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7107 Canoga Ave Canoga Park, CA 91303
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One of the worst fears of many individuals is breaking down on the road and being stranded. To capitalize on those fears, many are deathly afraid of breaking down in the middle of the night or even on the busy highway. With good reason, these situations are the perfect storm for an anxiety attack.
Often times, one of the most common reasons for sudden breakdowns is running out of gas. We’ve all been in this situation, where the fuel tank light illuminates and there isn’t a gas station in sight. It’s so easy to misjudge that pesky meter.
However, when you break down, even with a full tank, it causes a real concern. There could be an internal issue that’s causing your car to immediately stop running. Whatever the case may be, accidents happen and many people experience breakdowns on the road. In order to fully prepare for these situations, it’s best to go over a few best practices that’ll help to alleviate anxiety should this situation happen to you. In addition, taking into account these helpful tips will also preserve your safety and avoid further damage.
One of the first things you need to do is remove your car from traffic. This is so important to your health and the safety of those around you. However, sometimes you can’t pull off of the road. Therefore, put your hazard lights on immediately. This will give those on the road a clear sign that you are having car trouble. They’ll know to go around you and give you the space needed to hopefully prevent a collision.
Next, pay attention to where you are. This is key to giving directions to either a friend, roadside assistance worker, or a towing company. Take note of the street name, possible landmarks, or highway mile marker signs.
While you’re paying attention to where you are, take note of what’s going on with your car. Are there any physical damages, strange noises, smoke coming from your engine? Although it’s not recommended, if you can safely get out of your car, try to quickly assess any possible physical damage and then move safely away from the other motorists. It is recommended to wait for assistance in the grass or shoulder a good distance away from traffic if you feel safe to do so; otherwise, wait inside your vehicle with your doors locked.
If you have roadside assistance, give them a call. If a friend or family member can’t get to you for help, a roadside assistant will. They can also send a tow truck out to remove your car from the scene. If you feel in danger, you can call 911 to let them know what’s going on. If the situation requires it, they’ll send a police officer to assist you and wait until roadside assistance can come to your vehicle’s rescue.
After you’ve made your calls for immediate help, you may want to give your insurance agency a call if there has been any type of collision with your vehicle. If you’re covered for the said damage, it’s best to let them know as soon as possible so they can get started on your claim.
When your car is broken down, you are especially vulnerable to potential threats. That’s why it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your doors locked and windows up. Although individuals may try and offer assistance, it may be best not to accept help from those you don’t know. Wait for the police or trusted roadside assistance to come to the scene and get you and your car safety off the road and to a professional repair shop.
Once you and your car are in a safe place, it’s time to get to the root of the problem. Call your trusted mechanic and let them know where your car has been towed to and schedule an appointment for them to help. If your car broke down for reasons other than running out of gas, it’s imperative to get a professional’s opinion on this matter to get to the root of the problem. Some shops will send out a towing service to bring your car to their shop. This will lower your anxiety, since you will know and trust the mechanics working diligently on your vehicle.
The folks at Euro Plus Automotive have been servicing 
the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, CA areas for years. We understand how to properly care for your unforeseen breakdown without causing unnecessary damage or requiring expensive parts. When you bring your car in for any issue you’re experiencing, you can feel confident knowing that our team has the knowledge and experience to complete your service with care. In addition to providing exceptional customer services, we promise to never offer you services that you don’t need in an effort to boost our profits. When you trust us with your vehicle, you can rest easy knowing that we have your best interests in mind.
In the age of wireless keys and newfangled fobs, it can be hard to imagine a time when we actually put a key in the ignition of our cars.
Some older models use a specialized ignition lock cylinder that helps the car power on. It resembles a traditional cigarette holder and keeps your keys secure. Working as a portable “ignition” this unique tool is commonly found in trucks and SUV cars.
The primary function of the ignition lock is to help you start your vehicle. It plays 4 major roles that work together seamlessly. They include:
Like a methodic pattern, this tiny tool accomplishes so much with a simple turn.
Investing in a lock cylinder gives your car added protection should your ignition fail. It’s a handy tool to have on those days when you don’t have time to take your car to the shop.
In addition, finding the right lock cylinder for your car provides an extra layer of protection. It makes it increasingly difficult for robbers to access your belongings.
Getting a lock cylinder is great for older cars that have trouble powering on their accessories. A quality lock cylinder is responsible for powering your:
Anything that your key could do on its own, this tool provides additional cushion.
Since this tool is individualized to fit your specific vehicle, you need to choose a lock cylinder that complements it. Within your owners manual, you’ll find the type of lock you should choose based on an individualized number. This will help you make the best decision for your car. If you have trouble locating this information, a skilled mechanic or brand representative can help you find the appropriate tool.
A lock cylinder wears many hats when it comes to ignition management. Prior to selecting the best tool for your car, it’s best to outline your goals. If safety is your main concern, specifically look for brands that showcase this feature. Learn what makes their product different than the rest and conduct your own research. This will help you narrow down the best brands for your budget.
Being able to adequately lock your steering wheel to prevent theft is an integral part of choosing the best tool. Make sure the piece you choose is made of durable and long-lasting materials. You would hate to purchase something that isn’t compatible with your car or fails to meet your security standards. Do your personal research by looking at customer reviews before making financial decisions.
There are 2 materials to choose from when it comes to selecting the best lock cylinder. Understanding the differences between the two will help you make the best decision for your specific vehicle. Die-cast is used for optimal durability and strength. Stainless Steel is the secondary material that’s an inexpensive option. When it comes to optimal durability, die-cast is the best choice.
We know how challenging it is determining the best additions for your car. Especially when it’s a tool that’s out of the ordinary. Instead of going on this journey alone, enlist professional help. 
A trained mechanic or sales representative can help you choose the best lock cylinder for your car. Be sure to discuss your goals and reasons for investing in this piece. Then, they’ll be able to match you with the tool that’s perfect for you.
Euro Plus Automotive services the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, CA areas. Our team is trained to direct customers just like you on how to make the best purchases for their vehicle. If you’re interested in investing in an ignition lock cylinder for your car, drop by today to discuss your options. With our quality services, there are never hidden fees, surprise fixes, or sales tactics. We’re simply here to help you have a safe and productive driving experience. Call or stop by today to learn more about ignition locks and whether one might be a good choice for you and your car.
Euro Plus Automotive specializes in maintenance, services, & repairs with certified technicians and cutting-edge tools & equipment for European vehicles including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, & more as well as Japanese cars like Honda, Nissan, Toyota, & more.
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