What to Do if Your Car Loses Power While Driving

When your car dies or stalls while you are driving, it’s usually related to low fuel or a bad spark plug. Once your stalled car has made it to an auto repair center, repairs can be quickly taken care of. However, it can be terribly frightening when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle that suddenly loses power. Here are a few tips for dealing with a car that dies while on the road: 

• Keep Your Cool
  The most important thing that you can do when your car suddenly loses power is to keep your cool. When you panic, you risk overreacting and worsening the situation by making bad driving decisions. If you notice that your vehicle is starting to lose power, grab hold of the steering wheel with both hands, keep your eyes on the road, and slowly bring your vehicle to a stop on the side of the road.
    
• Bring Your Vehicle to a Complete Stop
  Although you may feel the urge to slam on the brakes, it’s important that you give yourself enough time and space to safely bring your vehicle to a stop. If you notice that your vehicle is losing power, safely make your way across traffic toward a shoulder or a parking lot. Remember to signal your move and don’t forget to check your blind spots. If the power steering goes out, be prepared to exert more force than usual in order to control your vehicle. Once you’re in a safe place, turn on your hazard lights
    
• Contact Your Local Auto Repair Center
  After your vehicle has safely come to a stop on the side of the road, use your cellphone or a nearby pay phone to contact your local auto repair center. If possible, remain in the car and place traffic safety cones around your car to warn other drivers. Most shops will dispatch a tow truck to your location and bring you right back to the shop so repairs can begin immediately. In most cases, a vehicle that suddenly loses power will not require extensive repairs, but it is best to leave it to the professionals. 

If your vehicle ever loses power, be sure to contact Murray’s Auto Clinics at 301-585-7557. To avoid roadside trouble, stop by our auto repair and service center for all of your recommended factory maintenance services. Not only will these services keep your vehicle in top shape, but they will also allow our professional auto mechanics to catch any issues before they become major problems.