How to Survive If Your Car Breaks Down

Modern cars are generally very reliable. They don't break down and leave you stranded too often. But this reliability also means that if your wheels do conk out, you might be caught unprepared. To avoid being stranded, take these precautions before attempting a drive across an empty desert or a lonely mountain pass.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

1. Pack a car emergency kit (see 466 Assemble Emergency Kits).
2. Teach yourself basic car repair. Know how to connect the battery, check the oil and radiator fluid, and change a tire. These are simple procedures that might get you out of a jam or, better still, prevent the jam from happening.
3. Stay with the car if you're in a remote area and don't know exactly where help is located. Rescuers are more likely to find the car than you alone, especially in bad weather. See 474 Survive Being Lost.
4. Conserve water at all costs if stuck in a desert area. Stay in the shade during the day. Get under the car if there's no shade. In extreme conditions, such as those found in Death Valley, hiking even 10 miles without water can be fatal. Drinking urine will not rehydrate you. And do not drink the water in your car's radiator, which is mixed with toxic ethylene glycol.
5. Be sure the exhaust is not entering the car if you've got the motor running for heat. Clear snow or dirt away from the tailpipe. If the car sounds louder than normal, you may have a leak in the exhaust system, increasing the risk of toxic carbon monoxide entering the passenger compartment.
6. Make yourself as visible as possible to rescuers. Open the hood of your car to indicate that you're having trouble. If it's snowing, periodically sweep the snow off your car. If an airplane passes, wave both arms over your head.
7. Keep your wits about you if you need to go find help, or if someone stops to help you. Your safety is at risk in any event, and it's hard to judge someone's character in the dark, if you're already rattled or if you desperately need help. Try to find a family or at least a group of people who can help you; stay away from single men. Be honest about your predicament--many people are wary of scam artists, so be understanding if they're skeptical at first.
8. Stay cool. This rule applies whether you're stuck in the mountains or in the scariest neighborhood of Bogota'. In the wilderness, you need to conserve energy and maintain a hopeful outlook. In the city, you need to look composed and confident. Nothing attracts bullies and miscreants more than an easy target.

Tips & Warnings

• Being able to call for help may be the single overriding reason to have a cellular phone with you.
• Join an automobile club like AAA or sign up for roadside assistance program through your cellular phone service.
• Increase your chances of being found by carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). When activated, a PLB broadcasts an emergency signal and your location. PLBs are available at outdoor supply stores for $500 and up and must be registered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov) upon purchase.