4 Essential Steps to Follow When Your Car Breaks Down

Having your car unexpectedly break down on the side of the road is stressful. You may be on your way to work, an important social event, or heading back home after a long and tiring day. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, waiting for help to arrive.

When this happens to you, it’s important to remain calm and follow some essential steps to keep yourself safe and get back on the road as quickly as possible. Depending on the circumstances, you could be in a dangerous spot so it’s important you look after yourself. Read on to learn the four things to do in the event of a break down.

Stay calm and assess the situation

If you’re lucky, you’ll have had enough warning to take your car off the road and park it somewhere safe while you wait for assistance. But a breakdown can happen suddenly, and you might find yourself on the side of a busy motorway without a hard shoulder. Your own safety is your number one priority, so forget about dealing with your car until you know you are out of danger. Assess the situation and try to stay calm. This will enable you to work through the next steps as efficiently as possible. Check your surroundings and work out if you are at risk of being hit by passing cars and whether there is a safe location to stop.

Move to a safe location

The worst thing you can do is stop in a blind bend or a busy lane of traffic. If possible, steer your vehicle to the side of the road. If you are in the fast lane of a motorway when the issue occurs, get into the slow lane as quickly as safely possible. Once stopped, it’s safest to wait outside the car a short distance away. But only exit the vehicle if you can do so safely. If you feel you would be at risk of being hit by another vehicle, it may be safest to wait inside.

Make yourself visible

Many drivers don’t pay enough attention so you need to make yourself as visible as possible to avoid an accident. Turn on your hazard lights and put out your red warning triangle if you have one. If the breakdown occurs at night you can turn your interior lights on for extra visibility and wear a reflective vest if there is one in your car.

Call for help

Only once you are completely safe should you call for help. Hopefully your insurance will cover you for breakdowns and has a dedicated number you can call. If not, call a roadside assistance company or mechanic to come out.  If you or other drivers are in danger then call emergency services straight away. Explain your exact location clearly and expect to wait a while. They may be able to fix the problem with your car on the spot, or they may bring a tow truck to take it to the nearest garage.

By following these four steps you will get your car up and running as soon as possible. Just remember to be aware and stay safe!

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.