99% of Drivers Unaware: What to Do in a Situation Most People Don’t Know While Driving

More frequent than you think
Car engine shutting off while driving
Surprisingly, many don’t know how to handle it

When driving, various unexpected situations are bound to occur. Among them, the phenomenon of the engine shutting off while driving is surprisingly one of the unexpected situations that many drivers experience. If you can’t handle the situation properly when the engine shuts off while driving, it can lead to a secondary accident with surrounding vehicles, making it even more dangerous.

The phenomenon of the engine shutting off while driving does not occur due to a single cause.
It could be due to fuel, mechanical parts, or electricity. Also, the cause can vary depending on the type and model of the car. Let’s take a look at the causes and how to handle the situation when the engine shuts off while driving.

Shutting off due to fuel exhaustion
Regular engine oil changes

First, if you miss the time to refuel, the engine can shut off while driving due to complete fuel exhaustion.
Typically, you can drive about 30~50km after the fuel warning light comes on, but it’s best to stop by a nearby gas station as soon as possible to refuel. Suppose the engine completely shuts off while driving. In that case, you can contact your car insurance company, apply for an emergency dispatch service, and receive an emergency refueling service to move to a nearby gas station. It’s important to refuel before the fuel is completely exhausted habitually.

Suppose the engine oil, which needs to be replaced periodically, loses its viscosity and fails to lubricate properly. In that case, the engine piston can stick to the cylinder, and the engine can shut off. Since engine oil is a very important consumable for vehicle maintenance, it’s a good idea to refer to the vehicle manual and replace it regularly. If the engine repeatedly shuts off due to old engine oil, it could lead to a situation where the engine itself needs to be replaced.

Engine overheating due to coolant
Damage to fuel supply pipe due to undercarriage impact

Coolant performs the function of reducing the damage that the engine and its accessories receive from heat. If a leak or evaporation occurs, the coolant becomes insufficient, the coolant temperature rises, and eventually, the engine can overheat and shut off. Like engine oil, it’s a good idea to refer to the vehicle manual, confirm the product recommended by the car manufacturer, and replenish or replace the coolant on time.

While driving, there can be cases where the undercarriage of the vehicle receives an impact, which can damage the fuel pipeline. If a specific impact dents the pipe that supplies fuel or if the fuel filter is blocked, the engine can shut off while driving, even if there is enough fuel in the car. In this case, you should have the fuel supply system checked at a repair shop. Also, it’s a good idea to replace the fuel filter according to the cycle written in the vehicle manual.

How to handle when the engine shuts off
Develop a habit of checking the vehicle

In addition, the engine can shut off if there are problems with the wiring, ignition device, or various sensors, or if the timing belt (engine belt) breaks or the generator breaks down. In the case of diesel vehicles, the engine can shut off if there is a problem with the injector that sprays diesel fuel.

If the engine shuts off while driving, first turn on the hazard lights to alert the surroundings that there is a problem with the vehicle, and move the vehicle to the shoulder as much as possible. When the engine shuts off, the steering wheel doesn’t move properly, and the brake pressure is consumed each time the brake pedal is operated, worsening the braking power. Therefore, without stepping on the brake, you should maximize the remaining power to move to the shoulder to prevent secondary accidents. Since accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, checking the vehicle and replacing consumables and parts regularly is important.

By. Jung Hyuk Lim