What to do when your car breaks down on the motorway
Broken down on the motorway? Here's a step-by-step guide to staying safe and getting help fast — from Prompt Recovery in Watford, Hertfordshire.
By Nick · · 4 min read
Breakdowns never come at a good time.
Warmer weather and longer days make spring and summer perfect for family outings, road trips and scenic drives. But with more time on the road, comes a higher risk of unexpected car troubles. One moment you're happily on the move, and the next you find yourself stranded at the side of the road with a car that won't budge. It's frustrating, stressful and often takes you by surprise.
These situations can be overwhelming, whether you're enjoying a family day out, heading off on a weekend getaway, or simply going about your daily commute. We understand how unsettling it can be to suddenly find yourself, unsure of what's gone wrong and what to do next.
Feeling worried and stressed is completely normal. But by staying calm and following a few simple steps, you can protect yourself and your passengers and make sure help arrives as quickly as possible.
Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your safety and help you get moving again as quickly as possible:
1. Stay calm and pull over safely
As soon as you notice that there is something wrong - like a warning light, a strange noise or the car losing power - try to pull over to a safe place as smoothly as you can. Avoid breaking hard unless necessary and signal early to let drivers know you're slowing down.
If you're driving on a regular road, aim for a lay-by, a quiet side street or a clear patch of the verge where you can safely stop. On a motorway or dual carriageway, move over to the hard shoulder or as far left as possible. This reduces the risk of collision and keeps you safer while waiting for help.
Once you've stopped, apply the handbrake.
For the full official rules, see rules 274–278 of the Highway Code on what to do in a motorway emergency.
2. Switch on your Hazard lights
After safely pulling over, turn on your hazard warning lights immediately. These flashing indicators are a vital signal to drivers that your vehicle is not moving and that they should pass with caution.
If the weather is poor, such as rain, fog or if visibility is low (for example at dusk or dawn), keep your sidelights on to make your vehicle even more noticeable. This step is extremely crucial if you're stuck in a busy area, country lane, or anywhere traffic may not expect a stopped vehicle.
3. Get out of the vehicle safely
If conditions allow and it's safe to do so, exit your vehicle on the side away from traffic (usually the passenger side). This is particularly important if you're on motorways, dual carriageways or fast moving roads.
Once out, move yourself and any passengers well away from passing vehicles, ideally behind a barrier if one is available.
If you have a hi-vis jacket, now is the time to put it on! It significantly increases your visibility to other drivers and helps keep you safe while you wait.
4. Call a Roadside recovery service
Once you and your passengers are safe, it's time to call for professional help. At Prompt Recovery we're ready to assist you.
Whether you need a jumpstart, help changing a spare tyre, fuel assist, or a full vehicle tow, we are trained and equipped to handle the situation quickly and efficiently. You will always speak to a real person - no call centres - and we'll keep you updated on arrival times.
5. While you wait for help
Waiting for recovery can be stressful, but here are some tips to stay safe and comfortable:
- Stay outside the vehicle - If you're in a risky location, move to a safe area.
- Stay warm or cool, depending on the weather - Spring can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to keep a spare jumper or waterproof in your boot just in case.
Drive safe this spring - and remember, if you need help on the road in Watford, Hertfordshire or the surrounding area, we're only a phone call away — or you can request a quote online.