What to do if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere

However, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can navigate such circumstances with confidence, believe it or not. It’s all about safety and peace of mind.

What should you do if your car breaks down?

If your car breaks down, follow these steps to ensure your safety and get the necessary assistance:

1. Stay Calm: A car breakdown can be stressful, but it’s essential to remain calm. Take a deep breath and focus on the next steps.
2. Pull Over Safely:
   • If you’re on a regular road, attempt to pull over to a safe spot away from traffic, says Surex.
   • Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
   • Exit your car through the left-hand door and wear light-colored clothes or a hi-vis vest, especially at night or in low visibility.
3. Place a Warning Triangle:
   • If you’re not on a motorway, take your warning triangle and position it 45 meters (147 feet) behind your vehicle (approximately 60 paces), says the Highway Code UK.
   • If you’re on a motorway, you should not place the triangle.
4. Call for Help:
   • Contact your breakdown service or call for recovery if you can.
   • Do not stand between your car and oncoming traffic whatever you do.

What if your car breaks down on a road trip?

If your car breaks down during a road trip, here are some steps you might want to take:

1. Assess the Situation:
   • Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and assess the situation, there’s no need to get all hot and flustered, that won’t help anyone.
   • Check for Immediate Danger: Ensure everyone is safe. If you’re on a busy road, stay inside the car if it’s safer.
   • Identify the Issue: Try to diagnose the problem (e.g., flat tire, engine trouble).
2. Call for Help:
   • Emergency Services: Dial emergency services if you’re in a dangerous situation.
   • Roadside Assistance: Call your roadside assistance provider or a tow truck. Make sure you know your location, this will be a massive help!
3. Stay Visible and Communicate:
   • Use Hazard Lights: Keep your hazard lights on says Germania Insurance, as this helps make other drivers aware of your situation and opportunity for the to provide you with the space you may need.
   • Signal for Help: Raise the hood of your car or tie a bright cloth to the antenna (if you have one).
   • Communicate: Inform someone (family, friend, or roadside assistance) about your situation.
4. Stay with Your Vehicle:
   • Avoid Walking Alone: It’s safer to stay near your car than to walk along the road.
   • Lock Doors: Keep doors locked and windows up. Be cautious if strangers approach.
5. Prepare for Delays:
   • Patience: Roadside assistance may take time. Be patient and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
   • Stay Comfortable: Have water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. You’ll be thanking yourself later if you’re ever stuck at the side of the road.

Remember, staying calm and following safety protocols is crucial. Road trips can be unpredictable, but with the right steps, you’ll handle breakdowns effectively.

What if I don’t have break down cover?

If your car breaks down and you don’t have break down cover, it can be quite challenging, but there are steps you can take to handle the situation:

1. Stay Calm: First and foremost, try to remain calm. Panicking won’t help anyone and you need to think clearly about your next steps.
2. Safety First:
   • Move Your Vehicle: If possible, steer your car to the side of the road or a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights.
   • Stay Inside: Unless there’s immediate danger (like smoke or fire), it’s safer to stay inside your car. Lock the doors and keep your seatbelt on.
3. Assess the Situation:
   • Check for Damage: Inspect your vehicle to see if you can identify the issue, says Germania Insurance. Did you see anything out of the ordinary, or did you hear something you shouldn’t? However, avoid doing this on a busy carriageway, it wouldn’t be the best idea.
   • Call for Help: Use your phone to call for help (if you have signal). If you don’t have a signal, you could always walk to the nearest emergency phone or find help.
4. Seek Assistance:
   • Friends or Family: If you’re close to home, consider calling friends or family who might be able to help.
   • Local Garage: If you know of a nearby garage, you could walk there or ask someone for directions.
   • Public Transport: Check if there’s any public transport nearby that can take you to a safer place.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Expenses:
   • Don’t Accept Unsolicited Help: Be wary and cautious if someone offers to tow your car or fix it without proper identification. It’s always best to try and stick to professional services if ever in doubt.
   • Don’t Leave Your Car Unattended: Leaving your car unattended may result in it being towed, which can be expensive, and no one needs any extra added cost.
6. Consider Your Options:
   • Pay-as-You-Go Services: Some breakdown services offer pay-as-you-go options. You can call them when needed, even without a membership, like National Breakdown for example.
   • Insurance: If you have car insurance, check if it includes any roadside assistance coverage.
   • Local Recovery Services: Some local recovery services may assist you for a fee.

What you shouldn’t do if your car breaks down?

If your car breaks down, there are several important things you might want to avoid to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Here’s what you shouldn’t do, according to Simple Insights:

1. Changing a tire on the side of traffic: If you’re on a busy road or highway, it’s unsafe to attempt changing a tire in the flow of traffic. Instead, focus on getting your vehicle to a safer location.
2. Checking for damage on a busy carriageway: While assessing the damage is essential, doing so on a busy highway can be risky. Prioritize moving your vehicle to a safer spot first.
3. Standing on the shoulder of the road: Unless there’s smoke or flames, it’s safer to remain buckled inside your car. Emergency services can better assist you if you stay inside the vehicle.

Your safety comes first. If you do ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road it can be dangerous and it’s always best to call help. Having a reliable vehicle can help prevent breakdowns and unexpected problems, so if you’re ever suspicious of anything on your car that you think may not be working right as it should, it’s always best to get it checked out.