Breakdowns are an unfortunate fact of owning a car, with thousands of motorists suffering vehicular catastrophe each year. Though nearly half of all vehicle breakdowns take place on driveways or outside homes, there is still something to be said about being prepared for a breakdown on a road or motorway.
Of course, the best route to handling car breakdowns is prevention. Ensure your car is examined for potential issues by booking in a car servicing on a regular basis, and follow any guidance for replacing parts before they become a problem on the road. Unfortunately, though, some breakdowns are unavoidable – in which case, here is how to manage a breakdown on UK roads.
On a Road
Your very first move should be to switch on your hazard lights, to alert other vehicles that you are encountering issues and may be undertaking safety manoeuvres. Next, you should attempt to bring your car as far over to the left as possible, off the road and out of the way of traffic. With your car at rest, exist using the left-hand door. Place a warning triangle at around a 45m distance behind your car, to give other vehicles forewarning to drive around the breakdown site. Leave your bonnet open to signal a breakdown, and call in assistance.
On a Motorway
Motorways can be much more dangerous than A-roads and city roads to break down on, but a similar approach will work. Try to take the next exit if possible, but if not, you should instead pull over into the hard shoulder, or as far over to the left as possible. Leave your wheels turned fully to the left, to prevent the car blocking the motorway in the event of a collision, and exist through the left-hand door. Travel as far up the verge or embankment as possible, away from the road, and call in assistance.
On a Roundabout
Roundabouts might seem like the trickiest place to break down, but are simple to navigate. Simply try to take the nearest exit off the roundabout, as recovery will be easier on a normal road. If this isn’t possible, pull over into the left-most lane of the roundabout and leave your hazards on. Call assistance, and if safe to do so leave via the left-hand door.
Essential Breakdown Items
Breakdowns are a stressful experience, no matter how prepared you may be. But preparation is key to a safe and swift service, and with the right equipment in your boot you ensure you remain safe until assistance arrives – or even provide yourself with the means of carrying out your own repair. The following equipment should constitute your emergency breakdown kit, and remain in your boot at all times:
- Hi-vis vest and quilted waterproof coat, for visibility and warmth
- Portable power bank, to ensure your phone remains charged
- Jumper leads, in case of a dead battery
- Tyre puncture repair kit
- Fold-out warning triangle to alert fast-moving traffic to your car
- First aid kit
- Tow ropes
