Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 28th September 2018

It is unfortunate, but vehicles can break down at any time and this could be for any number of different reasons. This can be frustrating as a motorist and especially if you are in a rush or stranded in the middle of nowhere. Every motorist should know how to act when they break down before it actually happens so that you can stay safe and get back on the road as soon as possible.

Stay Safe 

The first thing to do is to make sure that you are in a safe place. If possible, move the vehicle off of the road or pull up onto the hard shoulder if you are on the motorway and turn on your hazard lights. It is best to get everyone out of the vehicle and if you're on the motorway, wait behind the barrier - if it is at nighttime you should wear a reflective jacket which should be in your emergency kit (more on this to come).

Contacting a Breakdown Provider 

Next, you should avoid trying to fix the problem yourself (unless not on a motorway and you know what you’re doing) and instead call your breakdown provider. If your vehicle is obstructing traffic, then you should call the police who will be able to divert traffic. Tell your breakdown provider your full name, breakdown membership number and your location. You should also tell them your contact number and the cause of the breakdown if you know what it is. They will then send out a qualified engineer who will try to fix your car by the side of the road or tow you to a garage.

If You Don’t Have Cover 

It is always smart to have breakdown cover and often this will come as part of a package when you lease a car from somewhere like Car4Leasing. If you don’t have cover, you will need to contact a local garage who may be able to tow you to their garage at a cost. You could also use an emergency telephone if on the motorway or get a policy after you have broken down - these can both be expensive options, however.

Emergency Kit 

It is a smart move to have an emergency kit in your car at all times in case you break down. This should include reflective vests, blankets, food, water, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight and a mobile phone charger. 

These are the steps that you must take if you break down. It can be frustrating and worrying when you break down and particularly if on the motorway, in a rush or in the middle of nowhere, but following the above steps will keep you safe whilst also helping you to get back on the road as soon as possible.

We discuss Contacting a Breakdown Provider and what do do If You Don’t Have Cover in this guide on what to do it your car breaks down.