A breakdown is a motorist’s nightmare. The immediate response may tend to be annoyance at the inconvenience and potential cost, but there is a higher priority in ensuring the safety of yourself and your passengers.
Here’s a few tips to handle the breakdown process effectively and safely:
Be alert for warning signs – do respond to warning lights (do not assume that the light itself is broken!) and signs of trouble (eg loss of power). This may give you the opportunity to stop in a safe place, or even at home or a garage.
If the car stops suddenly on the road, immediately switch your hazard lights on and, if possible, place a warning triangle (see preparation below) 50 paces behind the car to warn other motorists. If it is dark, leave your sidelights on
Try to stop the car on the far left hand-side of the road or the hard shoulder (if available)
Stopping on a motorway
You should only stop on the motorway if there has been no possibility of exiting the motorway. Remember that the hard shoulder is for emergency use and is dangerous
Park the car on the hard shoulder where possible and exit the car from the left-hand door
Park the car with the wheels pointing left. If your car is struck, it will prevent the car from rejoining the motorway
If the vehicle stops in a lane, only cross the carriageway when it is safe to do so
Ensure all passengers move to a safe place behind the motorway barrier
If you do not have a mobile walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the road, do not attempt to cross the motorway
Stopping on other roads:
Put on a reflective jacket if you have one.
Do not stand between your car and oncoming traffic, this will obstruct the view of the lights
It is generally safer to leave the car and retreat from the road if possible (particularly if there is fast moving traffic). If you are alone, leave one door unlocked so that you can get back in the car quickly
If you stay inside the vehicle, lock all of the doors and do not get out if approached
If someone offers assistance, tell them the police or breakdown services are on the way.
Preparation
Being prepared for a breakdown can save a lot of hassle and significantly improve your safety. Here’s some of our favourites:
Keep an item of reflective clothing in the car to wear if it is dark.
Keep a road map in your car and generally try to stay aware of your approximate location. It could mean a quicker response!
If you have a mobile phone, ensure the battery is well charged before a trip. Keep some coins or a phonecard in the car in case you need to use a payphone
Carry a red warning triangle in the car to help alert other traffic if you breakdown
Keep a torch and gloves in the car. A torch will be invaluable in the dark and gloves will help with the cold and any messy work
Keep a rug or some warm clothes in the car, and ideally hot drinks in a flask and some high energy food
Check the car before long journeys, making sure you have enough oil, petrol, screen wash and water in the radiator. Checking your tyre pressure will also help improve fuel efficiency!
We hope that you stay safe and avoid breakdowns altogether!
Source : http://www.motors.co.uk/cars/news/what-to-do-if-you-breakdown-
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