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Prompt Keys for Car Problems

Sudden problems while driving a car is inevitable. Drivers never know which type of crisis may escalate while riding. One can get trapped with any serious problem anytime anywhere. A motorist should always be prepared for any troublesome situations. Here are some of the emergency circumstances and their solutions that are frequently encountered by a driver.

bullet Sticking Accelerator

A stuck accelerator massively increases the speed of the car. When this happens the driver needs to brake firmly to offset the effects of acceleration. But if the vehicle has a rear wheel drive system then the driver should use the parking brake. This should be only used if it is manually operated.

In such cases, it is suggested to concentrate well on the road. This condition is generally associated with linkage or engine management system. Change the gear to neutral. In some cars there is a special automatic feature called 'rev limiter' that stops the engine as soon as the speed exceeds the limit.

The driver should be aware of the traffic around him especially on multi-lane roads. After the car is slowed down, turn off the engine, be cautious as the engine may hinder with the power steering resulting in the reduced efficiency of servo assisted brakes.

bullet Seatbelts

Many motorists never use seatbelts while driving. Seatbelt is one of significant car safety devices that should be fastened by the occupants as well as the driver. It reduces the risk of death and injuries. They provide a better control in a fierce and unbalanced vehicle and keep the occupants and driver safe in the seats. An unbelted driver or occupants are more susceptible to injuries as high car motion forces them to move until they hit any surface. Seatbelts also assist the driver to manage the unstable car by holding them firmly on the seat.

bullet Steering Failure

The main cause of power steering failure is the loss of power. This might occur if a hydraulic pipe breaks or is cut by scraps from the road. In such situation, the steering would slowly become harder, therefore giving a warning to the driver.

So when the driver loses power steering he has take strong grip on the steering wheel and halt the car as soon as possible. If the steering failure is caused due an engine cut out, then one has to apply hard breaking to stop the car right away.

Sometimes the steering failure occurs due to breakage of the mechanical linkage. It is also important to check on the tyre condition as it can cause steering go out of control.

bullet Headlamps Failure

Headlights are the most essential component of the car especially night driving. First and foremost thing to do incase of head lamp failure is to, ease off the fuel and apply brake softly. Try to switch on and off the light for couple of times to see if anything happens as there might be a bad connection. If still there is no light, stop the car to check hazard lights or indicators. And if the surrounding is dark then park the car safely with the park lights or the fog lamps on.

bullet Jammed Steering Lock

When the steering lock is jammed, it can be released by smoothly turning the wheel from side to side. The load on the steering often avoids free movement. In this condition, try to move the car around a metre by pushing the car or allowing it to roll. If the car is on a hill then the brake should be pressed much harder with the engine switched off.

Another method would be to remove the load on the steering and allow adequate movement for the lock. Consult a mechanic if the above mentioned techniques do not work.

bullet Breakdown at a Railway Crossing

Never stop at a railway crossing. If there is a traffic line up wait for the vehicles to clear of the crossing, so that there is a clear exit. If there is a car breakdown and there is some problem in starting the car, check out of the car instantly and move away at least 50 metre away from the crossing.

Now the concerned authority should be informed by using a trackside telephone. If no telephone is found then call the emergency services. Try to move the car by using a second gear and turn on the ignition. However, this might be sufficient to 'jerk' the wheels free off the tracks.

These are few problems that many of the drivers might experience during their drive and panic in such situations with out knowing how to handle it. Follow these preventive measures to overcome the car related hassles.

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