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Safety and breakdowns , Maintenance and tyres , On the road · Aggiornato il 2026-10-18

What to do when your car breaks down

A breakdown is stressful, but a clear plan makes it manageable. The priority is always people first, car second. Rules about warning triangles, reflective vests and emergency numbers differ by country, so check them before you travel, and keep the plan below in mind.

1. Get to a safe place

At the first sign of trouble, do not stop suddenly. Switch on the hazard lights, ease off the accelerator and look for the safest place to stop. A car park, a lay-by, a service area or a side road is better than a live lane. On a motorway, try to reach the hard shoulder or an emergency bay, and move as far to the side as you can. If the car has lost power, use the momentum to coast to safety. Turn the front wheels away from the road so that the car moves away from traffic if it is hit.

If a dashboard light came on, find out what it means before you decide whether to continue; see dashboard warning lights. Red lights usually mean stop now.

2. Make the car visible

• Keep the hazard lights on.
• Put on a reflective vest before you step out.
• If the rules and the road allow it, place the warning triangle at a safe distance behind the car. On a motorway or a bend, do not walk onto the carriageway to place it if this is dangerous.
• At night or in poor visibility, a torch helps others see you.

3. Get everyone out and away from traffic

On a fast road, passengers should leave the car on the side away from traffic and wait well behind a safety barrier or on the verge. Children and pets should stay under control. The car is much easier to replace than a person. Do not stand between the car and the traffic, and do not try to repair the car on the traffic side.

4. Call for help

If there is any danger, injury or a blocked road, call the emergency number. For a technical breakdown, call your roadside assistance, your insurer or a towing service. Have this information ready:

• Your exact location (road name, direction, kilometre marker or the nearest exit; a phone map can give coordinates).
• The make, model, colour and registration number of the car.
• What happened, and any warning lights or noises.
• How many people are with you and whether anyone is hurt.

Know what your insurance or assistance plan covers before you need it. See insurance types explained. Keep the phone number and your policy details in your phone and in the glove box. If you keep a logbook in My Garage, put the numbers there too.

5. Wait safely

While you wait, stay away from the road and keep an eye on the traffic. In cold weather, keep warm and dry; in hot weather, find shade and drink water. Do not accept help from strangers who offer a tow or a lift in return for cash on the spot unless you are sure; unfamiliar tow operators near motorways can overcharge. It is better to wait for the service you called, or to ask for a price in writing first. Our guide on scams and fake ads covers similar pressure tactics.

Simple problems you may solve yourself

Some breakdowns have simple causes, and a quick check might get you moving. Only do what is safe and where it is safe.

• Flat battery: a jump-start can help. See how to jump-start safely.
• Flat tyre: see flat tyre and spare wheel, and only change it on firm, level ground away from traffic.
• Empty fuel tank: do not take a can from a stranger, and do not attempt fuel system repairs. Call for help.
• Overheated engine: stop, switch off, and wait for it to cool before checking anything. Never open the coolant cap on a hot engine.

For anything involving brakes, steering, airbags, the fuel system or high-voltage parts in electric and hybrid cars, do not attempt a roadside repair. Call a workshop or a tow service.

Being towed

Towing a car is not as simple as it looks. Power steering and power brakes may not work with the engine off, so steering and braking take more effort. Use a proper tow rope or a bar, use the towing eye as shown in the manual, and agree on signals with the other driver. Many modern cars, including electric and automatic ones, should be moved on a platform truck rather than towed on their wheels. Check the manual or let the professionals decide.

After the breakdown

Once the car is at a workshop, ask for a written diagnosis and an estimate before work starts. Keep the invoice, because it belongs in the service history; see the service book. Think about what caused the problem and what you can do to prevent it. Many breakdowns come from neglected basics such as a weak battery, old tyres or low fluids. A little prevention is cheaper than a tow. Keep the items listed in the emergency kit checklist in the car.

What to remember

• People first: get everyone out and away from traffic.
• Use hazard lights, a reflective vest and a warning triangle where the rules allow.
• Know your exact location before you call.
• Do not repair brakes, fuel or high-voltage parts at the roadside.
• Keep assistance and insurance numbers where you can find them.
• Ask for prices in writing before accepting a tow.

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