Breaking down is one of those things you don’t really think about until it happens. You’re driving along, maybe on your way to work or heading home after a long day, and suddenly the car starts making a strange noise, a warning light comes on, or it just cuts out altogether. In that moment, most people panic a little, and that’s normal. But the truth is, if you know what to do, you can keep yourself safe and make the whole situation a lot less stressful.
At Reds Recovery, we deal with breakdowns every single day. We’ve seen it all, flat tires in the middle of nowhere, dead batteries on freezing mornings, engines that just give up without warning. There’s always a way to get things sorted. Here’s a straightforward guide on what to do if your car breaks down.
Get to Safety
The first thing you should always think about is safety. If your car starts to fail, put your hazard lights on straight away. Then, try to move the vehicle somewhere safe.
On the motorway, that usually means pulling onto the hard shoulder or into one of the emergency refuge areas if you’re near one. On smaller roads, just get as far left as you can and away from moving traffic. If the car completely gives up and you can’t move it, hazards are even more important, they’ll warn other drivers you’re stuck.
Alert other drivers
Once you’ve stopped, the next step is making sure other drivers know you’re there. Keeping your hazards on is the most important thing, but if you’ve got any extra safety kit in the car, now’s the time to use it.
A hi-vis jacket is a big help, especially if you’re stepping out of the car at night. If you have a warning triangle, place it well behind your car to give other drivers plenty of notice. Just remember, don’t use the triangle on a motorway. It’s too dangerous to walk along the carriageway.
Don’t Risk Roadside Repairs
It can be tempting to lift the bonnet and have a look, but unless you’re 100% sure it’s something simple and safe, like topping up washer fluid or swapping a wheel on a quiet road, it’s usually best to leave it. We’ve seen too many people put themselves in danger trying to fix things at the roadside. That’s what recovery services are there for.
Call Reds Recovery
Once you and your passengers are safe, it’s time to get help. When you call us (or any recovery company), the more details you can give, the quicker we can reach you. Try to have ready:
- Your location (a junction number, road name, or even sharing your live location from your phone).
- Your vehicle details (make, model, colour, registration).
- What seems to be the problem, if you know.
We’ve had plenty of calls where people just say “I’m stuck on a road somewhere,” which makes things take longer. A little bit of info goes a long way.
Stop it before it happens
Not every breakdown can be prevented, sometimes parts just fail without warning. But keeping on top of a few basics can really reduce your chances of getting stuck. Check your tyres regularly, keep your fluids topped up, and don’t ignore warning lights. Getting your battery tested before winter is also a smart move, as cold weather tends to finish off a weak one.
Breaking down is never fun, but it doesn’t have to turn into a disaster. Stay calm, focus on safety, and call for help as soon as you can. Once you’ve done that, you can relax knowing it’s in hand.
And if you’re ever stranded in Kent, save our number 01634926801 so you’re prepared