What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down: A Step-by-Step Guide
Breaking down is stressful, especially if it happens somewhere unfamiliar. Knowing the right steps to take keeps you safe and gets help to you faster. Whether you're on a quiet road in {location} or a busy dual carriageway, follow this guide.
Step 1: Get Off the Road Safely
As soon as you realise something is wrong, signal and move to the left. Aim for a lay-by, car park, petrol station or any hard surface away from moving traffic. If you can't leave the road, stop as far to the left as possible — on the hard shoulder if you're on a motorway.
Turn on your hazard warning lights immediately. If it's dark or visibility is poor, keep your sidelights on as well so other drivers can see your vehicle.
Step 2: Make Yourself Visible and Safe
- If you have a high-visibility jacket, put it on before you exit the vehicle
- Exit the vehicle from the side furthest from traffic where possible
- On a motorway, get everyone out of the car and well behind the barrier or up the embankment — never stay in the vehicle on a hard shoulder
- If you have a warning triangle, place it at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on a single carriageway (do NOT use a warning triangle on a motorway)
- Keep pets on a lead and children close to you, well away from the road
Step 3: Assess the Situation
Before calling for help, try to identify the problem. Note down:
- What happened — did the engine cut out, did you hear a noise, did a warning light come on?
- Your exact location — road name, nearest junction, postcode if you know it, or use your phone's map to find coordinates
- Whether the car can be moved or is completely immobile
- Whether you or any passengers are injured
Step 4: Call for Help
If you have breakdown cover, call your provider. Give them your location, vehicle registration, and a description of the problem. If you don't have breakdown cover, you can still call a vehicle recovery operator in {location} directly — search on your phone or call directory enquiries.
If you feel unsafe at any point, or if there's been a collision, call 999. On motorways, if you can reach an emergency phone (orange SOS phone), use it — it pinpoints your exact location automatically, which helps the recovery operator find you faster.
Step 5: Wait Safely
Stay well away from your vehicle and the traffic flow. On a motorway, wait behind the barrier. On other roads, stand on the pavement or verge. Don't attempt repairs at the roadside unless it's something simple like changing a wheel in a safe location.
Keep your phone charged and accessible. If your phone battery is low, give the recovery operator your number and ask them to text rather than call to conserve power.
What NOT to Do
- Don't try to cross a motorway on foot — ever
- Don't sit in the car on a hard shoulder — vehicles are struck from behind more often than you think
- Don't attempt to fix a problem at the roadside if you're on a fast road — it's not worth the risk
- Don't accept help from strangers who pull over unless you're confident they're genuinely helping
Be Prepared Before It Happens
Keep a basic breakdown kit in your car: a high-visibility vest for each occupant, a torch with working batteries, a fully charged portable phone charger, and your recovery operator's phone number saved in your contacts. Drivers in {location} should also keep a warm coat and a bottle of water in the boot during winter months.