First Call GB Ltd – What to do during a car

breakdown

A car breakdown is something every drivers hopes they can avoid, but when it does happen, it’s

best to be prepared and to know what to do. Here are some basic tips to get you started.

When driving, make sure to keep a fully charged phone with you at all times. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tyre or a dead battery, and having no

way to contact someone for help. Additionally, keep a road map in the glove compartment, so that you can explain where you are to whoever you’re calling for help.

Most breakdowns occur on the motorway, which can be a particularly tricky spot for inexperienced drivers. If this happens, there are a few simple rules to follow. When you realise

that there’s something wrong with the car, make sure to pull over as soon as possible, and don’t forget to use the hard shoulder to slow the car down.

One common mistake that people make when they break down on a motorway is to try to fix the

problem themselves; this is simply too dangerous, as there are vehicles hurtling past at high speeds. Ring a professional to help.

If visibility is poor or it’s late at night, switch on your hazard lights, as well as your sidelights.

Make sure that everyone is out of the car, as there’s always a risk that a parked car on a motorway will be hit by a passing vehicle.

Once everyone is out of the car, and as far away from the stream of traffic as possible, you should then call for assistance, either by mobile or by using the nearest emergency telephone.

When you’re walking to the telephone look out for oncoming traffic and try to maintain as much of a distance as possible from vehicles.