Car Broken Down? Put Your Safety First

Learn what to do if your car breaks down on an ordinary road or motorway, when to call for emergency help and how to prepare for unexpected problems.

Car Breakdown Guide: What to Do When Your Vehicle Stops Unexpectedly

A breakdown can happen without much warning. Your next steps depend on where the vehicle stops, whether it can be moved and how close you are to moving traffic.

The priority is to protect yourself and your passengers, not to diagnose the fault at the roadside.

If your car begins to lose power

If possible, move to a safe stopping place away from traffic. Switch on your hazard warning lights when appropriate and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

Once stopped, assess the surroundings before opening a door. If leaving the vehicle would put you in the path of traffic, remain inside with your seat belt fastened and seek emergency assistance.

What if you break down on a motorway?

If the vehicle can still be driven safely, try to leave the motorway or reach a designated emergency area.

If you stop on a hard shoulder or emergency area and it is safe to exit, leave through a door away from traffic and move behind a safety barrier. Keep clear of the carriageway and do not attempt roadside repairs.

If the vehicle stops in a live lane, you cannot reach a safe place or anyone is in immediate danger, call 999 and follow the emergency operator’s instructions.

Never place a warning triangle on a motorway.

What if you break down on an ordinary road?

Move off the carriageway where possible and use your hazard warning lights to alert other road users.

Only leave the vehicle if you can do so safely. On a fast or narrow road, avoid standing between the vehicle and moving traffic.

Call your breakdown provider and explain your location, the vehicle’s symptoms and whether it is obstructing the road.

What if the car will not start at home?

A flat battery is one possible cause, but a non-starting engine can also have an electrical, fuel-system or mechanical fault.

Avoid repeated starting attempts if you notice unusual noises, smoke, a burning smell or warning signs of a serious problem. Arrange a diagnosis rather than replacing parts based on guesswork.

What should you keep in the car?

A charged phone, suitable charging cable, high-visibility clothing, a torch and warm clothing can be useful during an unexpected wait.

Before a long journey, check your tyres, fluid levels and dashboard warnings. Routine maintenance cannot prevent every breakdown, but it can help identify some developing problems.

For further road-safety guidance, consult the official Highway Code .

Need repairs after a breakdown?

Once your vehicle is in a safe location, visit HON CAR SERVICE  to enquire about diagnosis and repair. For immediate roadside assistance, contact a breakdown or recovery provider.