What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down

In reality, things do not always go as planned. Liberty Insurance understands this, and is here to assist when the real world comes into play. In the first Real World Blog, Liberty Insurance covers the steps you should take if your car breaks down.

The majority of drivers do not expect to have a breakdown. However, the most important thing to remember in such situations is to remain safe. Contact your breakdown service provider as soon as possible.

Here are some simple tips that will keep you, your passengers, and other road users in a safe situation when your vehicle breaks down.

Motorways & Dual Carriageways

The most difficult place to have a breakdown on a dual carriageway or motorway is if you’re in the overtaking or outside lane.

Below is a list that we have compiled from the RSA (Road Safety Authority).

1. Pull onto the hard shoulder if you can. Turn on your hazard and side lights, and then turn your front wheels away.
2. Wear your visibility vest. It’s worth investing in a few visibility vests. They are inexpensive and take up little space.
3. You should exit your car on the left side of the road, away from traffic. Stay away from fast-moving cars on the opposite side. As you climb the embankment, if a barrier is present, try to get over it. Keep your passengers and yourself away from the hard shoulders.
4. Do not attempt any car repairs, no matter how minor they may seem. Many people carry warning triangles with them, but you shouldn’t try to put one behind your vehicle on the highway. It’s dangerous to try and place a warning triangle behind your car on the motorway.
5. Call the local authorities. They will need your location if you use your mobile. They will know where you are if you use the SOS phone on the motorway. Contact your breakdown service.
6. It’s great if the repair service can get you up and running right away, but take care when it comes time to rejoin the motorway. Before merging with traffic, you’ll have to increase your speed along the hard shoulder. You should also be aware that there may be other vehicles parked on the hard shoulders.
7. If you cannot follow the advice above, stay in your car with your seat belt fastened. Also, turn on your hazard light. As above, dial 999 to wait for help. Contact your breakdown service provider and let them know.

National, secondary & minor roads

You’ll have to take a different approach if you get stuck on a road that is smaller than an autobahn. This will ensure your safety. We’ve followed the advice from the RSA again to provide you with the best information.

1. Pull over to a place that is safe if you can. If there’s no hard shoulder on the road, you should pull as far to the left as possible.
2. Turn on the hazard light and, if visibility is low or there is little light, also turn on your sidelights.
3. Even though the cars are moving a bit slower on the motorway than on the other side, you still need to exit your vehicle on the left-hand side. It’s always better to stay safe in the real world.
4. Wear your high-visibility vest and place the Red Warning Triangle behind your vehicle 50 metres to warn oncoming traffic.
5. Contrary to what you would do on the motorway if you were to breakdown in the middle or on a narrow road in a town, you need to get back into your car as soon as you have placed your triangle. This is the safest position to be.
6. Call the Police and your breakdown service provider for help once you are in your vehicle.

Even experienced drivers may not be familiar with the protocols above for what to do in a breakdown. But now that you are familiar with them, your prepared for any breakdown.