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.<\/p>
One way you can prepare for it is by getting breakdown cover. It\u2019s 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<\/a>, 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.<\/p> Breakdowns can occur for a variety of reasons, with the most common including:<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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\u2019s 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.<\/p> Get out of your car with any passengers and stand well clear of traffic in a safe location.<\/p> Contact your breakdown provider, either by phone or using their app. You\u2019ll 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.<\/ol> What you need to do when you break down will depend on where it happens, because not all locations are equal.<\/p> If you break down on a motorway alone, 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.<\/p> Try to reach an emergency refuge area (ERA) if it\u2019s possible. If you can\u2019t, pull as close to the left boundary as possible. Wait behind the crash barrier if it\u2019s safe to exit the car. If it isn\u2019t safe, then keep seatbelts and hazard lights on.<\/p> 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\u2019s safe to place it.<\/p> After you\u2019ve broken down and contacted your breakdown service provider, you\u2019ll need to wait somewhere safe. <\/p> Your provider will send a patrol to your location. The AA<\/a>, RAC<\/a> and Green Flag<\/a> all aim to get there within an hour.<\/p> Once they arrive, they\u2019ll 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.<\/p> If the issue can\u2019t 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.<\/p> 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:<\/p> Even with proper upkeep, breakdowns can still happen without warning. Breakdown cover is there for you when you need it, even though it\u2019s not something you\u2019ll use very often. It gives you peace of mind. <\/p> It\u2019s 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. <\/p> Breakdown cover can start for as little as \u00a35 a month for a basic service. Policies are customisable though and you can opt for more premium cover.<\/p> It\u2019s also possible to get breakdown cover through packaged bank accounts<\/a> or from the dealer when you buy a car. Check if you already have an option before purchasing.<\/p> If you don\u2019t have cover and need help, you\u2019re likely to end up paying more in callout fees just to get someone to help you.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>Why do cars break down?<\/h3>
Symptom<\/th> Probable cause<\/th> DIY fix?<\/th> Action (what you need to do)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> The engine won’t crank, there\u2019s a rapid clicking sound or dim headlights.<\/td> Battery failure or loss of charge<\/strong><\/td> Yes<\/td> You can use jumper cables or a portable power pack to jump-start the car. If the battery is old, you\u2019ll need to replace it, which you can do yourself or get a mechanic to do.<\/td><\/tr> Thumping sound, steering pulling to one side or visible deflation.<\/td> Tyre damage or punctures<\/strong><\/td> Yes<\/td> You need to pull over safely and swap the damaged tyre with your spare or use a puncture repair\/sealant kit. If you can\u2019t 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.<\/td><\/tr> Warning lights on dashboard, smoke from the bonnet, a loss of power or strange noises.<\/td> Mechanical or electrical problems<\/strong><\/td> No<\/td> 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.<\/td><\/tr> The engine stutters and dies, the low fuel light is on or the car won’t restart.<\/td> Running out of fuel<\/strong><\/td> Yes<\/td> 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\u2019ll then need to drive to the petrol station and put more fuel in. You may need to prime the system (especially in older diesels).<\/td><\/tr> Squealing brakes, heavy steering, fluid leaks or general rattling.<\/td> General wear and tear<\/strong><\/td> Maybe<\/td> 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.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div> What to do if your car breaks down<\/h3>
On a motorway<\/h4>
On a smart motorway<\/h4>
On a country road<\/h4>
7 essential items to keep in your car in case of a breakdown<\/h3>
What happens after you request help<\/h3>
How to reduce the risk of a car breakdown<\/h3>
Why breakdown cover matters<\/h3>
Frequently asked questions<\/h3>
How much does a typical UK breakdown recovery service cost?<\/h4>