Experiencing a car breakdown on the highway can be stressful and potentially dangerous, especially if you’re on a busy or high-speed road. Knowing what steps to take can help you stay safe, minimize damage to your vehicle, and get the assistance you need to resolve the situation. Here’s what you should do if your car breaks down on the highway.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first step when your car breaks down is to stay calm. Panicking can make it harder to think clearly and take the appropriate actions. Take a moment to assess your situation—are you experiencing a flat tire, engine failure, or a more serious issue? Understanding what might be wrong with your vehicle can help you make decisions on what to do next.
2. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location
If your vehicle is still drivable, try to move it to the shoulder of the highway, as far away from traffic as possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you have a problem and are not in motion. If your car is not drivable, try to move it to a nearby exit ramp, parking lot, or rest area if you can do so safely. Avoid staying in the middle of the road, as this puts you at risk of being hit by passing vehicles.
If moving your car is not an option due to a mechanical failure, leave the car in place but stay inside, especially if you’re on a high-speed highway. Ensure your seatbelt is fastened and wait for help to arrive.
3. Call for Help
Once you’ve ensured your safety, it’s time to call for assistance. If you have roadside assistance coverage through your insurance, call their hotline and provide details about your location and the situation. Many roadside assistance services can send a tow truck or a mechanic to help with minor repairs on the spot.
If you don’t have roadside assistance, contact a local towing company directly. Be prepared to give them your exact location, including mile markers, exit numbers, and nearby landmarks to help them find you quickly.
In some cases, you may also need to call the police if your vehicle is obstructing traffic, or if you’re in an area with poor visibility. Police can help direct traffic away from the breakdown scene to reduce the risk of an accident.
4. Stay Visible and Alert
If you’re waiting for help, take steps to increase your visibility to other drivers. If you have reflective triangles or flares, place them a safe distance behind your car to warn other motorists of your presence.
At night, always use your vehicle’s emergency flashers and ensure your car’s lights are on, especially in low visibility conditions. If you have a flashlight, keep it on hand to help you signal other drivers or assess your vehicle if necessary.
Be alert to your surroundings while waiting. Keep an eye on approaching traffic, and avoid walking around your vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
5. Be Prepared to Communicate with Tow Services
Once help arrives, whether from a tow truck or roadside assistance provider, make sure to communicate clearly about the situation. Let the technician or tow driver know what happened and if you suspect any specific issue with your car. If your car needs to be towed, decide where you want the vehicle to be taken—whether to a nearby garage, repair shop, or your home.
It’s also important to keep track of any paperwork or receipts provided by the towing company for insurance or repair purposes.
6. Follow Up After the Incident
After your vehicle has been safely towed or repaired, it’s important to follow up. Get your car checked out by a mechanic to address the root cause of the breakdown, especially if the issue seems complex. If the breakdown was caused by a flat tire or low fuel, take steps to avoid similar situations in the future, like regularly checking tire pressure and fuel levels.
Conclusion
A car breakdown on the highway can be an unnerving experience, but knowing the proper steps to take can help you handle the situation safely and efficiently. From staying calm and ensuring your safety to calling for help and staying visible, these actions can minimize risks and get your car back on the road quickly.
M80 Towing
15 Tristan Ct, Hadfield VIC 3046
0478 019 790