What To Do In An Emergency... Handling The Unexpected

An emergency can occur at any time. Do you know what procedures to follow?  Here are some tips from experts:

If  you see smoke coming from under your hood:

Pull over and turn off ignition.

• Do not open the hood. It could create a draft that would cause a fire to spread.
• Don't try to fight a fire, even if it is small.  Your car is full of combustible materials such as air bags, tires, and gasoline.
• Stand at least 100 feet away from the car in case of an explosion.
• Call the fire department.
• If anybody stop and offers help, ask them to please leave your car alone.  It is better to let it burn than have the person injured by the blaze.

If your warning lights go on while driving:

Oil Pressure or Coolant Temperature:

Pull off the road and phone for help.  DO NOT continue driving as it may result in destroying your engine.  Have your vehicle checked by a professional before restarting.

Engine Warning Lights:

Stop immediately and check your owner's manual to find out what action is required.

Charging System:

Check your belts first.  If all are secure, turn off all accessories such as wipers, radio, air conditioning. Drive only a short distance to the nearest service station. Do NOT stop and restart your car.

Brake Warning Light:

Be sure your emergency brake is in working order before proceeding to the nearest service station.  If possible, stop and call for help.

Gas Warning Light:

Make a point of filling your car before the gauge gets down to 1/4 full - Running your car on a low tank of gas can seriously foul your fuel injection system because of the debris and water condensation which collects in the bottom of your gas tank.  You may only drive a short distance to the nearest gast station if your warning light is on.  Never keep a spare can of gas in your car- it can ignite on impact.  If your car runs out of gas it may take several attempts to restart it.  Remember to avoid running your battery down trying to start your car - you then have two problems.   Don't pump the throttle - it won't recover fuel any faster and could flood your engine.  If it won't start after one minute of cranking or runs poorly - call a professional.

If you're in an accident:

• Put on your flashers immediately (if working) and turn off your engine.
• Check for injury.  If someone is injured do not move them - call for help.
• Move cars out of the road if possible.
• Exchange information.  You will need the following:  License plate number, Complete Driver's License information, Current address and home and work phone numbers, Ask to see insurance card and copy down insurance company name, phone number and policy number.
• Take down officer's name and badge number, and police report number.
• Get witnesses' name, address, and phone and discuss what they saw.
• Document the events by talking with the other driver and recording a factual description of the events.
• Don't admit guilt.
• Don't sign anything.
• Call your insurance agent.

Towing:

If your car needs towing, do so immediately.  The cost of even minor vandalism is several times more than the tow charge.  Any police officer will call a tow truck for you.  Use only a tow service with the company name, permit number and D.O.T. number displayed on the truck.  Stay with your car if possible.  You are usually more visible and safer. Tow your vehicle either to your home or intended repair facility.

IAM will tow your car and apply the charge to your repair bill.
Call 427-9600 between 7:30am and 5:40pm
(or 227-1283 after hours to reach Bailey's 24-hour Tow Service)