Roadside emergencies are a common occurrence on expressways in the Philippines. Whether it's a flat tire, a dead battery, or engine failure, these issues can quickly escalate and leave drivers stranded on the side of the road. In such situations of automotive distress, it’s common to feel uncertain about the next course of action. While contacting roadside assistance is advisable, there may be a temptation to handle the vehicle repair yourself to save time and money.
This guide aims to assist drivers in making decisions, provide an overview of common DIY repairs, and explain the benefits of a reliable roadside support service.
Decision-Making Process
Here are tips to help you decide whether to handle a vehicle problem yourself or call for roadside assistance:
Assessing the Situation: When encountering a roadside problem, the first step is to evaluate the situation. Consider the severity of the issue, any potential hazards, the safety of the repair environment, and whether you have the necessary tools or equipment.
Personal Expertise and Capabilities: Before attempting any repairs, evaluate your skills and knowledge, including basic troubleshooting abilities and familiarity with mechanical fixes, to avoid exacerbating the problem.
Safety Considerations: Before performing vehicle repairs, assess the safety of your surroundings, including traffic conditions. If you feel unsafe or uncertain, seek professional roadside assistance.
Cost Considerations: While DIY repairs may seem cost-effective initially, they can cause further damage if not done correctly. On the other hand, professional roadside services may have a higher upfront cost, but they can prevent costly repairs in the future.
Time Constraints: DIY repairs may take longer, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Meanwhile, professional services can offer a quicker resolution, allowing you to get back on the road.
Availability of Tools: Check whether you have the tools or equipment to repair independently, such as a spare tire and jack, jumper cables, and an essential toolkit.
When Is It Okay To DIY?
There are several factors to consider when determining whether you can perform the repair yourself. These include:
Basic Tools vs. Specialized Tools: Certain repairs may require specialized tools not usually found in a basic toolkit. If you need access to the necessary tools and equipment, a professional may be able to assist you.
Accessibility to a Safe Repair Environment: It is crucial to have a safe repair environment when conducting roadside emergency repairs. This helps safeguard the well-being of the individuals involved and reduces the risk of accidents or potential hazards such as passing traffic or unstable ground.
Repairing Your Car Yourself
Repairing your vehicle on your own during a roadside emergency can be a practical option for relatively minor issues, such as:
Flat Tire: Flat tires are the most common roadside problem, often resulting from low tire pressure or punctures from objects. When changing a tire, you will need a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench. Ensure you park your vehicle on a safe and level surface before replacing the tire.
Dead Battery: A dead battery can leave you stranded and unable to start your vehicle. To handle battery failure, you can use jumper cables or ask help from a fellow motorist with a functional battery to jump-start your car.
Out of Fuel: Running low on fuel while driving is an inconvenience that can easily be prevented with careful planning. You will need a fuel canister and access to a nearby gas station to handle such situations.
Engine Overheating: An overheated engine can lead to significant damage if not addressed quickly. It is crucial to have tools like a coolant reservoir and funnel on hand to repair an overheated engine.
Seeking Roadside Rescue Services
Roadside rescue services are often the most suitable option for more complex issues or situations in which safety is a concern. Repair professionals are trained to handle various car problems, even in hazardous conditions. Some everyday car issues best handled by professionals include:
Engine Failure can result from overheating, oil leaks, or mechanical issues. Roadside repair professionals can replace a faulty part, resolve mechanical issues, or diagnose fuel or ignition system problems.
Electrical System Malfunctions: Electrical system malfunctions in vehicles can encompass a range of issues, such as battery failures, faulty wiring, or problems with the alternator or starter. Professional experts can perform on-the-spot repairs or temporary fixes to restore functionality, such as jump-starting a battery, repairing faulty wiring, or replacing the alternator or starter.
Suspension and Steering Issues: Signs of suspension/steering issues in a vehicle include uneven tire wear, steering wheel vibration, difficulty steering, or a bumpy ride. Professional technicians can perform the necessary repairs or adjustments, such as replacing worn-out components, damaged shocks or struts, or issues with the steering system.
Advanced Brake System Problems: Warning signs of advanced brake system problems include a spongy brake pedal, grinding or squealing noises, or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking. Professional roadside technicians can perform on-the-spot repairs, such as replacing worn-out brake pads, addressing brake fluid leaks, or repairing brake calipers or rotors.
Savvice: Your Reliable Roadside Support
If you’re experiencing troubles on the road, Savvice offers 24/7 roadside support services with the following benefits:
Quick Response Time: Roadside assistance services provide fast assistance in an emergency, reducing the time you are stranded on the roadside.
Specialized Equipment: We have specialized equipment to handle various car issues, including towing equipment, jump-start kits, and fuel delivery systems.
Safety Expertise: Our team of car repair professionals is trained in safety protocols and can address emergencies effectively.
Efficient Problem Diagnosis: Our repair professionals and technicians can quickly identify the root cause of your vehicle's problem and provide appropriate solutions.
Access to Replacement Parts: We offer support services in cases of flat tires or battery failures, allowing you to get back on the road as soon as possible.
Specialized Expertise and Comprehensive Services: We provide a comprehensive range of services to handle diverse situations on the expressway, such as towing, jump-starts, and fuel delivery.
Minimized Risk of Further Damage: Hiring professionals to perform your repairs can reduce the risk of further mechanical issues and maintenance costs.
Convenience: We offer convenience by taking care of the repairs or assistance you need without unnecessary delays or stress.
24-Hour Service: We provide 24/7 expressway breakdown services for roadside emergencies, such as flat tires, engine failure, and battery issues. Our prompt assistance ensures drivers' safety and prevents them from getting stranded in hazardous situations.
Need Roadside Assistance?
Do not hesitate to call if you require roadside assistance while on the expressway. For expressway roadside services, contact the NLEX emergency hotline at 1-35000.
Follow these instructions when making the call:
Explain the issue with your vehicle and provide your current location on the expressway, including any nearby exits or landmarks.
Follow the instructions provided by the roadside assistance representative. They will guide you through the necessary steps and provide additional information.
Stay inside your vehicle and wait for the roadside assistance team to arrive. It is important to prioritize your safety and remain in a safe location until help arrives.
You can also access roadside assistance via the MPT DriveHub app. Download the app via Google Play or the App Store.
With our roadside assistance services, you can have peace of mind that help is always available in emergencies. We offer towing, fuel fill-up, and other miscellaneous services such as flat tire replacement, battery boosts, and tool assistance. With a simple tap on your phone, you can instantly access our 24/7 support anytime, anywhere.
