Common Roadside Emergencies and How to Handle Them in Tennessee

Flat Tires

One of the most common roadside emergencies in Tennessee is a flat tire. Whether you're driving through the bustling streets of Nashville or the scenic routes of the Smoky Mountains, a puncture can happen at any time. To handle a flat tire, start by pulling over to a safe location, away from traffic. Ensure your hazard lights are on to alert other drivers.

Steps to Change a Flat Tire

Once safely parked, retrieve your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench from your vehicle. Loosen the lug nuts slightly before jacking up the car. After elevating your vehicle, completely remove the lug nuts and replace the flat tire with the spare. Tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure stability.

Engine Overheating

An overheating engine can be alarming, especially during Tennessee’s hot summers. If you notice the temperature gauge rising or steam coming from under the hood, it's crucial to act quickly. Turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heater to help dissipate heat from the engine.

Cooling Down the Engine

Find a safe place to pull over and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before opening the hood. Check the coolant level once it is safe to do so, and add more if necessary. If you're unsure or if the problem persists, it’s best to call for roadside assistance.

Running Out of Gas

Another common issue is running out of gas, especially in remote areas where gas stations are sparse. To avoid this, keep an eye on your fuel gauge and fill up when you're down to a quarter tank. If you do run out of gas, do not panic.

What to Do When You Run Out of Gas

If you're near a gas station, consider walking there to purchase fuel or call for assistance from friends or a roadside service. Always carry an empty gas canister in your vehicle for such emergencies.

Dead Battery

A dead battery can leave you stranded, especially if you're parked in one of Tennessee's more secluded areas. Keeping jumper cables in your car is essential for this situation.

Jump-Starting Your Vehicle

To jump-start your vehicle, you'll need another car with a working battery. Connect the positive cable to the positive terminals of both batteries and the negative cable to the negative terminal of the working battery and a grounded metal surface on your car. Start the working car first, then try starting yours. If successful, let your vehicle run for a while to recharge the battery.

Locked Out of Your Car

Locking yourself out is a frustrating experience that can happen anywhere. If you have a spare key, now is the time to use it. Otherwise, contacting a professional locksmith or roadside assistance service is often the quickest solution.

Preventive Measures

Consider keeping a spare key in a wallet or purse or investing in a magnetic lock box that can be hidden under your car. These preventive measures can save you time and stress in future incidents.