Breaking down can be stressful, especially if it happens unexpectedly or in poor weather conditions. While breakdown cover can offer peace of mind, knowing what to do in the moment is just as important.
If your car breaks down, staying calm and putting safety first can make a huge difference.
And to help prevent the kind of issues that can lead to a breakdown in the first place, maintenance guidance hub covers the simple checks that keep your vehicle running reliably.
Top Tip: Stay Calm
Whatever happens, try not to panic. It’s easier said than done, but staying calm will help you think clearly and make safer decisions.
Your priority should always be to get yourself and any passengers somewhere safe.
Where Have You Broken Down?
What you should do next depends on where your vehicle has broken down.
Breaking Down on a Normal Road
If possible, carefully move your vehicle to the side of the road or into a safe location away from traffic.
Once safely stopped:
- Turn on your hazard warning lights
- Use sidelights if visibility is poor
- Wear reflective or high-visibility clothing if you have it
- Exit the vehicle safely if appropriate
- Keep passengers away from moving traffic
If you carry a warning triangle, place it around 45–100 metres behind your vehicle where safe to do so. However, never use a warning triangle on a motorway.
Once you’re safe, call for breakdown assistance or emergency help if needed.
If you regularly travel long distances, you may also find these articles useful:
Breaking Down on a Motorway
Breaking down on a motorway can feel particularly dangerous, so safety is critical.
If possible:
- Move into the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area
- Turn on your hazard lights immediately
- Exit the vehicle using the left-hand doors where possible
- Move behind the safety barrier and away from traffic
Do not stand next to your car on the hard shoulder.
If you cannot reach the hard shoulder and your vehicle stops in a live lane:
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Keep your seatbelt fastened
- Call 999 immediately if you’re in immediate danger
- Follow guidance from emergency services
If there’s an emergency roadside phone nearby, use it. These phones provide your exact location to motorway control centres, helping recovery teams find you more quickly.
Prepare Before You Travel
Preparation can make a breakdown much easier to deal with.
Consider keeping a small breakdown kit in your car containing:
- A phone charger or power bank
- Warm clothing or a blanket
- Water and snacks
- A torch
- High-visibility clothing
- De-icer and scraper during winter
It’s also important to watch for early warning signs from your car, such as unusual noises, dashboard warning lights, or difficulty starting. Getting small issues checked early could help you avoid a breakdown altogether.
Final Thoughts
Breakdowns are never convenient, but knowing what to do can help keep you safe while waiting for assistance.
If your car is becoming unreliable or costly to repair, it may be time to consider replacing or selling it.
Did you know that you can get a free online valuation for your vehicle in just seconds! We’ll get you the best price without the stress of negotiating or haggling right here.