What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Road: A Step-by-Step Guide

A car breakdown can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Whether it’s a flat tire, engine failure, or an electrical issue, being stranded on the road can be stressful and even dangerous. Knowing what to do in such situations can help keep you safe and get you back on the road quickly.

Follow this step-by-step guide to handle a breakdown safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

🚗 First things first – stay calm. Panicking can lead to hasty decisions that may put you in danger. Take a moment to assess what’s wrong with your car:

Is the engine making strange noises?
Are there warning lights on the dashboard?
Did you hear a loud pop (like a tire blowing out)?
Is the car overheating?

Understanding the problem can help you decide the next steps.

Step 2: Turn on Your Hazard Lights

🚨 Hazard lights are your first line of defense. The moment you notice something wrong with your car, turn them on to alert other drivers.

🔹 If it’s dark or visibility is poor, turn on your interior lights as well.🔹 If your vehicle is still moving, use your signals to indicate lane changes safely.

Step 3: Pull Over to a Safe Spot

🏁 If possible, move your car to the side of the road or a safe area.

🔹 Best places to stop: A parking lot, a rest area, or the shoulder of the road.🔹 Worst places to stop: In the middle of traffic, on a blind curve, or near intersections.

🚫 If your car is completely dead and can’t move, stay inside and keep your seatbelt on until you assess your surroundings.

Step 4: Stay Inside the Vehicle If It’s Not Safe to Exit

⚠️ If you’re on a busy motorway or in heavy traffic, stay inside the car with your seatbelt on until it’s safe to exit.

If you’re in a safe location, exit the vehicle from the passenger side to avoid passing traffic.

🚶‍♂️ Walking along a busy road is extremely dangerous. Only leave your vehicle if you are in a secure area.

Step 5: Use Roadside Safety Tools (If Available)

🔺 If you have emergency tools, use them:✔ Reflective warning triangle – Place it at least 50 meters behind your car to alert other drivers.✔ High-visibility vest – Wear it if you need to step out of the car.✔ Flares or LED emergency beacons – Useful in low-visibility conditions.

These tools help prevent accidents by making your car visible to other drivers.

Step 6: Call for Help

📞 Once you are safe, call for assistance. Depending on the issue, you have several options:

🔹 Roadside Assistance Service – If you have breakdown coverage, call your provider for a tow or repair service.🔹 Vehicle Recovery Company (Like ASTI Recovery!) – If you’re stranded, we can transport your car to a repair shop safely.🔹 Emergency Services (999 or 112) – If you’re in immediate danger (e.g., breakdown in a high-speed lane or an accident), call the police.

Pro Tip: Save emergency numbers in your phone before you need them.

Step 7: Inform Someone About Your Situation

☎️ Let a family member or friend know where you are. Share your location and the estimated arrival time of roadside assistance.

🚨 If your phone battery is low, turn on battery saver mode to preserve power.

Step 8: Stay Visible and Safe While Waiting

👀 While waiting for help:✔ Stay inside your car if possible.✔ Keep your doors locked.✔ Be cautious if approached by strangers—only accept help from professionals or trusted individuals.

Step 9: Know When to Try DIY Fixes

🛠 Only attempt repairs if you’re experienced and it’s safe to do so.✔ Changing a flat tire – If you’re in a safe place and have a spare, you may change it yourself.✔ Checking for loose battery cables – Sometimes, a simple reconnection can get the car running again.

🚨 However, NEVER:❌ Open the hood on a busy road.❌ Try fixing the engine if you don’t know what’s wrong.❌ Pour water on an overheating engine—it can cause severe damage.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared for Breakdowns

🚗 Breakdowns are unpredictable, but preparation can make them less stressful.

✅ Keep a car emergency kit with:✔ Jumper cables✔ First aid kit✔ Flashlight with extra batteries✔ Bottled water and snacks✔ Phone charger/power bank

🚘 ASTI Recovery is here to help! If you ever find yourself stranded, give us a call for quick and professional vehicle recovery services.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and know what to do when your car breaks down! 🚗🔧

Would you like a printable car breakdown checklist? Let us know in the comments!