You can reduce the chances of breaking down with preventive maintenance and regular vehicle checks. However, no matter how careful you are, your vehicle can still break down; for example, a puncture or engine problem is always possible.

Knowing how to deal with such a situation efficiently and safely is essential for every driver.

Many breakdowns are the result of

failing to make the recommended vehicle checks
poor vehicle maintenance
harsh use of the vehicle.

Don’t drive on, ignoring unusual noises or symptoms. If left uncorrected, a minor problem could develop into a serious fault, making the vehicle dangerous to drive.

Useful equipment

Carry a tool kit in your vehicle. The following items are useful to keep for emergency use or to make essential repairs during your journey.

a warning triangle (or other permitted warning device)
spare bulbs and fuses
a torch
vinyl tape
wire
jump leads
a tow rope
pliers
a plastic container of water.

If you do break down, it’s a good idea to wear high-visibility clothing so that you can be seen by other road users. Consider carrying a fluorescent and reflective waistcoat (fluorescent so it can be seen in daylight and reflective so it can be seen at night).

Warning devices

Permitted warning devices

There are various warning devices that you can buy to place on the road to warn other drivers when you’ve broken down. Don’t use any of these warning devices

on a motorway
as an excuse to leave your car in a dangerous position.

Advance warning triangles

Advance warning triangles fold flat and don’t take up much space in the car. You should carry one and use it to warn other road users if your car is obstructing the highway or is in a dangerous position as a result of a breakdown or a road traffic incident.

Where to position the triangle

You should place the triangle on the road, well back from the car.

On a straight, level road, put the triangle 45 metres (147 feet) from your vehicle.
On a winding or hilly road, put the triangle where drivers will see it before they have to deal with any bend or hump in the road.
On a very narrow road, put the triangle on the nearside verge or footpath.

Always use your hazard warning lights as well as a warning triangle.

Other warning devices

These include traffic cones, collapsible traffic cones and traffic delineators (posts). At least four of any of these should be placed in a line behind your vehicle to guide traffic past. A flashing amber light may be used with any of these warning devices, but may not be used on its own.

Alternatively, a flexible yellow sheet displaying a red triangle can be placed on the vehicle as long as it doesn’t obscure the number plate, lights or reflectors.

National breakdown/motoring organisations

By joining a national organisation or taking out breakdown insurance, you’ll save a great deal of time and money if you break down.

Most services include an option to take your vehicle and passengers either to your destination or to your home.

The annual fee is usually less than the cost of a single motorway breakdown call-out.

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