Nobody plans for their car to break down, but it can happen to anyone at any time. There’s always the chance that you might find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a stubborn engine or, worse, a flat tyre.
Dealing with a breakdown can be a stressful situation, but knowing what to do can make things a lot easier – and safer.
Whether you’re on a quiet back road or in the middle of city rush hour, this guide is here to arm you with the necessary steps to take in case your car stops unexpectedly.
Read on to learn what actions you should take if your car stops in the middle of the road.
As soon as you realise your car is experiencing issues, the first thing you need to do is to slow down and, if possible, try to steer your vehicle to the side of the road. Switch on hazard lights immediately to signal to other motorists that your vehicle is having problems and needs to give way.
Now, let’s say your car has decided to take a complete timeout and refuses to move an inch.
The instinct might be to exit your vehicle right away, but hold on there! Stay in your vehicle and keep your seatbelt fastened. It’s the safest place you can be until help arrives.
And what if you’re stuck in the middle of a traffic jam, and moving off the road isn’t an option?
First things first – don’t panic.
Just stay put in your car, keep those hazard lights flashing, and wait for help to arrive.
Remember, safety first always, even in the most intimidating of situations.
Related: What To Do If You Break Down on The Motorway?
Once you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, it’s time to make a quick assessment of the situation.
Now, we know your first instinct might be to get out of the car and take a look at what’s wrong, but it’s crucial to remember that if you’re stuck in the middle of the road, it’s usually safest to stay inside.
However, if your car has broken down on the left side and you’re sure you can easily exit from the side, that changes things a bit. In this scenario, it might be best to move out of your vehicle and get to a safer location.
If you’re not comfortable doing so or if the situation is unclear, it’s better to stay put and wait for assistance.
Don’t let a breakdown leave you stranded. We offer instant cash solutions for your damaged vehicle. Enter your car’s details, get an immediate quote, and turn your setback into cash. Absolutely no hidden fees, guaranteed!
In most cases, you’ll need some form of outside help to get your car moving again. Depending on where you are and what resources are available to you.
If you have a roadside assistance membership, now is the time to use it. Most memberships cover services like towing, battery jumps or tyre changes – all of which can be incredibly helpful when your car is stuck in the middle of the road.
If you don’t have a roadside assistance membership or if they are unable to assist you, consider calling a professional towing company.
Remember to choose a reputable and experienced company, as they will be responsible for safely transporting your vehicle.
If you have a classic car that requires special handling, make sure to mention it when calling for a tow truck. Some companies specialise in towing classic cars and have the necessary equipment and expertise to do so safely.
No matter which option you choose, it’s important to stay calm and communicate clearly with the service provider to ensure a smooth process.
Stuck with a broken down car? Don’t let it be a burden. Enter your car’s details, receive an instant quote, and convert your dilemma into cash. No hidden costs, we assure you!
While waiting for professional help to arrive, it’s imperative to stay patient and safe. The first and most important thing is to keep yourself calm. It’s easy to let anxiety get the better of you in such a situation but remember, panic only escalates the problem. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that help is on the way, and stay focused.
On the matter of accepting assistance, it may seem helpful when a well-meaning stranger stops to offer help, especially if you’re a woman waiting alone or if it’s nighttime. However, for safety reasons, it’s recommended to politely decline their offer. It’s best to wait for a professional mechanic or emergency service to handle the situation.
Lock your doors and only roll down the window a little to communicate with anyone who approaches your vehicle. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, it’s always okay to call emergency services for assistance.
Also, as tempting as it may be to try and fix the problem yourself, it’s generally not a good idea, unless you’re absolutely certain about what you’re doing. An incorrect fix can lead to further damage or even potential accidents, so it’s better to leave it to the professionals.
Lastly, remember to stay hydrated, especially if it’s hot outside. Always keep a bottle of water in your car for situations like these. It might take a while for help to arrive, and you don’t want to deal with dehydration on top of everything else.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your safety while waiting for help on the road.
Also Read: What will Happen If Your Car’s Wheels are Unbalanced?
To ensure you don’t find yourself stranded ever again due to a sudden vehicle breakdown, it’s crucial to take some preventive measures in advance.
Here are some simple, yet effective, steps you can take to minimise the risk of future breakdowns:
Taking these measures can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing unexpected car breakdowns. Remember, prevention is always better than cure (or in this case, repair)!
We hope this guide has equipped you with the necessary knowledge and tips to handle a car breakdown safely and efficiently. Be prepared, stay calm, and stay safe on the roads!
If you’ve had enough of dealing with mechanical issues and unexpected breakdowns, it might be time to consider our service, “Sell My Car with Mechanical Problems“.
We understand that car troubles can be frustrating, especially when they start affecting your day-to-day life. With our service, we make it easy to sell your vehicle, no matter its condition.
Don’t let a faulty car ruin your day. Get your free instant valuation and sell your car today!
Replacing the cambelt in the right intervals is an essential step of responsible car maintenance. There can be a lot of work involved in this, which means it’s often one of the most expensive, too. When the time comes to get a quote for this service, you may wonder what a fair timing belt replacement […]
Growing environmental concerns resulted in the creation of low emissions zones in major cities across Europe, and London is no exception. Before you venture into England’s thriving capital, you should know if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant or not. This will allow you to plan alternatives, or budget accordingly. Today, we’ll explore what the ULEZ […]
Are you planning a big family vacation to Europe or another country? The process of hiring a car abroad has changed quite a bit for UK citizens after Brexit. UK travellers can benefit a lot from understanding the new car rental procedures overseas. That’s precisely what we’re going to do today. We’re about to share […]
Electric cars are getting more and more popular among car buyers in the UK. Whether you already own an EV or are planning to buy one, you might still be unsure as to how long does it take to charge an electric car. Don’t worry, we got your back. After reading this article, you’ll know […]
In the UK, any car that drives on public roads needs to pass an annual MOT test. The goal is to ensure it remains safe and compliant with regulations. So, knowing when you need to bring your car in for testing is essential to avoid hefty fines or penalties. If you recently bought a new […]
Nobody likes having car problems, and few things are more inconvenient than breaking down on the side of the road. Knowing what are the most reliable cars you can buy will help you make an informed decision and have a trouble-free experience. But how do you quantify reliability? Defects and failures are part of car […]
Keeping your car seats spotless is essential to conserve the appearance and resale value of your vehicle. Cleaning the seats can also improve your driving comfort by getting rid of stale odours, for example, to remove vape smell from the car. Are you looking for a practical, hands-on guide on how to clean car seats? […]
Insurance costs make up a significant part of car ownership expenses, especially for younger drivers. Choosing a car that is cheap to insure can lead to considerable savings in the long term. If you are a budget-conscious buyer and want to know what the best cheap cars to insure in the UK are, you have […]
Who isn’t worried that a thief may strike and deprive you of your pride and joy? No matter how much your car is worth, nobody wants the trouble of having their property stolen. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to this, and that is to install a car tracker. These sophisticated devices aren’t just about theft […]
Whether you are a resident of the United Kingdom or visiting from abroad, renting a car is a great option to give you the freedom you need for your travels. While this is normally a simple process, young drivers looking to rent a car face a unique set of challenges before they can get behind […]
A semi-automatic car, also referred to as a semi-auto or an automated manual transmission (AMT) vehicle, merges the features of both manual and automatic transmissions. The unique aspect of semi-automatic cars is their ability to function like an automatic vehicle, while also offering the driver the option to manually change gears without the need for […]
Are you looking to supplement your income, pay off debt, or save for a big purchase? Your car might just hold the key to achieving those financial goals. There are many ways to earn money from your car besides working as a driver for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. In this article, we will […]
If you are planning to sell your car, the good news is that there are now more ways than ever before to advertise your vehicle online. From classified ads to social media, you have a lot of options to reach potential buyers and sell your car quickly. In today’s modern world, most car buyers have […]
If you’re looking to buy a car you’ve probably come across the term “hatchback” quite a few times which is often confused with other types of cars. So what exactly is a hatchback car? And how does it differ from other types of cars? Here’s everything you need to know. What is a Hatchback Vehicle? […]
If you’re in the market for buying or selling a used car, understanding car categories can be helpful. One such category is Cat D, or Category D, cars. These are vehicles that have been previously classified as “damaged” but have since been repaired and made roadworthy again. In this article, we’ll dive into the details […]
When it comes to purchasing a car, the outright cash purchase is merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of available finance options. In today’s market, car buyers are presented with an assortment of car finance solutions, each with its unique advantages and considerations. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a business owner in […]
When it comes to buying a used car, one of the most important factors is its mileage. Mileage refers to the distance that a vehicle has travelled since it was first manufactured. The lower the mileage, the newer and more reliable a car is presumed to be. But what exactly is considered good mileage for […]
A few years back diesel cars were the popular choice among car buyers, but recently in the past few years the scenario has changed. With stricter emission norms and increased environmental concerns, diesel cars are facing criticism and have been banned in many cities around the world. This has led many people to question whether […]
A crossover car, often seen as a perfect blend between a hatchback’s compactness and an SUV’s rugged capability, occupies a sweet spot in the automotive market. It’s designed for those who seek the comfort and efficiency of a smaller car, but crave the space and versatility typically found in something bigger. In this blog, we […]
During the unpredictable winter months driving on icy roads can be quite risky even for the most experienced drivers. The treacherously slick surfaces, the impaired visibility due to falling snow or fog, and the unpredictability of other road users all combine to create an environment that commands utmost respect and caution. The risks associated with […]