What To Do When Your Car Breaks Down

A car breakdown can happen to anyone, anywhere, and often at the most inconvenient time. You could be on a busy motorway, in the middle of nowhere, or just outside your home when it happens, so knowing what to do when your car breaks down can make all the difference. Stay calm and follow these essential steps to keep yourself safe and get back on the road as soon as possible.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first and most important thing is to stay calm. A breakdown can be stressful, but panicking won't help. Take a deep breath and assess your surroundings. Are you in a safe place? Is there traffic around you? Understanding your situation will help you take the right steps next. 

2. Pull Over Safely

If possible, move your car to a safe location, such as a hard shoulder, lay-by, or the nearest exit. Avoid stopping on a bend, hill, or narrow road where you may not be visible to other drivers. If your car won’t move, turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other road users. 

3. Turn On Your Hazard Lights

Your hazard lights are your best way of communicating with other drivers that something is wrong. Turn them on as soon as your car starts having issues, especially if you’re still moving. If it’s dark or there’s poor visibility, keep your sidelights on as well.

 

4. Exit the Vehicle Safely

If you are in a high-traffic area or on a motorway, exit the vehicle from the side furthest from the road and move to a safe location, such as behind a barrier. Never stand in front of or behind your car, as this can be extremely dangerous. 

5. Use a Warning Triangle (If Safe to Do So)

If you have a warning triangle and it's safe to place it behind your vehicle, do so at least 50 metres away (150 metres on motorways). This helps alert other drivers to the hazards. However, avoid placing the triangle on the motorway if you're in a dangerous situation, as it can be too risky to do so.

 

6. Call for Assistance

Now that you are safe, it’s time to call for help. Depending on your situation, you may need to:

• Contact roadside assistance (e.g., RAC, NRMA, or your car manufacturer’s assistance service).

• Call a trusted mechanic or tow truck service.

• If you're in immediate danger, call emergency services (000 in Australia).

Make sure to provide clear details about your location, your vehicle, and the issue if you can identify it. 

7. Stay Visible and Wait for Help

If you’re waiting for assistance, stay in a safe location and keep an eye on your vehicle. If you’re on a quiet road, you may also consider standing near a safe, well-lit area where you’re visible to passing vehicles. 

8. Understand Common Car Issues and How to Handle Them

Understanding common reasons why cars break down can help you prevent issues before they happen. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

• Flat Battery: Often due to leaving lights on or a failing alternator. Carrying jumper leads can help in some cases.

• Flat Tyre: If you have a spare and know how to change it, do so safely. Otherwise, call for assistance.

• Overheating Engine: Pull over, turn off the engine, and let it cool before opening the bonnet.

•  Fuel Issues: Running out of fuel is more common than you’d think. If you put the wrong fuel in, do not start the car.

•  Electrical Failures: If your car won’t start and the dashboard lights flicker, it could be an electrical issue. 

9. Preventative Measures to Avoid Breakdowns

While not all breakdowns can be avoided, regular car maintenance can help reduce the chances of one happening. Here are a few key tips:

• Check your battery regularly and replace it if it’s weak.

• Monitor tyre pressure and tread depth to avoid blowouts.

• Top up engine oil, coolant, and other fluids to keep your engine running smoothly.

• Service your car regularly according to the manufacturer’s schedule.

•  Keep an emergency kit with essentials like a first aid kit, torch, water, jumper leads, and a phone charger. 

10. What to Do If You Break Down on a Motorway

Breaking down on a motorway can be more dangerous due to high-speed traffic. Here’s what to do:

• Move to the left shoulder as far as possible.

• Turn on hazard lights immediately.

• Exit the car safely and wait behind the barrier.

• Call roadside assistance and follow their instructions.

Never attempt to fix your car on the motorway – it’s safer to wait for professional help.

Stay Safe and Prepared

A car breakdown can be a frustrating experience, but staying prepared and knowing what to do can make a big difference. Always prioritise your safety, call for assistance when needed, and ensure your car is well-maintained to prevent breakdowns in the first place.

At Melville Mazda, we understand the importance of reliable vehicles. If you need to book a Mazda service or want to upgrade to a more dependable car, our team is here to help.