What should you do if your car breaks down?
Breaking down on the Freeway
If you breakdown on the freeway or any carriageway, it’s important not to panic.
Instead, here’s what you should do:
1. Pull over to the hard shoulder
Safely move across to the hard shoulder as soon as you spot an issue with your car. Drive as far to the left as you can and turn your front wheels towards the verge.
Turn on your hazard lights, and turn on your sidelights if it’s dark.
2. Get everyone out of the car
Don’t leave by the driver’s door. Instead, get out of your car via the passenger doors and stay well behind the barriers.
It’s best to leave animals in the car, but in an emergency keep them under control on the verge.
If you have a reflective jacket, wear it to make sure you’re seen.
3. Call for help
If you have breakdown cover, ring your provider and let them know where you are.
If you’re not covered, you’ll need to call the Highways Agency for assistance.
4. Pulling out to join the carriageway
If your car has been fixed and it’s ready to drive again, make sure you build up speed on the hard shoulder and watch out for a safe gap in the traffic before joining the carriageway.
Keep an eye out for any other cars that may also be stationary on the hard shoulder.
Make sure you don’t:
Fix or repair the issue yourself - it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Use your red warning triangle on freeways.
What if I can’t get onto the hard shoulder?
If you can’t pull onto the hard shoulder, immediately turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists and call the emergency services for assistance.
Breaking down on quieter roads
While not as dangerous as on a freeway, breaking down on other roads can still be hazardous. Here’s what you should do:
1. Pull over to a safe place, away from the traffic.
2. Turn on your hazard lights, and your sidelights if it’s dark.
3. Place the red warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the car on the same side of the road.
4. Call for assistance.
5. Stay in the car and wait for help.
What if I don’t have breakdown cover?
You can call a local garage, which would normally charge a call out fee and also charge you for every mile they tow you.
Tips for before setting off
If you’re setting off for a long journey, take a couple of simple steps to ensure you stay safe.
It’s always handy to keep a breakdown kit in your car with a few necessary things and a high visibility vest in the car just in case your car ever breaks down.
Make sure your phone is fully charged before you set off.
It might even be worth investing in an in-car charger if you’re doing some serious mileage. There’s nothing worse than a dead phone after a breakdown.
