Category: Quick Guide / Transportation

⚡ What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down

If your vehicle begins making an unusual sound, loses power, displays a serious warning, or stops working, focus on getting away from moving traffic and calling for help.

Do not attempt a repair until you are in a safe location.

1. Keep Control of the Vehicle

If the vehicle is still moving:

Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
Avoid sudden steering or braking.
Turn on the hazard lights.
Check your mirrors.
Move toward the shoulder, an exit, a parking lot, or a side street.
Stop as far away from moving traffic as safely possible.

Steering and braking may feel harder if the engine shuts off. Apply steady pressure and continue guiding the vehicle toward safety.

Do not stop in an active lane if the vehicle can safely reach a better location.

2. Secure the Vehicle

After stopping:

Shift into park.
Set the parking brake.
Keep the hazard lights on.
Turn the wheels away from traffic.
Turn off the engine if it is smoking, overheating, leaking, or making a serious noise.
Check on every passenger.

Avoid stopping on soft ground, a steep slope, deep snow, or another unstable surface.

3. If You Cannot Leave the Traffic Lane

If the vehicle stops in an active lane and cannot be moved:

Keep your seat belt fastened.
Turn on the hazard lights.
Call 911.
Explain that your vehicle is disabled in traffic.
Give your exact location and direction of travel.
Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Do not stand in the road or attempt to direct traffic yourself.

4. Decide Whether to Stay Inside

If the vehicle is completely off the road and there is no fire, smoke, leaking fuel, or other immediate danger, remaining inside with your seat belt fastened may be safer than standing near traffic.

If you remain inside:

Lock the doors.
Keep seat belts fastened.
Keep the hazard lights on.
Avoid opening a door toward traffic.
Call for help.
Watch for changing conditions.

Do not stand directly in front of, behind, or beside the vehicle near moving traffic.

5. Leave if the Vehicle Is Dangerous

Get out if you notice:

Fire
Heavy smoke
Fuel leaking
A strong fuel smell
Rising water
Unstable ground
Smoke entering the passenger area
Instructions from emergency personnel to leave

If you must exit:

Use a door away from traffic when possible.
Move every passenger far from the vehicle and roadway.
Call 911.
Keep other people away.
Do not return for belongings.

Do not open the hood if flames or heavy smoke are coming from the engine area.

6. Identify Your Location

Look for:

Road or highway number
Direction of travel
Nearest exit
Mile marker
Intersection
Nearby business
Landmark
Location shown in a map app

A clear description might be:

I’m on Interstate 95 northbound, just past Exit 42, on the right shoulder.

Take a screenshot of your location before making calls.

7. Call for Help

Depending on the situation, contact:

911 for immediate danger
Roadside assistance
Your insurance company
The vehicle manufacturer’s assistance program
A towing company
Someone you trust

Tell the dispatcher:

Your location
Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate
What happened
Whether you are in a traffic lane
Whether anyone is injured
Whether there is smoke, fire, or leaking fuel
Whether a passenger has medical or accessibility needs

Ask for the responder’s company name, estimated arrival time, and expected cost.

8. Verify the Responder

Before unlocking the vehicle or authorizing a tow:

Confirm the company name.
Ask for the driver’s name.
Check the vehicle markings.
Compare the information with what dispatch provided.
Confirm the towing destination.
Ask about all charges.

If an unexpected tow truck arrives, contact your dispatcher, insurer, or the police before accepting service.

You can speak through a closed window while confirming the person’s identity.

9. If You Have a Flat Tire

Slow down gradually and move to a flat, stable area away from traffic.

Do not change the tire:

In an active lane
On a narrow highway shoulder
On a hill
On soft ground
In poor visibility
Near fast-moving traffic
If you do not have the correct equipment or training

Call roadside assistance when the location is unsafe.

10. If the Vehicle Is Overheating

Warning signs may include a high temperature gauge, warning light, steam, or unusual smell.

After reaching a safe location:

Turn off the engine.
Stay away from steam.
Allow the vehicle to cool.
Call for assistance.
Do not continue driving if it remains hot.

Never remove a hot radiator or coolant cap. Pressurized coolant can cause serious burns.

11. If You Smell Fuel or See Smoke

Pull over safely.
Turn off the engine.
Get everyone away from the vehicle.
Do not restart it.
Keep flames and cigarettes away.
Call 911 if there is heavy smoke, fire, or leaking fuel.

Do not crawl underneath the vehicle to investigate.

12. If the Battery Is Dead

A jump-start may help, but use only instructions approved for your vehicle.

Before attempting one:

Read the owner’s manual.
Confirm the equipment is compatible.
Check for a cracked, swollen, frozen, or leaking battery.
Keep flames and sparks away.
Call for professional help if you are unsure.

Hybrid and electric vehicles may require special procedures.

13. If You Run Out of Fuel or Charge

Stay with the vehicle if it is safely off the road.

For a gasoline vehicle:

Call roadside assistance.
Ask about fuel delivery.
Confirm the correct fuel type.
Do not walk along a highway carrying fuel.

For an electric vehicle:

Tell roadside assistance the exact vehicle model.
Ask about mobile charging or towing to a compatible charger.
Confirm the proper towing method.
Do not touch or repair high-voltage components.

Helpful Resources: Browse Communication & Charging for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

14. Protect Yourself While Waiting

While help is coming:

Keep the doors locked.
Keep your phone charged.
Update someone you trust.
Conserve fuel or battery when practical.
Monitor the weather.
Keep valuables out of sight.
Keep children and pets secured.
Do not accept an unrequested ride.
Avoid standing between vehicles.

If someone stops and you do not need help, say through the closed window:

Help is already on the way. Thank you.

15. Notify Anyone Waiting for You

After you are safe and help is coming, send a short message:

My vehicle broke down, but I’m safely off the road and roadside assistance is on the way. I’ll update you when I know more.

Do not focus on appointments or schedules until the immediate safety problem is handled.

Quick Breakdown Checklist

Turn on the hazard lights.
Move away from active traffic if possible.
Shift into park and set the parking brake.
Call 911 if the vehicle is blocking traffic or anyone is in danger.
Leave the vehicle if there is fire, smoke, fuel, or another immediate hazard.
Identify your exact location.
Call roadside assistance.
Tell someone you trust.
Verify the service vehicle.
Avoid unsafe roadside repairs.
Confirm towing costs and destination.
Keep receipts and service records.

Related Guides

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