coming from the hood, turn off the engine immediately to prevent permanent damage. Do not open the radiator cap.
3. Manage the Arizona Heat
This is a critical step for Phoenix drivers. The temperature inside a car can spike quickly, but standing outside on the asphalt is often hotter and more dangerous due to traffic.
- Stay Inside: Keep your seatbelt on and doors locked.
- Keep Cool: If the engine runs safely, keep the A/C on. If not, roll the windows down slightly for cross-ventilation, but stay inside.
- Hydrate: We always recommend keeping water in the car for these exact moments.
4. Call for Professional Recovery
When you call Dr. Towing and Transport, we need specific details to dispatch the right equipment.
- Location: Look for green Mile Marker signs or the nearest Exit number.
- Vehicle Condition: Tell us if the wheels are locked or if the car is in a ditch. This helps us decide if we need a standard wheel-lift or a flatbed tow truck.
We handle everything from light-duty towing for sedans to heavy-duty recovery for larger rigs.
Don’t risk your safety on the side of the road. Call DR. Towing and Transport at (602) 626-4878. We are the Phoenix locals who get to you fast.