Automotive Emergencies: Part 3

   c. Start and let the engine run for about ten out of every thirty minutes with the heater on. While the engine is running, open the windows slightly to allow fresh air to enter the vehicle. For every hour an engine idles, it will use about a gallon of gasoline. But running the engine in this manner, five gallons of fuel should last a full day. Don't race the engine, it won't get the engine hotter, it will just waste precious fuel.

   d. Depending on how fast the snow is falling, open the door every once in a while to keep it from getting blocked by snow. Also look at the tail pipe to make sure it is free and clear of snow.

   e. While the engine is running, and only while it is running, sound the horn and flash the lights to attract rescue or road crews.

   f. Stretch out frequently while in the car. If you find yourself getting drowsy, open the window and take long deep breaths of fresh air.

   g. Cold is insidious. It creeps up on you and causes you to lose consciousness. As someone who has succumbed to hypothermia I can tell you it is not fun. If you run out of fuel, use whatever is at hand to keep warm. Use the trunk liner, seat covers or floor mats as blankets. If the situation becomes dire, rip the headliner or rear seat covers off and wrap yourself up tightly.

   h. If you have no choice to but to drive when hazardous conditions are predicted or imminent put a shovel, some hand warmers and extra fuel for them, gloves, extra clothing, blankets, water and food in your vehicle just in case the worst should happen.

4. In general, if you should breakdown on an Interstate highway, you should open the hood, turn on your emergency flashers and wait for help. Even if you have just run out of gas. A Good Samaritan may stop to offer help such as calling the State Highway Patrol, send a tow truck from the next service area or even give you a ride to the next service area.

Truckers have a very efficient communications network that they use to help those stranded on the side of the road. Quite often they will stop, if it is safe to do so, and give you a lift. If a Good Samaritan does not stop to help, a State Highway Patrolman will eventually come by and provide help.

Ladies, I need to remind you that there are two legged predators out there that will offer help or a ride. If you are alone, PLEASE, use your best judgment in accepting this help. It is better to err on the side of safety than to become a headline.

One thing you can do to protect yourself is take down the license plate number of the car offering the ride and writing it down, with a note, and leaving it prominently on the dash board of your car. Don't do it secretly, let whoever picks you up know you are doing it. Ask him his name and write it down in your note in front of him.

Someone who is genuinely trying to help won't mind and a possible predator is much less likely to try anything knowing he can be readily identified.

Not all conditions are as good as on an Interstate highway. There are thousands of miles of more isolated roads that people breakdown, run out of gas or have accidents on. The best advice comes from the State Police. Be sure to check your fuel level, tires and other basic items before traveling on isolated roadways.

If your vehicle should suffer a breakdown or run out of fuel, it is usually best not to open the hood. You would be better off to walk to the nearest house or farm and ask to use the phone, or ask them to call for help for you if they will not let you in. Don't be upset if they won't, they are just playing it safe.

It's best to lock your car with a note on the dash that can be read through the window. If the breakdown occurs during a storm, follow the advice I gave previously for this situation. You can try hitchhiking to the nearest town or service station. Hitchhiking is illegal but a policeman would be pretty pathetic if he gave you a ticket for it in an emergency situation.

Hitchhiking is very, very dangerous, especially for women, so you should not do it except in an emergency situation.

Not all conditions are as good as on an Interstate highway. There are thousands of miles of more isolated roads that people breakdown, run out of gas or have accidents on. The best advice comes from the State Police. Be sure to check your fuel level, tires and other basic items before traveling on isolated roadways.

If your vehicle should suffer a breakdown or run out of fuel, it is usually best not to open the hood. You would be better off to walk to the nearest house or farm and ask to use the phone, or ask them to call for help for you if they will not let you in. Don't be upset if they won't, they are just playing it safe.