Breaking down miles from home can be stressful, especially if you’re travelling on unfamiliar roads or in a remote location.
Fortunately, knowing what to do before it happens can make the situation much less daunting. Whether you’re on a country road, motorway or road trip, following the right steps can help keep you safe while you wait for assistance.
Here’s what you should do if your car breaks down.
Visit our maintenance guidance hub for more practical guides to keeping your vehicle safe and reliable.
What should you do if your car breaks down?
If your vehicle develops a fault, follow these steps to stay safe and get help as quickly as possible.
1. Stay calm
A breakdown can be frustrating, but remaining calm will help you make better decisions.
Avoid rushing, and focus on getting yourself and your passengers somewhere safe.
2. Pull over safely
If it’s possible to do so, steer your vehicle onto the hard shoulder, a lay-by or as far to the left of the road as you safely can.
Once you’ve stopped:
- Turn on your hazard warning lights.
- Apply the handbrake.
- Switch off the engine.
- Keep your wheels turned away from traffic if you’re parked on a slope.
3. Get yourself to safety
If you’re on a normal road and it’s safe to leave the vehicle:
- Exit via the passenger-side door if possible.
- Move yourself and your passengers well away from traffic.
- Wear a high-visibility jacket if you have one.
If you’re on a motorway:
- Leave the vehicle via the left-hand doors if it’s safe.
- Move behind the safety barrier where possible.
- Never stand between your vehicle and moving traffic.
4. Use a warning triangle (where appropriate)
If you’re on a standard road and it’s safe to do so, place a warning triangle around 45 metres behind your vehicle.
Do not use a warning triangle on a motorway, as this could put you at greater risk.
5. Call for assistance
Contact:
- Your breakdown provider.
- Your insurer (if breakdown cover is included).
- Emergency services if you’re in immediate danger.
Be prepared to provide:
- Your exact location.
- Vehicle registration.
- Details of the problem.
- Whether you’re blocking traffic.
What if your car breaks down on a road trip?
Breaking down while travelling can feel even more stressful, particularly if you’re far from home.
If this happens:
Assess the situation
- Stay calm.
- Check whether everyone is safe.
- Identify any obvious issues if it’s safe to do so.
Make yourself visible
Keep your hazard lights switched on to alert other road users.
If you have one, wearing a high-visibility jacket can also improve your visibility.
Stay with the vehicle
Unless remaining inside the vehicle would be dangerous, it’s generally safer to stay nearby rather than walking long distances in search of help.
Lock the doors if you’re inside and be cautious about accepting help from strangers.
Be prepared to wait
Recovery services can sometimes take time to arrive.
Keeping the following items in your car can make waiting more comfortable:
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Phone charger or power bank
- Warm clothing
- Blanket
- Torch
What if you don’t have breakdown cover?
If you don’t have breakdown cover, you still have several options.
You could:
- Contact a local recovery company.
- Use a pay-as-you-go breakdown service.
- Check whether your car insurance includes roadside assistance.
- Ask a friend or family member for help if you’re nearby.
Although emergency recovery can be more expensive without cover, many companies will still assist non-members.
If you’re planning a long journey, we’ve compiled together all the Ways to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip.
What shouldn’t you do if your car breaks down?
Some actions can increase the risk of injury during a breakdown.
Avoid:
- Attempting repairs in live traffic.
- Changing a tyre on a busy road if it isn’t safe.
- Standing next to your vehicle on a motorway.
- Accepting assistance from unverified recovery operators.
- Leaving your vehicle unattended for long periods.
Your safety should always come before protecting your vehicle.
How can you reduce the chances of breaking down?
While not every breakdown can be avoided, regular maintenance can significantly reduce the risk.
Simple checks include:
- Monitoring tyre pressures.
- Checking oil and coolant levels.
- Replacing worn batteries before they fail.
- Keeping fuel levels above a quarter of a tank.
- Servicing your car according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
A well-maintained vehicle is far less likely to leave you stranded unexpectedly.
Not sure whether your vehicle is ready for the road? We’ve got you covered and put together a Vehicle Maintenance Checklist, which covers the essential maintenance checks.
Final thoughts
No one plans for a breakdown, but knowing how to react can make a huge difference.
The most important priorities are staying calm, getting yourself somewhere safe and contacting the appropriate recovery service.
Keeping an emergency kit in your car and maintaining your vehicle regularly can also help minimise both the likelihood and the inconvenience of a breakdown.
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