What should I do if my car breaks down?
Key points
- Turn on your hazard lights, slow down, and pull over to a safe spot as far from traffic as possible.
- Secure the vehicle by setting the emergency brake and turning the wheels away from the road.
- Stay in your vehicle if it’s unsafe to exit, and make yourself visible using your hood, flares, or reflective triangles.
- Call for help using roadside assistance, a tow service, or emergency services if needed; a roadside assistance plan can provide added support.
Having car trouble can be incredibly frustrating, but it can also be a safety issue if you're already on the road. Here are some tips that may help keep you and your passengers safe if your car breaks down or you get a flat tire.
1. Turn on your hazard/emergency lights
Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers as soon as you sense something's wrong. Keep them on until help arrives.
2. Slow down and pull off the road
Aim for the right shoulder of the road. Pull over to a safe, flat location that is as far away from moving traffic as possible.
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get a quote3. Turn your wheels away from the road and put on the emergency brake
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recommends pulling your emergency brake, sometimes called the parking brake. If you park on a hill or slope, turn the car's wheels away from the road to help prevent the car from rolling into traffic, says the California DMV.
4. Stay in your vehicle
If you're on a highway or crowded road, the Insurance Information Institute (III) recommends that you avoid getting out of your vehicle to look at the damage or fix a mechanical problem. If you need to get out of the car, get your vehicle to a safe place and make sure the road around you is completely clear. If you're stopped on the right-hand side of the road, get out through the passenger-side door.
5. Be visible
Once you're safely out of the vehicle, prop up your hood to let other drivers know they should proceed with caution. This will alert other drivers that you're broken down, according to the NMA.
6. Set up flares or triangles
Place flares or triangles with reflectors behind your car to alert other drivers to the location where you've stopped, says the III.
7. Call for help
Call or use an app to get a tow truck, mechanic or roadside assistance with your insurance company or other provider to help. If it's an emergency or you are not sure who to contact, call 911 or the local police for help.
Do I need a roadside assistance membership plan?
Before you find yourself in a tough situation, you may want to consider getting roadside assistance. Knowing you'll have help in case of a breakdown, or another unexpected car issue can offer peace of mind. Roadside assistance plans may provide services like:
- Towing
- Jump starts
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout services
You may be able to purchase roadside assistance from your car insurance company or from an independent provider.
It's important to be prepared for the unexpected, especially on the road. Hopefully you'll avoid any bumps in the road, but it's helpful to know what to do just in case.