Being stranded on the road is never a good thing, but if we add that the thermometer is close to zero degrees and the wind cuts your face, the situation can become dangerous. At Grúas Asistencia we know that, in those moments, minutes seem like hours.
If it has just happened to you, stay calm. Here we tell you what to do to spend those moments in the safest way and without freezing in the attempt.
1. The priority is to be seen
Before thinking about the cold, think about your visibility. If you have the new V-16 light, place it on the ceiling. If your car has a battery, leave your hazard lights on; if not, you will need to put on your reflective vest before setting up your triangle (as long as the road safely permits).
2. Waiting for the towing service inside or outside the car?
This is the main question. The rule says that if there is a safe place off the roadway (behind a guardrail or on a wide shoulder), stay off.
But let’s face it, if it’s extremely cold or snowing, being outside can make you sick. If you decide to stay inside:
- Keep your seat belt fastened.
- Stay in the seat as far away from traffic as possible.
You may also be interested in: Vehicle broken down? What information should I have ready to call a tow truck and save time and money?
3. The use of heating
If the engine still runs, you can turn on the heater from time to time to warm up the car.
But be very careful: if you are in an area with a lot of snow, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear. If covered, toxic fumes could enter the vehicle.
Our advice
is to lower the window just one centimeter so that the air is renewed while you warm up.
4. Maintain body heat
If the car is completely dead, the temperature will drop rapidly.
- Keep your coat on: Even if you are inside the car, always keep warm.
- Use the mats: It sounds strange, but if your feet are very cold, putting the mats over your legs helps to keep your body warm.
- Don't stop moving: Wiggle your fingers and toes to maintain circulation.
5. Don't waste your cell phone battery
We know the wait gets tiresome, but resist the temptation to go on social media or watch videos to pass the time. Your phone is the only link you have to us and to the emergency services. Notify your family, confirm your exact location with the crane operator and then lock the screen. You need to have enough cargo in case we need to call you to coordinate the meeting point.
In short: At this time of the year, patience is as important as a coat. At Grúas Asistencia we work to make that wait as short as possible, even on the hardest days of January.
