Top 4 Driving Emergencies and How to Survive Them

Would you know what to do in a driving emergency?

Many of us like to think emergencies are things that happen to other people, not to us. They can happen, though, and it's important for drivers to know what to do when the worst occurs.

Fortunately, many driving emergencies can be avoided altogether, simply by making sure your car is maintained properly. If you do happen to have a problem while on the road, though, here are a few tips on how handle them.

 

Driving Emergency #1: Brake Failure

In order to avoid brake failure, regular servicing is important. There's very little chance that your Vauxhall will experience this problem if the brakes have been checked on a regular basis. In addition, you should get into the habit of checking these car parts each time you get into the car. It only takes a few minutes to do two important tests that could save your life.

• Static Test: This test can be done as soon as you get into your Vauxhall. Simply press down on the pedal before you even turn on the ignition. You should feel some resistance when you press the brake with your foot. If you don't or it feels soft, this could indicate a fluid leak.

 

• Rolling Test: After starting the car, move forward slowly and press down on the brakes. This will help you determine if the brakes are working before you need them in an emergency.

 

If you forget to do these tests before driving off and find yourself without the use of your brakes, you'll need to make an effort to retain as much control over the car as possible.

• If you have plenty of time, take your foot off the accelerator. You can also lower the gears in a manual vehicle or switch to the 'low' gear in an automatic. Slow down as much as possible, then use the parking brake or handbrake to come to a complete stop.

 

• If you need to stop in an emergency, you can use the parking brake immediately. Hold down the release button throughout the process and pump the handbrake on and off. Keep in mind that using the parking brake at high speeds can lead to loss of control of your vehicle. Reduce your speed as much as possible always and pull on the handbrake gradually.

 

• When using a parking brake that is pedal-operated, be sure to use the brake release handle simultaneously. This can help you avoid locking the wheels, which can cause you to skid off the road.

 

• Never turn off the engine to help your Vauxhall stop. While this may work if you have enough of a straight space for the car to slow down gradually and stop, you will no longer have any control of your vehicle because the power steering will quit as soon as the engine stops. The steering will lock up in some vehicles as well.

 

Driving Emergency #2: Steering Failure

Steering failure isn't a common driving emergency. That being said, it's still a problem you should know the solution to just in case it does happen.

This issue is most often cause by power steering loss, which typically happens if a hydraulic pipe on the car is cut by road debris or becomes broken. Fortunately the loss of power steering is not sudden, even in these situations, so you have a chance to recognise the symptoms of an impending problem and repair the appropriate Vauxhall parts.

 

If you feel your steering becoming heavier and begin to lose the ability to turn the steering wheel the best solution is to hang onto the steering wheel and stop as soon as possible. Because you may not be able to steer at all, you might need to stop in the middle of the road. If you can, though, pull off onto the hard shoulder of the motorway. Use the typically precautions for safety, like hazard lights and removing yourself from the car while you wait for help.

NEVER attempt to drive to your mechanic if your power steering is on its way out. Stop the car as soon as possible and let them come to you.

 

Driving Emergency #3: Bonnet Flies Open

We commend you for checking your fluids and changing your oil. However, always make sure your bonnet is securely closed before you get behind the wheel again. Having it fly open while you're driving down the motorway can be a shock, and quite dangerous.

Unfortunately, that moment of shock can lead drivers to make some wrong choices. The most natural urge is to brake, and brake hard. This can be a problem, however, as traffic behind you won't be prepared for this action and could slam into you from behind.

 

Here's what you actually should do if this happens.

• Keep calm. Take a look in all your mirrors and figure out where the cars behind you and beside you are.

 

• Be aware that your car's wind resistance has suddenly changed. Grip the steering wheel to keep the car straight.

 

• If you're on the motorway, pull to the hard shoulder before braking. Try looking out the driver's window in an effort to see where you are going. If someone is riding with you, ask them to look out their window as well.

 

Driving Emergency #4: Headlight Failure

Headlights are car parts we tend to take for granted until they fail. These Vauxhall parts should be checked every week. You don't want to be the driver who has only headlight working and doesn't seem to know it.

There are a few dangers to headlight failure. The first is the view from other drivers. With only one working, other drivers may believe there is a motorbike instead of a car coming toward them. Even one light failing can your view of the road is restricted as well.

 

When both headlights fail, though, the problem becomes even scarier. In this situation, you'll need to take these precautions.

• Stay calm. While your headlights may have failed, you'll still have a little bit of light coming from the sidelights. If another car is in front of you, you can also follow their tail lights to stay on the road while you determine what to do next.

 

• Slow down, braking gently, and attempt to use the dip switch. While you may have lost your full or dip beam, the other may still be available for use. You may also be able to use the headlight flasher switch.

 

• If nothing works, flip the light switch on and off a few times. If nothing happens, the problem could be electrical.

 

• If you discover you have no dip or full beam lights at all, continue braking and gently pull off the road or onto a hard shoulder. If they work, use your indicators or hazard lights to show other drivers on the road where you are and to make it easier to see where you are going. When no lights at all are working, it's best to get off the road and out of traffic for your safety and the safety of others.

 

Would you be ready for a driving emergency? While maintaining car parts can help you avoid some issues, you should always know what steps to take if a problem does occur.