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  What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Road?

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Road?

Car breakdowns are unexpected and stressful, especially when they happen in the middle of the road. Whether it’s a flat tyre, engine trouble, or an electrical fault, knowing what to do can make all the difference between a quick recovery and a dangerous situation. In the UK, thousands of motorists experience breakdowns every year, and being prepared can help you stay safe and calm until help arrives.

In this article, we’ll explain what to do if your car breaks down on the road in the UK, including safety advice, practical steps, and how local recovery services such as Autosquad Midlands in Walsall can assist you.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to remember when your car breaks down is not to panic. It’s natural to feel worried, especially if you are on a busy road or motorway, but staying calm will help you make the right decisions.

Take a deep breath, slow down, and focus on your surroundings. Try to notice if your car is making strange noises, losing power, or showing warning lights. This information can help you explain the problem when you call for assistance.

Move to a Safe Location

If it’s safe to do so, move your car to the side of the road or into a layby, service area, or hard shoulder. The main goal is to get out of the flow of traffic to reduce the risk of an accident.

In the UK:

• On motorways, pull onto the hard shoulder and stop as far left as possible.

• On dual carriageways or A-roads, look for a layby or wide verge.

• On residential or city roads, park safely on the side, away from corners or junctions.

Once stopped, turn your wheels to the left (away from traffic), apply the handbrake, and switch on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers.

Stay Inside or Exit Carefully

Deciding whether to stay inside your car or exit depends on where you’ve broken down.

• On busy roads or motorways: It’s safest to exit the car using the passenger-side door (the side furthest from traffic).

• On quiet roads: You can stay inside with your seatbelt fastened if it feels safer.

If you do get out, stand behind a safety barrier or on the grass verge, keeping everyone including pets well away from the traffic. Never try to repair your vehicle on a live carriageway

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Make Yourself Visible

Visibility is crucial, especially during low light, rain, or fog. After turning on your hazard lights:

• Wear a high-visibility jacket if you have one.

• If it’s dark, use a torch to signal your location safely.

• If you have a warning triangle, place it 45 metres behind your car on smaller roads (never on a motorway, as it’s too dangerous).

These simple steps help prevent further accidents by warning approaching drivers.

Call for Help

Once everyone is safe, it’s time to contact a professional breakdown recovery service. If you are a member of an organisation like the AA, RAC, or Green Flag, call them and share your details.

If you’re not a member, you can call a local recovery service such as Autosquad Midlands, which provides fast, affordable roadside assistance across Walsall and the West Midlands.

When calling for help, be prepared to give:

• Your exact location (use motorway signs, road markers, or your phone’s GPS).

• The nature of the problem (e.g., flat tyre, engine failure, battery issue).

• The number of passengers in your vehicle.

If you’re on a motorway and don’t have a mobile signal, look for an emergency SOS phone, usually located every mile. The call connects directly to National Highways, who will send assistance.

What to Do If You Break Down on a Motorway

Motorway breakdowns can be particularly dangerous due to fast-moving traffic. Here’s what you should do:

1. Pull over to the left-hand hard shoulder or into an emergency refuge area (if available).

2. Turn on your hazard lights and side lights.

3. Exit through the passenger-side door and stand behind the safety barrier.

4. Use an SOS phone or call for help using your mobile.

5. If you can’t reach the hard shoulder, stay in your car with seatbelts fastened and hazard lights on, and call 999 for emergency assistance.

Never try to cross a motorway on foot or stand close to traffic.

Wait Safely for Recovery

While waiting for help to arrive, stay calm and patient. Don’t try to fix your car yourself on a live road—it’s risky and often unnecessary if recovery help is on the way.

Keep your phone nearby in case the recovery operator needs to contact you. If it’s cold, put on warm clothing or use a blanket. In hot weather, stay hydrated and seek shade.

Recovery teams like Autosquad Midlands are trained to respond quickly and ensure your car is safely towed to your home, a garage, or a service centre.

Don’t Accept Help from Strangers

While many people mean well, it’s safer to wait for a professional recovery driver. Always verify the identity of anyone who offers to help. Official recovery teams will arrive in a branded vehicle and carry identification.

If a stranger’s behaviour makes you uncomfortable, move to a safe distance and contact the police.

Prepare for Future Breakdowns

You can’t always prevent a breakdown, but you can reduce the chances and make them easier to handle. Here’s how to prepare:

• Regular Maintenance: Service your car on schedule to catch issues early.

• Check Tyres and Fluids: Keep tyre pressure, oil, and coolant levels at the correct levels.

• Carry an Emergency Kit: Include items like:

  • Reflective jacket

  • Warning triangle

  • Torch and batteries

  • First-aid kit

  • Blanket and bottled water

  • Portable phone charger

Keeping these essentials in your car can make a huge difference in an emergency.

How Recovery Services Like Autosquad Midlands Can Help

When your car breaks down in or near Walsall, you need help that’s quick, professional, and reliable. That’s where Autosquad Midlands comes in.

Here’s why their service stands out:

• Fast Response: The team operates 24/7, ensuring quick arrival to your location.

• Professional Team: Experienced recovery specialists handle vehicles of all sizes.

• Safe Transport: Your car is securely loaded and transported to your chosen garage or home.

• Local Coverage: Based in Walsall, they know the area’s roads well, reducing wait times.

• Affordable Service: Transparent pricing without hidden fees.

Whether you have a small car, van, or SUV, Autosquad Midlands ensures your breakdown is handled efficiently and safely.

After Your Car Is Recovered

Once your car has been recovered, assess the situation carefully. Depending on the issue, your recovery service may:

• Tow your vehicle to a local garage for repair.

• Help with a tyre change or fuel refill if it’s a simple issue.

• Offer advice on what caused the breakdown.

You should also arrange a full inspection to prevent future breakdowns. Even small issues like a weak battery or low coolant can lead to major problems if left unchecked.

Key Safety Reminders

Here’s a quick summary of what to do when your car breaks down:

1. Stay calm and turn on hazard lights.

2. Move to a safe area away from traffic.

3. Exit carefully and stay behind a barrier if possible.

4. Make yourself visible with lights or reflective clothing.

5. Call a reliable recovery service.

6. Wait safely and avoid accepting help from strangers.

7. Get your car checked once recovered.

Final Thoughts

A car breakdown is something no driver wants to face, but being prepared and knowing what to do makes a big difference. The key is to prioritise safety first, stay calm, and call a trusted recovery service as soon as possible.

For drivers in Walsall and across the West Midlands, Autosquad Midlands is a dependable choice for professional, 24/7 breakdown recovery. With a team dedicated to fast response and safe transport, you can count on them to get you and your vehicle back on track quickly.

Breakdowns are inconvenient, but with the right approach and support, they don’t have to be overwhelming. Stay prepared, stay safe, and know that expert help is only a call away.