Breaking down can be stressful and, on busy roads, potentially dangerous. Knowing exactly what to do keeps you and your passengers safe and gets you back on the road as quickly as possible. Here's our step-by-step guide on what to do if your car breaks down in Wiltshire or anywhere else in the region.
Broken down now? Call our 24/7 line on 07828 518515.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first step is to stay calm, because panicking can lead to poor decisions. Take a few deep breaths and look at your surroundings, noting whether you're on a busy road, a rural lane or a motorway.
2. Pull Over Safely
If you can, steer your vehicle somewhere safe, such as the hard shoulder or an emergency area on a motorway, a lay-by or a flat area off the main road. Try to stop as far from moving traffic as possible, and avoid stopping on bends or the brow of a hill.
3. Turn On Your Hazard Lights
As soon as you've stopped, switch on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If it's dark or visibility is poor, keep your sidelights on as well.
4. Get Out Safely
On a busy road or motorway, get out of the vehicle on the passenger side, away from traffic, and make sure all your passengers do the same. Wait well away from the road, ideally behind a barrier if there is one. If you're on a motorway without a hard shoulder and can't get to a safe place, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and your hazards on, and call 999.
5. Use Your Safety Equipment
Make yourself as visible as possible by wearing a hi-vis vest. On ordinary roads, you can place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle if it's safe to do so, but never use a warning triangle on a motorway.
6. Call for Recovery
Once everyone is safe, call for roadside recovery. If you're in Wiltshire, Hampshire or Dorset, a local company like FDC Recovery & Rescue can often reach you faster than a national service. If you're unsure of your exact location, use the what3words app or note the nearest junction, marker post or landmark.
7. Stay Near Your Vehicle
Unless there's a risk of fire or you're in an unsafe spot, stay close to your vehicle (but away from traffic) until help arrives, as this makes it easier for the recovery team to find you.
8. Basic Checks (Only If Safe)
If you know your way around a car and it's safe to do so, you can carry out simple checks like looking for a blown fuse, checking the battery connections or inspecting the tyres. Never attempt repairs on a motorway hard shoulder.
9. Be Prepared for Next Time
Keep an emergency kit in your car with a hi-vis vest, warning triangle, torch, basic tools, a first aid kit and the number of a local recovery service. Regular servicing and pre-MOT checks also go a long way towards preventing breakdowns in the first place.
Stay Safe and Know Who to Call
Breaking down is never pleasant, but with the right knowledge and a bit of preparation you can handle it safely. The priority is always the safety of you, your passengers and other road users.
Broken down and need help? Call FDC Recovery & Rescue 24/7 on 07828 518515.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I stay in my car if I break down on a motorway?
- If you can safely get out, leave by the passenger side and wait behind the barrier. Only stay in the vehicle, with your seatbelt and hazard lights on, if you can't get out safely, and call 999.
- How far behind my car should I place a warning triangle?
- At least 45 metres on ordinary roads, and only if it's safe. Warning triangles should never be used on motorways.
- Who do I call if I break down in Wiltshire?
- FDC Recovery & Rescue provides 24/7 recovery across Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset on 07828 518515.