What should you do if your car abruptly loses power while driving?

When your car abruptly loses power while driving, shifting to neutral and steering off the road is the appropriate response for several important reasons. First and foremost, shifting to neutral allows you to maintain control of the vehicle, especially if the power loss is not total and some steering capability remains. This action helps you guide the car to a safe location away from traffic, reducing the risk of a collision or further complications.

By steering off the road, you create a safer environment for both yourself and other drivers. Once you have navigated the vehicle to a safe area, you can then turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists to your situation. This is a critical step for your safety, as it communicates that your vehicle is immobile or experiencing difficulties.

Coasting until the vehicle stops, while it may seem viable, does not prioritize control or safety in the same way that steering off the road does. Restarting the engine while driving could be dangerous, as it may distract you from steering and controlling the vehicle or could lead to further complications if the engine fails completely. Hazard lights are important, but they are more effective once you have stopped safely, as they primarily serve to alert other drivers rather than help you maintain control of the vehicle.