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What to do if your car breaks down
We hope you never have to put this advice into action, but if your car does break down, there are a few simple steps you should follow. As soon as you feel your car is developing a problem, act immediately. Simply follow our advice below to make sure you’re properly prepared if you do encounter a problem.
What to do on a motorway
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Use the hard shoulder in emergencies
If you think you won’t make it to the next exit, park on the far left of the hard shoulder and as close as possible to an emergency phone – you’ll find them every half-mile. If you can’t make it to the hard shoulder, switch your hazard warning lights on and, when there’s a safe gap in the traffic, walk over to the hard shoulder. -
Make yourself seen
Put your headlights and hazard lights on. -
Never, ever, stay in your car
Leave your car by the left-hand side and move passengers away and onto the banking if possible. Animals should be kept securely in the vehicle. Only go back to your car if you feel at risk from other motorists. -
Go for help
Don’t attempt any repairs yourself in such a dangerous position. Walk to an emergency telephone to contact your recovery service – these special SOS telephones are free to use. They help rescue services pinpoint your location accurately and also inform the police of your situation. At RAC, we promise to get to you as a priority call-out. If you have to use your mobile phone, these can be used to help find your location, but try to give as much information as you can. -
Rejoin the motorway at a steady speed
Once your vehicle has been fixed, build up speed on the hard shoulder first before pulling back into the traffic – but keep a look out for any other vehicles parked on the hard shoulder.
What to do on other roads
Get out of the traffic
If possible, get your vehicle off the road and parked in a safe position so it doesn’t cause an obstruction.Make yourself seen
Use your hazard warning lights. And if you have a reflective jacket and/or a warning triangle, use them.Keep your passengers safe
Lead your passengers away from your vehicle if you think it could be hit by passing traffic. In the dark or cold, it is best to stay in your vehicle with the sidelights and heater on.Call for help
If you feel you can’t fix your vehicle yourself, use any available phone to contact your recovery service. Remember to find out first exactly where you’ve broken down to help them find you.Stay with your vehicle
Wait in safety for your recovery service and always ask for identification when they arrive.
Why don’t you print this page and keep it in your car so that it’s always handy?
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