What to do if your car breaks own

Created by Jonathan Fry, Modified on Tue, 1 Apr at 10:14 PM by Jonathan Fry

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing a car breakdown can be stressful but knowing what to do can make the situation much more manageable. Whether you’re on a busy motorway or a quiet country road, taking the right steps ensures your safety and gets you back on the road as quickly as possible. Here’s a practical guide for UK drivers on what to do if your car breaks down.

1. Prioritise Safety First

The moment your car starts showing signs of trouble—strange noises, loss of power, or warning lights—act quickly to stay safe:  

Turn on Your Hazard Lights: This alerts other drivers that your vehicle is experiencing an issue, especially important in low-visibility conditions like rain or fog.
Move to a Safe Location: If possible, steer your car off the road to the left-hand side, onto the hard shoulder (on motorways) or a lay-by. Avoid stopping in the middle of traffic.
Avoid Dangerous Spots: Don’t park on bends, crests of hills, or areas where your car could obstruct other vehicles.

If you can’t move the car (e.g., it’s completely stalled), stay calm and follow the safety steps below based on your location.

2. Exit the Vehicle Safely

Once your car is stationary:  

Get Out on the Safe Side: Exit through the passenger-side door if you’re on a motorway or busy road to avoid stepping into traffic.
Wear a High-Visibility Vest: If you have one in your car (highly recommended), put it on to make yourself more visible to other drivers.
Stay Out of the Road: On motorways, stand behind the barrier or as far from traffic as possible. On smaller roads, find a safe spot away from your vehicle.
Keep Pets and Passengers Safe: Ensure everyone exits the car and stays in a secure location with you.

Never attempt repairs on a busy road—it’s too dangerous. Leave that to the professionals.

3. Make Your Vehicle Visible

If you’ve had to stop in a risky spot:  

Set Up a Warning Triangle: Place it at least 45 meters (50 yards) behind your car on regular roads, or 150 meters on motorways (though avoid walking on the motorway to do this—only use it if safe). Note: Warning triangles aren’t typically used on motorways due to safety risks; rely on hazard lights instead.
Keep Hazard Lights On: This remains your primary way to signal a problem.

4. Call for Help

Now it’s time to get assistance:  

Breakdown Cover: If you have breakdown cover (e.g., with the AA, RAC, or Green Flag), call their emergency number. Have your policy number, car registration, and location ready. Most providers offer 24/7 roadside assistance.
No Breakdown Cover?: If you don’t have a membership, you can still call a recovery service directly (e.g., a local garage or national provider) or dial 101 for non-emergency police assistance if you’re causing an obstruction. In life-threatening situations (e.g., a crash or injury), call 999.
Motorway Breakdowns: If you’re on a motorway and can’t reach a phone, walk to the nearest emergency roadside telephone (orange boxes spaced every mile). These connect directly to National Highways and pinpoint your location.

5. Provide Your Location

Help will arrive faster if you can describe where you are:  

Use Landmarks: Note nearby signs, junctions, or mile markers (e.g., “M25, Junction 10”).
Motorway Marker Posts: Look for small blue signs with numbers on the hard shoulder—they help recovery teams locate you.
What3Words: If you have the app or can access it, this provides a precise three-word location code (e.g., “cake.spoon.river”)—many UK services now recognise it.

6. Wait Safely

While waiting:  

Stay Out of the Car: Unless it’s unsafe to be outside (e.g., extreme weather), avoid sitting in your vehicle, especially on motorways.
Keep Warm: Bring a blanket or coat if it’s cold - breakdowns can take time to resolve.
Monitor Updates: If you’ve called a service, they may provide an estimated arrival time. Stay patient but call again if there’s a significant delay.

7. After Recovery

Once help arrives:  

Roadside Fix: If the issue is minor (e.g., a flat battery), the technician might repair it on the spot.
Tow to a Garage: For bigger problems, your car may be towed to a nearby garage. Ensure you understand costs if you’re not covered by a breakdown plan.
Check Your Insurance: Some car insurance policies include breakdown assistance—review yours to avoid unexpected expenses.

Tips to Avoid Future Breakdowns

Prevention is better than cure:  

Regular Maintenance: Service your car annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Emergency Kit: Keep a high-vis vest, warning triangle, phone charger, and basic tools in your car.
Breakdown Cover: Consider signing up for a plan—it’s often cheaper than paying for a one-off recovery.

Final Thoughts

A car breakdown in the UK doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you stay calm and follow these steps. Prioritize safety, call for help promptly, and know your options. With the right preparation, you’ll be back on the road—or at least safely off it—before you know it.