Cars are like any other machine, and all are capable of breaking down. Breaking down can be a bit scary, especially if you haven’t experienced it before or if you are a new driver. Knowing what to do if you do break down is essential and can help you to be safe and calm in the event of a breakdown.
Making sure that you have breakdown cover is important – companies like the AA offer this and it gives you peace of mind that you are covered in case you need help in an emergency. When a recovery vehicle comes to you, the vehicle will use chevron kits like this https://www.vehiclechevrons.com so you will be able to tell that they are coming to assist you.
If you break down on the motorway, if possible, you need to get onto the hard shoulder. Use your hazards and also make sure that you get out of the vehicle whilst you call and wait for help as this will be safer. It is also a good idea to have a hi viz vest in your car so that you can be seen by other road users.
If you break down on another road, get the vehicle to a safe place, or as safe a place as possible. As long as your car is away from other traffic and is off the main path of other vehicles it is safer to wait in the car in this case.