Breaking down on the road is a situation none of us wants to be in, but let’s face it – it happens. Whether you’re on a quiet country lane or the bustling M25, your first priority should always be to stay safe. And while it’s easy to panic when your car suddenly gives up, following a few simple steps can make all the difference.

1. Pull Over Safely

The very first thing to do is to try and get your car off the road. If you’re on a motorway or a dual carriageway, aim for the hard shoulder or the nearest lay-by. On smaller roads, find a safe spot to stop where you won’t block traffic. Be aware of where you’re parking too – avoid stopping near blind corners or narrow spots where passing cars could struggle to get by.

If you can’t make it off the road, turn on your hazard lights immediately to warn other drivers. This lets them know you’re having an issue and will encourage them to give you space.

2. Make Yourself Visible

Visibility is key when you’re broken down, especially in the UK where rain and gloomy weather can reduce how far drivers can see. Pop your hazard lights on as soon as you realise something’s wrong, and if you have them, use warning triangles. Place one around 45 metres behind your car to give approaching vehicles a heads-up.

If it’s dark, put your sidelights on too. Being seen is just as important as getting yourself off the road.

3. Stay Inside (Unless It’s Safe to Leave)

When your car breaks down, it’s tempting to hop out and take a look at what’s going wrong under the bonnet. But hold up – your car might be a safer place to stay, especially on busy roads like motorways. If you’re somewhere hazardous, stay inside with your seatbelt on, and wait for help.

However, if you’ve managed to stop in a safer spot, get out of your vehicle on the passenger side and wait away from traffic. Always stand well clear of the road to reduce any risk of being hit by passing vehicles.

4. Call for Help

Once you’re safe, it’s time to get assistance. Whether you’ve got breakdown cover or need help from a friend or family member, make the call as soon as possible. If you don’t have breakdown cover, you’ll want to search for local vehicle recovery services that can help get your car back on the road (or at least to a garage).