It happens to the best of us. You're cruising down I-75, the LBJ, or the Dallas North Tollway when your car starts acting up — a warning light, a strange noise, or a sudden loss of power. Within seconds, you're pulling over to the shoulder wondering what to do next.
Dallas traffic is unforgiving. Knowing exactly what to do in those first few minutes can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation. Here's the step-by-step guide every Dallas driver should know.
Step 1: Get Off the Road Safely
The moment you sense something is wrong, your first priority is to get your vehicle off the active lanes of traffic. Signal and move to the right shoulder as smoothly as possible — don't brake suddenly. If you're on a highway, try to reach an exit ramp. If you can't, the right shoulder is your best option.
If your vehicle dies completely and you can't steer it to safety, turn on your hazard lights immediately and call 911. Dallas police and TxDOT's Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) patrol major highways and can help push your vehicle to safety.
Step 2: Make Your Vehicle Visible
Once stopped, turn on your hazard lights — even during the day. If you have road flares or reflective triangles in your trunk (and you should), place them 50–100 feet behind your vehicle to warn approaching traffic. This is especially important at night or in low-visibility conditions.
If you break down on a Dallas highway at night, stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on. The shoulder of a busy highway is one of the most dangerous places to stand. Only exit the vehicle if it's absolutely necessary, and if you do, move as far away from traffic as possible — ideally behind a guardrail.
Step 3: Assess the Situation
Once you're safely stopped, take a moment to assess what happened. Common breakdown causes in Dallas include:
- Flat tire: You'll feel a sudden pull to one side and hear a flapping sound. If you have a spare and know how to change it safely, this is a DIY fix. If not, call for roadside assistance.
- Dead battery: The car won't start, or you notice dimming lights before the engine cuts out. A jump start may get you going, but if the battery is old, you may need a replacement.
- Overheating: Your temperature gauge is in the red, or you see steam from under the hood. Pull over immediately and do NOT open the hood until the engine has cooled — at least 30 minutes.
- Engine warning light: This could be anything from a loose gas cap to a serious mechanical failure. If the car is still drivable, proceed slowly to the nearest service station. If not, call a tow truck.
- Out of fuel: The car sputters and dies. You'll need a fuel delivery service or a ride to the nearest gas station.
Step 4: Call for Help
If you can't resolve the issue yourself, call a towing company. When you call, be ready to provide:
- Your exact location — the nearest highway exit, mile marker, or cross street
- Your vehicle's make, model, and color
- A description of what happened
- Whether you're inside the vehicle or standing nearby
Texas Tows Inc. is available 24/7 at (817) 512-1024. We serve all of Dallas and surrounding areas, and our average response time is under 30 minutes.
Step 5: Stay Safe While You Wait
- Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened if you're on a highway shoulder
- Keep your hazard lights on at all times
- Don't accept help from strangers who stop — wait for the professional you called
- Keep your phone charged — if it's low, conserve battery by reducing screen brightness
- If you feel unsafe, call 911 and stay on the line
Step 6: Document Everything
Before your vehicle is towed, take photos of its position and condition. This is especially important if you were in an accident or if there's visible damage. These photos can be valuable for insurance claims and will help establish the vehicle's condition before the tow.
Be Prepared Before It Happens
Every Dallas driver should have these items in their vehicle:
- A fully charged portable phone charger
- Road flares or LED safety triangles
- A basic first aid kit
- A flashlight with fresh batteries
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- A reflective safety vest
- Water and a light snack
- Texas Tows Inc. number saved in your phone: (817) 512-1024
The Bottom Line
Breaking down in Dallas is stressful, but it doesn't have to be dangerous. Get off the road, make yourself visible, assess the situation, and call for professional help. Texas Tows Inc. is available around the clock to get you back on the road safely — no matter where you are in the Dallas area.
Save our number now so you have it when you need it: (817) 512-1024.