Breaking down is bad enough. Breaking down on a motorway like the M2 or A2 is even worse. If your car breaks down on the M2 or A2, it’s noisy, cars flying past at 70, and it can feel a bit terrifying. Truth is, most people don’t know what to do in that moment. So here’s the basics, step by step, but written the way we’d explain it to a mate.
First thing – don’t panic
Easy to say, I know. But honestly, keeping calm helps. Get those hazard lights on quick. If the car still has a bit of life left in it, aim left. Hard shoulder if there is one, or one of those SOS bays. Don’t just stop dead in a live lane unless you’ve got no choice. Even rolling a few extra metres can get you somewhere safer.
Pull up safe as you can
Once you’ve managed to stop, keep hazards flashing. If it’s dark or raining hard, switch on your sidelights too. Point your wheels left. Makes a difference if you get nudged.
And here’s a big one, don’t sit in the car. Loads of people stay in because it feels safer, but it’s not. Cars and lorries don’t always see you in time. Get out if you can, and do it on the passenger side, away from the traffic.
Get yourself out of the way
Everyone at this point should get out of the vehicle and behind a barrier if there is one. Don’t wander down the road, just stay put out of danger. Pets stay inside if possible, last thing you want is a dog running onto the M2.
Might sound a bit dramatic but people have been hit before just waiting in their cars. Seen it happen. Not worth the risk..
Time to phone for help
If you’re near one of those orange SOS phones, use it – it goes straight through to control and they’ll get things moving. Otherwise, ring your breakdown cover. Or if you don’t have cover, that’s where we come in.
Calling a local vehicle recovery service in Medway like Reds Recovery can often get you out quicker than waiting on the big nationals. We know the roads, we know the slip roads and the junctions, and we’re based nearby. That local knowledge saves you time when you’re stuck on the side of the motorway.
Best thing is to just stay put, away from traffic, hazards still flashing. Don’t go back in the car for your phone charger, coat, whatever. Just leave it. Seen too many close calls with people nipping back to the car and a lorry comes too close.
Why cars break down here so much
We see it all the time on the M2 and A2. Common reasons:
- Tyres blowing out or going flat
- Cars overheating in summer traffic
- Electrical gremlins
- People running out of fuel (yes it happens, more than you’d think)
- Clutch or engine giving up suddenly
Some of that you can prevent, some of it you can’t. But either way, when it happens, you need recovery. Most of it you won’t fix yourself at the roadside.
How we deal with it
At Reds Recovery, we’ve been called out to all sorts on those motorways. Cars half blocking the slip road, vans sat on the hard shoulder, even broken down towing jobs. We get there, make sure you’re safe, and either sort it out on the spot if it’s small or get you loaded and off the motorway fast.
That’s the thing, it’s not just about fixing the car. It’s about getting you out of harm’s way as quick as possible.
Nobody plans for their car to break down on the M2 or A2, but it happens. And when it does, the main things are simple: hazards on, get safe, call for help, wait away from the road. Do that, and you’ve already done the most important bit.
If you do find yourself stuck around Medway, don’t panic. Call Reds Recovery and we’ll sort it. We’re local, we’re quick, and we know these roads inside out.