What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down: A Step-by-Step Guide
A vehicle breakdown can happen unexpectedly, whether you're travelling locally or partway through a longer journey. Knowing what to do if your car breaks down can help you stay safe, protect other road users and arrange the right assistance as quickly as possible.
The most important thing during any vehicle breakdown is safety. What you should do next will depend on where your vehicle has stopped, the type of road you're travelling on and whether the vehicle can be moved to a safer position.
This guide explains the practical steps to take after a breakdown and when you may need professional roadside assistance or vehicle recovery.
What Should You Do If Your Car Breaks Down?
Try to Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location
If your vehicle is still moving and it is safe to do so, try to move away from the main flow of traffic. Look for a safe place to stop, such as a lay-by, parking area or another suitable location away from moving vehicles.
Switch On Your Hazard Warning Lights
Use your hazard warning lights to make other road users aware that your vehicle has stopped or is experiencing a problem. Visibility is especially important at night, during poor weather or where your vehicle may be difficult for approaching drivers to see.
Assess Your Surroundings Before Leaving the Vehicle
Before opening a door or getting out, check your surroundings carefully. On busy roads, leaving a vehicle may expose you to moving traffic. Your safest course of action will depend on your location and the circumstances of the breakdown.
Identify Your Location
When arranging assistance, provide the clearest location information possible. This could include the road name, nearby junctions, landmarks, postcode or your location from a smartphone mapping application.
Arrange Roadside Assistance or Vehicle Recovery
Once you are in a safe position, you can arrange professional assistance. Depending on the fault, the vehicle may be assessed at the roadside or may need to be recovered and transported to a garage or another suitable destination.
Common Reasons Why Cars Break Down
A breakdown doesn't always mean that a vehicle has suffered a major mechanical failure. Many breakdowns are caused by relatively common problems that prevent the vehicle from continuing its journey safely.
- Flat or discharged batteries
- Electrical faults
- Engine starting problems
- Overheating
- Flat or damaged tyres
- Fuel-related problems
- Alternator or charging system faults
- Mechanical failures
- Warning lights indicating a serious fault
- Accident or collision damage
Some problems may be suitable for roadside assistance, while others require the vehicle to be transported rather than driven.
Roadside Assistance or Vehicle Recovery: Which Do You Need?
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is generally appropriate when there is a possibility that the problem can be assessed or resolved at your location. The aim is to determine whether the vehicle can safely continue its journey without requiring transportation.
You can learn more about our roadside assistance service if your vehicle has broken down and you need help at your location.
Vehicle Recovery
If the vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside, is unsafe to drive or has suffered a more serious mechanical or electrical problem, vehicle recovery may be required.
Professional recovery allows the vehicle to be safely loaded and transported to an appropriate destination, such as a garage, repair centre, home address or another agreed location.
Find out more about our car recovery and breakdown recovery service.
What Information Should You Provide When Calling for Recovery?
Providing accurate information when you call can help the recovery operator understand your situation and determine the most appropriate response.
Where possible, have the following information ready:
- Your exact or approximate location
- The make and model of your vehicle
- Your vehicle registration number
- A brief description of what happened
- Whether the vehicle starts or moves
- Whether any wheels or tyres are damaged
- Whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident
- Your preferred destination if recovery is required
Don't worry if you don't know exactly what is wrong with the vehicle. Explaining what happened immediately before the breakdown and any symptoms you noticed can still provide useful information.
What If Your Car Breaks Down at Night?
A breakdown at night can present additional risks because your vehicle may be less visible to other road users. Switch on your hazard warning lights and, where possible and safe, position the vehicle away from moving traffic.
When arranging assistance, give clear information about your location and mention any circumstances that may affect access to the vehicle.
247 Road Assistance provides 24/7 vehicle recovery and breakdown assistance, helping motorists who experience vehicle problems during the day or night.
What If Your Car Cannot Be Repaired at the Roadside?
Not every breakdown can be resolved where the vehicle has stopped. Some faults require specialist diagnostic equipment, replacement parts or workshop facilities.
In these situations, vehicle recovery may be the safest and most practical option. Your vehicle can be transported to a garage or another suitable destination for further inspection and repair.
If you already have a preferred repairer, you may be able to arrange car recovery to a garage rather than leaving the vehicle at the roadside.
Can a Non-Running Car Be Recovered?
Yes. A vehicle does not necessarily need to start or drive normally in order to be recovered. Vehicles with mechanical faults, electrical problems or other issues that prevent them from running can often be safely loaded for transportation.
The appropriate recovery method will depend on the vehicle and its condition. You can find more information about our non-runner vehicle recovery service.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Future Breakdown
Not every vehicle breakdown can be prevented, but regular maintenance can reduce the risk of some common problems.
- Have your vehicle serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Check tyre condition and pressures regularly.
- Pay attention to dashboard warning lights.
- Have battery or starting problems investigated before they worsen.
- Check essential fluid levels where appropriate.
- Do not ignore unusual noises, smells or changes in vehicle performance.
If you suspect there is a problem with your vehicle, arranging an inspection before a longer journey may help prevent an unexpected roadside breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing I should do if my car breaks down?
Prioritise safety. If possible and safe, move the vehicle away from moving traffic and switch on your hazard warning lights. Assess your surroundings before leaving the vehicle and arrange assistance once you are in a safe position.
Can my car be recovered directly to my chosen garage?
Depending on the circumstances and destination, vehicle recovery can often be arranged to a garage or repair centre of your choice. Confirm your preferred destination when arranging the recovery.
What happens if my car cannot be fixed at the roadside?
If the problem cannot be safely resolved at the roadside, the vehicle may need to be recovered and transported to a garage, repair centre or another agreed destination.
Can you recover a car that will not start?
Yes. Non-running vehicles can generally be recovered using suitable recovery equipment. The exact method will depend on the vehicle's condition and accessibility.
What details do I need when calling for vehicle recovery?
It is helpful to provide your location, vehicle make and model, registration number, a description of the problem and your preferred recovery destination.
Need Roadside Assistance or Vehicle Recovery?
If your vehicle has broken down and you need assistance, 247 Road Assistance provides 24/7 vehicle recovery and breakdown services across East Grinstead and surrounding areas.
Contact 247 Road Assistance View Our Services