The 2 minute phone trick that saved me from a $400 towing bill on I-95 last Friday
My car died on the shoulder of I-95 near exit 87 last Friday around 6pm and I was already panicking about the tow cost. Before calling anyone I remembered a tip from a mechanic buddy about checking the battery terminals first. I popped the hood, wiggled both cables, and one was loose enough to twist by hand. I tightened it with a cheap wrench I had in the trunk, waited 30 seconds, and the car started right up. The whole thing took 2 minutes and cost me nothing. If you ever break down, check those terminals before you call a tow, it might save you hundreds.
Exit 87 on I-95 is a rough spot to break down, glad you got out of there without dropping 400 bucks. Loose terminals have bitten me before too, it's wild how such a small thing can leave you stranded. Good reminder to keep a cheap wrench in the trunk.