Car Broken Down? 10 Things You Must Do

A sudden car breakdown can be a stressful and potentially dangerous experience. Knowing what to do can make all the difference. Here is our essential 10-step checklist for handling a breakdown safely and efficiently.

Your Breakdown Safety Checklist

1. Indicate and Pull Over Safely: As soon as you sense trouble, put on your indicator and move to the far left of the road or into an emergency lane. Avoid stopping just over a hill or on a blind corner.
2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights: This is the universal signal for a vehicle in distress. It makes you visible to other drivers, especially at night or in bad weather.
3. Stay in Your Vehicle (If on a Busy Road): If you're on a freeway or busy road, your car is the safest place to be. Exiting the vehicle puts you at risk from passing traffic.
4. Turn Your Wheels Away from the Road: As an extra precaution, turn your steering wheel to the left (away from traffic). If your car were to be bumped, it would roll away from the road, not into it.
5. Assess the Situation (From a Safe Place): Try to determine the basic problem. Is it a flat tyre? Are you out of fuel? Is there smoke? Do not attempt complex repairs on the roadside.
6. Be Visible: If you must exit the vehicle in a safe location, wear a high-visibility vest if you have one in your emergency kit.
7. Call for Professional Help: This is the most crucial step. Use the Instatow app to request a tow or roadside assistance. Our GPS-based system means you don't even need to know the exact address.
8. Inform Someone of Your Location: Let a family member or friend know where you are and that you have called for help.
9. Prepare Your Vehicle for Towing: Ensure the handbrake is on and your car is in neutral (or Park for an automatic). Have your keys ready for the tow operator.
10. Wait for Confirmation: With Instatow, you'll see your driver's name, their ETA, and their location on the map. Wait for this verified professional to arrive.

By following these steps, you can turn a chaotic event into a managed process, ensuring your safety and getting you back on your way faster.