Why Ashford Drivers Often Need Recovery Services
Ashford is one of Kent’s fastest growing towns and a major through-route for drivers using the M20, A20 and surrounding country lanes. With thousands of cars passing through every day, it is no surprise that breakdowns are common here. From flat batteries in designer outlet car parks to engine faults on the M20, Ashford drivers deal with all types of vehicle issues. When your car stops suddenly and refuses to move, you need fast and safe recovery to get you off the road and back to safety.
Common Breakdown Problems in Ashford
Cars in Ashford face a wide mix of driving conditions. Heavy traffic near the town centre, country lanes through villages like Wye, Kennington or Great Chart, and high speed motorways all increase wear and tear. Breakdowns in Ashford often happen due to:
- battery failure
- alternator or charging issues
- overheating in traffic
- clutch or gearbox failure
- electrical faults
- tyre blowouts
- engine misfires
- sudden fuel problems
When one of these faults hits, the safest move is to stop somewhere secure and call a professional recovery service. You can see how we handle these jobs on our Breakdown Recovery page.
Breakdowns on the M20 and Why They Are High Risk
The M20 is one of the busiest motorways in Kent and runs straight past Ashford. A breakdown here can become dangerous quickly because of fast moving traffic, limited escape areas and poor visibility during bad weather. If your car stops on the M20, you must get out of the vehicle and stand behind the barriers if it is safe to do so. Never stay sitting in the car.
You can read more about staying safe on motorways at GOV.UK motorway breakdown advice.
A recovery truck should be your first call. Trying to repair a car on the hard shoulder is extremely risky, especially near Ashford where lorries and international traffic pass constantly.
Breakdowns on the A20 and Rural Ashford Roads
The A20 around Ashford has a mix of fast dual carriageway and slower single lane sections. Breakdowns here can block traffic quickly and cause long delays. The smaller country roads leading to villages such as Challock, Boughton Lees, Charing, and Hamstreet can be even more difficult. These roads are narrow, poorly lit at night and often have little space to stop safely.
If your vehicle fails on a rural road around Ashford, you should:
- pull into a layby or as far left as possible
- turn on hazard lights
- leave sidelights on at night
- keep passengers off the road
- call a recovery service quickly
Reds Recovery covers all of Ashford and surrounding villages, so we can access even tight country lanes when needed.
How Reds Recovery Assists Ashford Drivers Safely
When you call 01634 926 801, we take details about your car and your exact location. Once we know the situation, we send out one of our flatbed recovery trucks. We use proper loading equipment to protect your vehicle, even if it will not start or cannot roll.
We also offer:
- Car Transport Services for non runners
- Jump Start Service for flat batteries
- Recovery for accident damaged vehicles
- Transport to garages, home addresses, storage yards or scrap
Our drivers know Ashford well, including the M20, A20, Orbital Park, Bybrook, Sevington, Willesborough, and surrounding areas.
When You Should NOT Try Moving the Vehicle Yourself
It might be tempting to try and tow the car home, especially if you are only a few streets away. However, DIY towing on busy or fast roads is extremely unsafe. You should never attempt it if:
- the steering is stiff or locked
- you have weak or no brakes
- the car cannot start at all
- the wheels will not rotate
- the breakdown happened on the M20 or A20
Dragging a broken vehicle can cause major damage to the gearbox, suspension or chassis. A flatbed truck avoids all of that and keeps everyone safe.
Breakdowns at Ashford Designer Outlet or Town Areas
Ashford Designer Outlet is a common place where people experience battery failures, electrical faults or immobiliser problems. Cars that sit parked for long shopping trips sometimes refuse to start, especially during colder months. We regularly attend callouts in:
- Ashford Designer Outlet
- McArthurGlen Outlet car parks
- Ashford International Station
- Park Mall
- Newtown
- Kennington
- Singleton
If your car will not start after shopping or commuting, our Jump Start Service can often get it going again. If not, we can transport it safely.
How Much Does Breakdown Recovery in Ashford Cost
Most Ashford breakdown recovery jobs range from sixty to one hundred and twenty pounds, depending on distance and how difficult the recovery is. Long distance transport or awkward loading positions may cost more, but you always get a firm quote before we arrive. For more about who we are and what we do, see our About Us page.
Why Choose Reds Recovery for Ashford Callouts
We are a trusted Kent based recovery company with flatbed trucks and professional equipment. We deal with high risk roads like the M20, busy A20 sections and Ashford’s packed retail areas every day. Whether your car has died at a junction, inside a car park or on a rural road, we can move it safely. You can also reach us directly through the contact form on our Home page.
Final Word
If your car has broken down in Ashford or anywhere along the M20 or A20, do not attempt risky repairs or towing. Call Reds Recovery Services on 01634 926 801 and we will recover your vehicle quickly and safely.