It’s safe to say that none of us ever leave our homes anticipating a broken down car. However, whether we’ve taken our chances with petrol station choices and find ourselves running out of fuel, or we’ve simply fallen victim to bad luck, breakdowns are a reality that we may have to face. So, what to do if your car breaks down?
One of the most crucial things to bear in mind in vehicle breaks is that the side of a road can be a hazardous place to be. Regardless of the type of road where your car has come to a halt, you are likely to be in close proximity to moving traffic. Even if the vehicles seem to be moving at a slow speed, they can still pose a significant threat of causing severe injuries. You need to go to the MOT services to avoid such situations.
Here are some advices:
Use the “Safety First” Principle Whenever a Vehicle Breaks Down
Read the article to know what to do if your car breaks down:
You would know how heavy a car is if you pushed one. Now, think if one of them is yours and you have to move it, double trouble!
If you notice your car losing power or running out of fuel, it’s important to take action before it comes to a complete stop. In the situation of broken down car, pull over as far to the left as possible and turn your steering wheel in the same direction. This way, if your car is struck from behind, it will be pushed towards the verge rather than onto the road.
Next, activate your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers to your situation. If it’s dark outside and your lights are still functioning, switch on your side lights as well to make your vehicle more visible.
Being ready for a breakdown is beneficial
Being prepared for unexpected situations while driving can make all the difference. Keeping an emergency kit in your car is a simple yet effective way to ensure that you have everything you need to stay safe, warm, and hydrated if you ever find yourself in a stressful situation. If you experience a vehicle breaks, you will be prepared.
If you have a warning triangle in your trunk and it’s easily accessible, placing it by the side of the road can alert other drivers of your presence and warn them to proceed with caution. However, it’s important to note that warning triangles should not be used on motorway hard shoulders as it can be extremely dangerous.
When the car breaks down, get out of the car
If you experience a car broke down, firstly be calm and try to get out of the car. In broken down car situations you need to get everyone out who is involved by the left side of the car. The second you need to do is get as far as away from the road as possible.
In normal conditions, you need to go back to the direction that you have just come from. On the other side, if there is a pet with you in the car, you need to make sure that your pet stays in the car. Otherwise, you may encounter a situation where your pet is missing.
Avoid attempting to repair a car’s malfunction yourself.
To avoid the risk of being hit by passing vehicles, it’s important to avoid attempting any repairs on your car by the roadside unless you can safely park it in a layby or at a service station. In most broken down car cases, breakdown services will opt to tow your vehicle to a secure location, like a service station, rather than fixing it at the roadside. This helps ensure the safety of both you and other road users.
There Are Some Exceptions You Should Be Carefoul About
However, there might be some exceptions that you should stay in the car. You might be alone in a dangerous area and staying in the car would be the best thing to do until help arrives. Let’s take a look:
Make a Help Request
If you’re a member of a vehicle service and you’ve safely left your vehicle, it’s important to call for assistance. Provide them with your location and let them know if you feel unsafe or require medical assistance.
If you don’t have a mobile phone or there’s no signal available and you’re stranded on a motorway, look out for the markers that point you to the nearest emergency phone. These phones connect directly to the police and can provide you with the necessary help and guidance. You need to make a help request in broken down car situations, anyway.
Breaking down on a minor road
Although breaking down on a minor road may be less hazardous, it’s still important to exercise caution and not act recklessly in broken down car. We listed what you need to do in such situation:
- Find a secure place
If you feel like you’re running out of gas or something is going to happen, and you are on a minor road, you should pull up at a nearby side road or a car park. On the other hand, try to pull up on the letf side of the road and make sure there is enough space for other drivers.
- Be visible
In broken down car situations, if it’s safe to do so, placing a reflective triangle about 45 meters behind your vehicle on the same side of the road can provide sufficient warning to other motorists and allow them to adjust their speed accordingly. However, it’s worth noting that this practice is not recommended when breaking down on motorways, as it can be hazardous due to the high-speed traffic.
On minor roads, it’s typically safer to use this method. Additionally, remember to activate your hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility jacket (if available) when exiting your vehicle. If the weather conditions are dark, wet, or foggy, it’s crucial to switch on your sidelights to increase visibility and ensure the safety of all road users.
- Get out of the car
In broken down car situations, you generally should get out of the car and wait in a safe place. However, if you are in a dangerous place to be and there is no immediate danger inside the car, you should wait in it until the broken down car service reaches you.
- Call breakdown service
In broken down car situations, if you’re faced with a flat tire and have the necessary knowledge to repair it safely, you may choose to handle it on your own. However, if you’re uncertain about the issue, it’s best to avoid attempting any repairs that could exacerbate the problem. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and leave it to the experts.
When contacting a breakdown service for assistance, be sure to provide them with any relevant information, such as if you’re traveling with children or if you’re pregnant. Typically, the service should arrive promptly to help you, and you shouldn’t have to wait too long.
- Ready to go
After a broken down car, when you’re ready to resume your journey, exercise extra caution before setting off. If you placed a reflective triangle, remember to retrieve it before leaving. Make full use of your mirrors and observe your surroundings carefully before moving. Only proceed once you’ve checked that the way is clear.
Contacting your breakdown service provider
If you’re experiencing your first broken down car, you may be unsure of how to get in touch with a breakdown provider. Typically, breakdown coverage is included in your insurance policy, although the specifics may vary based on your provider.
If you’re already a member of a breakdown service, you can usually find the relevant contact information in your membership guide or online, and some providers may offer a mobile app for added convenience. However, if you anticipate not having access to this information in case of a breakdown, it’s a good idea to write down the details and keep them in your car or on your person, so you can quickly and easily get the help you need.
What should i do if i don’t have breakdown cover?
After a broken down car, if you don’t have a breakdown cover, firstly be calm. It’s not that big deal, there are always things to do. You can reach a local garage, they generally can come out and help you. Also, you can always use an emergency phone.
It’s important to be aware that the cost of your recovery will vary based on the method you choose. Therefore, it’s a good idea to prepare for this ahead of time. If you don’t want to purchase breakdown cover, consider writing down the contact information for local garages near the areas you frequently travel. It’s also worthwhile to check if your insurance policy includes breakdown cover. Additionally, you can explore becoming a member of one of the many breakdown providers available in the UK.
Shortly, when you experience vehicle breaks there are many things to do to get rid off the situation.
Prepare your essentials and Sort out breakdown cover
Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your car well-maintained to reduce the likelihood of a breakdown. Regular servicing and checks can help identify potential problems before they become major issues. It’s also important to keep an eye on your car’s oil level, tyre pressure, and brake fluid levels.
Finally, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the area you’ll be driving in. Knowing the location of emergency phones, local garages, and rest stops can help you deal with a breakdown more efficiently. You can also plan alternative routes in case of road closures or unexpected delays.
Overall, preparing for a potential breakdown can save you a lot of stress and inconvenience in the long run. By taking some simple steps now, you can be better equipped to deal with any unexpected situations that might arise while you’re on the road.
Absolutely, having a breakdown provider on speed dial is crucial in the event of a breakdown. It can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. If you don’t have breakdown cover included in your insurance policy, becoming a member of a breakdown service is definitely worth considering. It’s better to be prepared and have peace of mind than to be caught off guard in a stressful situation.
You should consider the following:
- Do you need person or vehicle cover?
- Are you looking for roadside assistance or vehicle recovery?
Maintain Your Car
Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to avoid broken down car and keep your car running smoothly. Some of the checks you can do on a weekly or monthly basis include:
- Tyres: Check your tyre pressure and tread depth regularly. Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended level, and if you notice any damage or wear and tear, get them replaced as soon as possible.
- Fluid levels: Check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid levels regularly. If any of these levels are low, top them up immediately.
- Lights: Check that all your lights are working, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights.
- Battery: Keep an eye on your battery’s health and check that the terminals are clean and free from corrosion.
- Brakes: Check your brakes regularly and get them serviced if you notice any issues such as squeaking, grinding, or a spongy pedal.
By keeping on top of these checks, you can help prevent breakdowns and avoid any unnecessary repairs.
