What To Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Motorway

Breaking down on a motorway can happen to anyone, even with a well-maintained vehicle. Knowing exactly what to do before it happens could save your life.

Step 1: Get to Safety Immediately

As soon as you notice a problem — unusual noise, warning light, loss of power — signal left and move to the hard shoulder or the nearest emergency refuge area (ERA). Do not stop in a live lane under any circumstances.

Step 2: Get Out on the Left Side

Once stopped, turn your wheels to the left and put your hazard lights on. If it is safe to do so, exit the vehicle from the left-hand passenger side — never from the driver's door which faces traffic. Move behind the safety barrier.

Step 3: Call for Help

From a safe position, call a breakdown or towing service immediately. If you are on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder, use the emergency roadside telephone provided in every ERA — these connect directly to Highways England control rooms who can stop traffic.

Fred's Towing Services covers Newport, Bristol, Cardiff and Bath — call us any time on 01633 982028.

Step 4: Stay Visible But Stay Back

Leave your hazard lights on. If you have a high-visibility jacket in the boot, put it on only if it is safe to return briefly to the vehicle. Do not attempt to repair the vehicle yourself on the hard shoulder.

Step 5: Wait in a Safe Location

Stay behind the safety barrier, away from the vehicle, and wait for the recovery service to arrive. Keep your phone charged and stay on the line with your recovery operator if asked.

Smart Motorways — Extra Precautions

On all-lane running (ALR) smart motorways, there is no permanent hard shoulder. If your car breaks down in a live lane, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on, put your hazard lights on, and call 999 immediately. Do not exit unless there is a serious risk of fire.

Prevention Is Better Than Recovery

Regular vehicle maintenance — checking tyre pressures, oil levels, coolant and battery condition — significantly reduces breakdown risk. Book a pre-journey check before long trips, especially in winter.

If you break down in Newport, Cardiff, Bristol or Bath, Fred's Towing Services provides 24/7 emergency towing and roadside assistance. We'll reach you fast — call 01633 982028 any time.