What to do if your car breaks down

When your car breaks down it is important not to panic, keeping calm and a clear head is imperative to make sure you follow the necessary steps to contact someone for help and ensure the safety of other road users. By following these easy steps, you will be prepared and know exactly what to do in the event of a breakdown.

Pull over safely

If you are on the motorway it is imperative that you pull over at a safe place so that you do not endanger anyone else travelling on the road. If possible pull off the motorway, however if this is not the case remember the hard shoulder is only for emergencies, if you have to pull over on the hard shoulder, pull up as far left as possible with your wheels facing left whilst also flashing your hazard lights and leaving your sidelights on. This will let other road users know that you have broken down or had an accident.

If you do leave the vehicle, leave by the left hand door (passenger's side of the car) as not to cause further obstruction to traffic. If you have passengers in the car make sure they adhere to this and do not attempt to leave the vehicle via the drivers' side of the car (right hand side).

DO NOT ATTEMPT SIMPLE REPAIRS YOURSELF!

Contact the appropriate party

Using a mobile or road side phone contact the necessary body in which to assist you with your breakdown. Use the new Driver Location Signs in which to help the breakdown company find you more easily, these are commonly found signs which help identify your location i.e. M6 B 4.3. Emergency roadside phones can be found on alongside motorways and dual carriageways and are common placed. Do not attempt to cross a carriageway at any point, phones are located both sides so you will find one eventually.

Rejoining the carriageway

Once your problem has been fixed, if it is ok to proceed with your journey, build up speed on the hard shoulder before joining the traffic when a safe gap appears between cars.

If you are currently looking for Car breakdown cover in which to help you with breakdown assistance, you will find numerous companies which offer great help when looking to compare roadside recovery and will help you find the best possible deal to suit your circumstances.