Breaking down is never convenient. Whether it happens on a motorway, a quiet country lane, or during a routine journey, it can be stressful and sometimes dangerous. However, knowing what to do in those first few moments can make the situation easier and much safer. This guide will walk you through the steps to take if your car breaks down. It includes advice on staying safe, getting help, and being better prepared in future.
Prioritise Your Safety
As soon as you notice a problem, try to steer your vehicle to a safe place. On motorways, use the hard shoulder or an Emergency Refuge Area. On other roads, look for a lay-by, side street or wide verge where you’re not obstructing traffic. Switch on your hazard lights immediately. If visibility is poor, turn on your sidelights too. Angle your front wheels towards the verge or kerb to help prevent your car from rolling if it moves unexpectedly.
If you’re on a fast or busy road, exit the vehicle through the passenger-side door when it’s safe to do so. Move away from the road and stand behind a barrier if one is available. Put on a high-visibility vest before you exit the vehicle, especially in poor lighting or bad weather. Do not stand in front of or behind your car, and never try to fix anything unless you are certain it is safe. On quieter roads, if it feels safer to stay inside the car, keep your seatbelt on, lock the doors and wait for help to arrive. Use your judgement and consider the location carefully.
Make Yourself and the Vehicle Visible
If you’re not on a motorway and it is safe to do so, place a warning triangle around 45 metres behind your vehicle. This gives other drivers more time to react and avoid danger. Never place a warning triangle on the motorway. Walking on the hard shoulder is extremely dangerous and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If your vehicle is causing an obstruction or you feel at risk, call 999 immediately and report the incident.
Call for Help
Once you are in a safe place and the car is visible to other road users, call your breakdown provider or a local recovery company. If you do not know exactly where you are, use your phone’s GPS or apps such as What3Words to provide an accurate location. Be prepared to give details such as the road name, direction of travel, nearby signs or landmarks and a description of the issue. Let the service know if you have children, pets or need specialist equipment to recover the vehicle.
What to Expect from a Recovery Service
Depending on the situation, the recovery team will try to repair the problem at the roadside or transport your vehicle to a garage or your home. For minor faults, such as battery issues or blown fuses, they may be able to get you moving again quickly. If you have a flat tyre and a usable spare, they can usually replace it if the location is safe. If you have run out of fuel or misfuelled, a fuel delivery service may be available. Jump-starts are also common for flat batteries, especially during cold weather or if your car has not been used for a while. If the fault is more serious and the car cannot be repaired at the scene, the recovery service will arrange for it to be taken to a suitable garage.
After the Breakdown
Once your car is recovered or repaired, do not delay arranging further checks if needed. Even if your vehicle is running again, it may still need professional repairs. Keep a record of what happened and any advice the recovery team gave you. This can help your mechanic diagnose the issue properly and prevent future problems.
How to Be Better Prepared
You cannot prevent every breakdown, but being prepared can make a huge difference. Keep a few essentials in your car at all times. These include a high-visibility vest, a warning triangle, a torch with spare batteries, a blanket, water, snacks, a mobile charger, and a basic toolkit. It is also a good habit to check your vehicle regularly. Look at oil levels, coolant, tyre pressures and battery health. Many common causes of breakdowns, such as flat tyres or worn-out batteries, are preventable with routine maintenance.
In Summary
A breakdown can be a difficult and sometimes frightening experience, but it is manageable if you stay calm and follow the right steps. Make safety your first priority, alert other drivers and get professional help. Being prepared with the right knowledge and a few essentials in your car can make any future breakdown far easier to handle.