What to do when your car breaks down

Breakdowns happen when a car becomes undrivable due to a mechanical issue, electrical fault or general malfunction. Understanding how to respond in this situation can improve safety and minimise disruption.

One way you can prepare for it is by getting breakdown cover. It’s a type of insurance designed to give you peace of mind and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Choose a provider such as The AA, and you’ll gain access to 24/7 support and specialised mechanics, who will always be just one phone-call away whenever you need them.

Why do cars break down?

Breakdowns can occur for a variety of reasons, with the most common including:

Battery failure or loss of charge
Tyre damage such as punctures
Mechanical or electrical problems
Running out of fuel
General wear and tear, particularly in older or high-mileage vehicles

In general, these issues can be avoided if you maintain your car regularly and take early action when warning signs appear. However if you do run into one of these issues, it’s best to contact a professional from a provider such as The AA.

Symptom	Probable cause	DIY fix?	Action (what you need to do)
The engine won’t crank, there’s a rapid clicking sound or dim headlights.	Battery failure or loss of charge	Yes	You can use jumper cables or a portable power pack to jump-start the car. If the battery is old, you’ll need to replace it, which you can do yourself or get a mechanic to do.
Thumping sound, steering pulling to one side or visible deflation.	Tyre damage or punctures	Yes	You need to pull over safely and swap the damaged tyre with your spare or use a puncture repair/sealant kit. If you can’t do it yourself then your breakdown service can do it for you. For example, The AA cover this in their 24/7 roadside assistance service.
Warning lights on dashboard, smoke from the bonnet, a loss of power or strange noises.	Mechanical or electrical problems	No	You should pull over immediately to avoid further damage. These often require a diagnostic scanner, which you’ll need to call a breakdown provider such as RAC or The AA for.
The engine stutters and dies, the low fuel light is on or the car won’t restart.	Running out of fuel	Yes	Pull over somewhere safe and go to the nearest petrol station. Buy some petrol to take back to the car and put it in your tank. You’ll then need to drive to the petrol station and put more fuel in. You may need to prime the system (especially in older diesels).
Squealing brakes, heavy steering, fluid leaks or general rattling.	General wear and tear	Maybe	This depends on the part. Simple things like bulbs or wipers are DIY, but worn suspension or timing belts require a mechanic. If you get your vehicle serviced regularly then these are the sort of things that get looked at before they become a problem.

What to do if your car breaks down

Get to a safe place

Move your vehicle away from traffic where possible, such as onto the roadside or into a lay-by. Turn on hazard lights and angle the wheels away from the road. It’s important you make your car as visible as possible for other drivers so they can slow down. If you have a warning triangle available then put that out.

Leave the vehicle safely

Get out of your car with any passengers and stand well clear of traffic in a safe location.

Call for assistance

Contact your breakdown provider, either by phone or using their app. You’ll need to share your exact location and a clear description of the problem so they can send the appropriate support to you. Breakdown providers such as The AA and Green Flag have app’s that enable you to report breakdowns and track when help will arrive in real-time. The AA state that this is the fastest way to report a breakdown, as it allows them to know exactly where you are immediately.

What you need to do when you break down will depend on where it happens, because not all locations are equal.

On a motorway

If you break down on a motorway, pull into the hard shoulder and exit the car via the left-hand doors. Wait for assistance behind the crash barrier, as far away from the road as you can, up the verge.

On a smart motorway

Try to reach an emergency refuge area (ERA) if it’s possible. If you can’t, pull as close to the left boundary as possible. Wait behind the crash barrier if it’s safe to exit the car. If it isn’t safe, then keep seatbelts and hazard lights on.

On a country road

Try to find a level, wide spot or a field entrance. If you can, avoid breaking down on a blind bend. You should try to wait in a safe spot off the road, but make sure you keep the car in sight. Use a warning triangle if it’s safe to place it.

7 essential items to keep in your car in case of a breakdown

First aid kit: It’s always a good idea to have at least a basic first aid kit with you so you can deal with any minor medical emergencies.
Mobile phone: It’s the way of the world these days. Keeping your phone charged when you drive is important so you don’t run out of battery if you need to call for assistance.
High-visibility vest: If you break down in low light or bad weather and need to leave the vehicle, this will ensure you’re easy to see.
Warning triangle: To alert other traffic, you should place at least 45 metres behind your vehicle, but don’t do it on motorways.
Torch: This can be really important at night, so make sure it has enough battery for an emergency.
Warm blanket or clothing: If you break down in cold weather then you’ll need these to stay warm.
Water and non-perishable snacks: You don’t know how long you’ll be waiting, so having water and something like an energy bar, nuts or dried fruit could be important.

What happens after you request help

After you’ve broken down and contacted your breakdown service provider, you’ll need to wait somewhere safe.

Your provider will send a patrol to your location. The AA, RAC and Green Flag all aim to get there within an hour.

Once they arrive, they’ll attempt to work out the problem and see if it can be fixed at the roadside. According to The AA, they can get to you in around an hour and they also state that their specialists fix 4 out of 5 vehicles there and then.

If the issue can’t be fixed, the patrol will arrange recovery to a garage or chosen destination. Exactly where they take your car (and you) will depend on what level of cover you have.

How to reduce the risk of a car breakdown

You can help prevent breakdowns by maintaining your car. While a regular service at a mechanic will do this for you, there are things you can do yourself too. These include:

Regularly checking tyres, fluid levels and battery condition.
Paying attention to dashboard warning lights. Lights often come on when you start the car but they should turn off soon after. If they don’t, you might have an issue. If you notice a light appear while you’re driving, it’s worth checking what that means as soon as you can.
Keeping up with servicing and routine inspections. A mechanic will be able to look at things in more detail than you can and be able to fix anything they notice.
Preparing the vehicle ahead of longer journeys. This includes checking the tyres have enough air and filling up the coolant and washer fluid.
Consistent maintenance significantly lowers the chance of unexpected problems.

Why breakdown cover matters

Even with proper upkeep, breakdowns can still happen without warning. Breakdown cover is there for you when you need it, even though it’s not something you’ll use very often. It gives you peace of mind.

It’s important you choose the right level of breakdown cover for your circumstances, otherwise you might end up spending more money to get yourself back on the road in an emergency.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a typical UK breakdown recovery service cost?

Breakdown cover can start for as little as £5 a month for a basic service. Policies are customisable though and you can opt for more premium cover.

It’s also possible to get breakdown cover through packaged bank accounts or from the dealer when you buy a car. Check if you already have an option before purchasing.

If you don’t have cover and need help, you’re likely to end up paying more in callout fees just to get someone to help you.

Where should you wait if your car has broken down?

According to The AA, if you break down on an A-road or dual carriageway, you should wait outside the car behind a barrier if there is one. If you can, move up the embankment but stay upstream of oncoming traffic. If your car’s in the road and is obscured by a bend or other road feature, stand in a safe place further back down the road so you can warn other road users of the hazard.

What’s the difference between basic and premium breakdown cover policies?

Basic breakdown cover will be fairly limited. The mechanic will try to fix your vehicle or tow it to the nearest local garage. You won’t be covered if you break down at home, for example.

Premium cover will have more inclusions, depending on what you opt for. These are things like cover at home, national recovery to get you, your car and the passengers to wherever you want to go (usually your home or preferred garage), onward travel so you can continue your journey or stay overnight in a hotel, key replacement, misfuelling cover and European cover.

When you are looking at policies, you’ll be able to choose which options you require and add them to a basic policy.

What should I do if my car breaks down and I have no phone service?

If you don’t have mobile phone service, see if you can find an emergency phone on the side of the road. This is most likely on a motorway or A-road.

If you’re not on a motorway and you can leave your car somewhere safe, you might need to walk to find a phone booth or a town where you should be able to find someone who can help you. Whatever the situation, assess the risks and make sure your safety is paramount.

If you’re in a dangerous location and need immediate help, then you can still try to call 999 even without phone service. Dialing that number will use any available phone network, so you might be able to get through to someone. But it is only for emergencies.

Sources

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by

Jason Loewenthal

Senior writer

Jason is a writer and editor. He worked as a senior subeditor for Finder for 5 years and in that time became familiar with a wide range of financial products and services. Before that, he worked for Australian Associated Press. He has a BA from Macquarie University in Australia. Jason loves to help other people find new ways to save money. See full bio

More resources on Finder

More guides on Finder

AA breakdown cover reviews
Discover what you can expect with AA breakdown cover and the cover options available to you.
Green Flag breakdown cover review
Here’s what you need to know about Green Flag breakdown cover.
Instant breakdown cover
Find out if you can take out immediate breakdown cover after you’ve broken down, what it includes and what other options you have.
Best breakdown cover companies in 2026
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best breakdown cover providers in the UK and some top tips on how to get the best deal on your policy.
Personal breakdown cover
Find out what personal breakdown cover is, how it differs from vehicle breakdown cover and what’s included in the policy.
Home start breakdown cover
Few things are as frustrating as not being able to start your car when you have places to be. Find out what’s included in home start breakdown cover.
Roadside assistance
Learn all about roadside assistance cover, like what’s included, do you need it and what to do if your car breaks down on the roadside.
Family breakdown cover
Protect your family when they’re out on the road. Compare family breakdown cover deals here.
Multi-car breakdown cover
Got a few cars on the driveway? Find out if a multi-car breakdown policy could save you money. Compare your options here.
RAC breakdown cover reviews
Looking for breakdown cover from RAC? Review and compare policy options and make sure you’re getting the right roadside assistance for you.