What should you do when your engine stalls?

When your engine stalls, there are several important steps to take to safely manage the situation. Firstly, shifting to neutral is critical because it allows the vehicle to coast safely to a stop without the engine's power. This gear change helps maintain control of the vehicle and prevents it from rolling into traffic or other obstacles.

Restarting the engine is another viable action to take, as it might resolve the issue and get the vehicle moving again. However, it is essential to ensure that you are in a safe and suitable position to do so, only placing the transmission back into drive once the engine is running properly.

Avoiding braking hard is also a relevant consideration in this situation. Although it might seem instinctive to brake in a stalling scenario, doing so excessively can lead to loss of control or potential rear-end collisions if you happen to be in a traffic situation.

Therefore, selecting a comprehensive approach—shifting to neutral, attempting to restart the engine, and being cautious with braking—provides the safest strategy to manage an engine stall effectively. This coordinated response ensures that you maintain control of the vehicle and mitigate risks associated with the stall.