What To Do When Your Car Breaks Down — Step-by-Step Checklist | JB Autoworks, Tri-Cities TN

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Keep calm, work the list

What to do when your car breaks down

Six steps, in order. Read it now while your car works — it's a different experience reading it on a dark shoulder.

1

Get off the road

Signal, slow down gradually, and pull as far onto the shoulder as you can — a parking lot or side street is even better. If the car dies in a lane, don't fight it: hazards on, and get yourself out and away from traffic when it's safe.

2

Make yourself visible

Hazard lights on immediately, parking lights at night. If you carry flares or a reflective triangle, set them well behind the car — visibility is what keeps a breakdown from becoming an accident.

3

Stay out of the danger zone

On highways like I-26 and I-81, exit the car away from traffic and wait behind a guardrail or well off the shoulder. Never stand behind or beside the car in a live lane — not even "just for a second."

4

Pin your location

Note the nearest exit number, mile marker, cross street or business. Or skip all that — use the GPS helper below and text us an exact pin.

5

Call the tow line

Call (423) 480-6621 — 24/7, holidays included. Describe what the car did, where you are, and whether you're somewhere safe. You'll get an honest ETA and a price before the truck rolls.

6

Gather your things

Before the truck arrives: valuables, phone chargers, garage remote, insurance card and registration. Ask for the itemized invoice — your policy or AAA may reimburse the whole tow.

Step 4, automated

Share your exact location

One tap builds a GPS pin you can text straight to dispatch. Works even if you have no idea what road you're on.

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Text it to dispatch

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One more thing

"It still runs" can be a $5,000 mistake

Overheating, low oil pressure, or a slipping transmission does damage every second the engine turns. If a warning light is on and the car is behaving badly, a short tow is almost always cheaper than the repair you're about to cause. When in doubt, call and ask — we'll tell you honestly whether it's safe to drive.