What should I do if my car breaks down?

Thursday 7th July 2022

Car break downs can be a scary and stressful experience – although no one ever wants to experience a car break down, unfortunately, they do happen. In our informative guide, we discuss what to do in case of a breakdown and how to prevent any break downs in the future.

Why do cars break down?

There are various reasons why your car could break down – in most cases, car break downs are related to car maintenance issues, such as:

These are just a few of the reasons as to why cars can breakdown, however there are plenty of other elements that could contribute to a car breakdown. The best way to ensure your car doesn’t breakdown is to have your car regularly serviced – this way, you can spot any potential mechanical issues before they become real problems.

What to do if your car breaks down on the motorway

When a car breaks down on a motorway, this could be quite a dangerous situation – which is why it’s important to think fast and take the following steps.

If you are still able to drive the car – try to exit the motorway or reach the nearest hard shoulder. This will be much safer for you and ensure your rescue vehicle can access you easier.
Put on your hazard lights to let other drivers know you are experiencing a car break down.
Use the car door furthest away from the traffic to exit the vehicle. If you have any hi-vis clothing, wear this as well.
The safest option is to wait a few meters away from your car – by doing so, you minimise the risk of injuring yourself if someone was to hit your car.
Call a breakdown service or any break down garages for assistance.

The best way to avoid break downs is to ensure your car is regularly serviced and has a valid MOT certificate. Pop into your local Formula One Autocentre today to get all your car maintenance needs checked.

Need more information? Do not hesitate to contact our helpful team.