What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down: A Roadside Safety Guide
No one plans to break down, but it happens to almost every driver at some point. A dead battery, a flat tire, an overheating engine or a warning light can leave you on the side of the road. What you do in the first few minutes matters most for your safety. This guide walks you through the steps.
Step 1: Recognize the Warning Signs Early
Many breakdowns give some warning. If you notice any of these, start looking for a safe place to stop instead of waiting for the vehicle to quit in traffic:
- A flashing check engine light, or a red oil pressure or temperature warning
- Steam or smoke from under the hood
- Sudden loss of power, loud knocking or grinding
- A thumping sound or the vehicle pulling hard, which can mean a flat tire
- Dimming lights and electrical problems, which can mean the charging system has failed
Learn what dashboard warnings mean in our check engine light guide.
Step 2: Get Off the Road Safely
- Turn on your hazard lights right away.
- Check your mirrors, signal and move to the right shoulder, an exit, a parking lot or a wide pull-off if you can.
- Get as far from traffic as possible. On a curve or hill, try to stop where approaching drivers can see you from a distance.
- Turn the wheels away from the road and set the parking brake.
If the car stops in a travel lane and you cannot move it, keep the hazard lights on and assess whether it is safer to stay inside or to move away from the vehicle.
Step 3: Decide Whether to Stay In or Get Out
On a busy highway, the safest place is often inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on, because people standing on the shoulder are at risk from passing traffic. If you must get out, exit on the side away from traffic and move well away from the vehicle, behind a guardrail if there is one.
Get out and move away immediately if there is smoke, fire, a strong fuel smell or a risk of being hit, for example if the car is stopped in a lane or just over a hill.
Step 4: Make Yourself Visible
- Keep hazard lights on. At night, keep interior lights on so other drivers can see there is a vehicle stopped.
- If it is safe, place reflective triangles or flares behind the vehicle to give approaching drivers warning.
- Raise the hood as a signal that you need help, only if you can do so safely.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing if you have it.
Step 5: Call for Help
If anyone is injured, you are in a dangerous location, or the vehicle is blocking traffic, call 911. Otherwise, call a roadside assistance service or a towing provider. Give clear information:
- Your location: highway name, direction of travel, nearest mile marker, exit or landmark. Many phones can share an exact location.
- A description of your vehicle and what happened.
- Whether you are in a safe spot.
Let a family member or friend know where you are and when help is expected.
Step 6: Only Attempt Simple Fixes When It Is Safe
Changing a tire or jump-starting a battery can get you moving, but only if you are well away from traffic on level, firm ground. Never try to change a tire on the traffic side of a busy road. If you are unsure, wait for help. Our guides on battery care and jump starting and checking your tires explain the basics.
If the engine is overheating, turn it off and do not open the radiator cap while it is hot. Pressurized coolant can cause serious burns.
Winter Breakdowns Need Extra Care
In the Heber Valley and the surrounding canyons, winter breakdowns can be dangerous because of cold temperatures and poor visibility. If you are stranded in winter:
- Stay with the vehicle unless help is clearly close and it is safe to walk. A vehicle is easier for rescuers to find and offers shelter.
- Run the engine only for short periods to stay warm, and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow. A blocked exhaust can let carbon monoxide into the cabin.
- Crack a window slightly for fresh air while the engine is running.
- Use blankets and extra clothing to stay warm, and move your arms and legs to keep circulation going.
- Keep a light on at night so you can be seen, while conserving the battery.
Pack a winter emergency kit before the season starts. Our winter car care checklist lists what to include.
What to Keep in Your Car Year-Round
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Phone charger or power bank | To call for help and share your location |
| Reflective triangles or flares | To warn approaching traffic |
| Flashlight | For night breakdowns |
| Jumper cables or jump starter | For a dead battery |
| Tire gauge and inflated spare | For tire problems |
| Water, snacks, first-aid kit | If you wait longer than expected |
| Blanket and warm layers (winter) | To stay warm while waiting |
After the Breakdown
Once you are safe, have the vehicle inspected to find the real cause. A battery that died once or a warning light that went away may be an early sign of a bigger problem. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent the next breakdown; see our preventive maintenance schedule.
Broken down near Heber City? Tracy's Auto Repair provides breakdown and towing service and repairs all makes and models at 110 N Main Street. Contact us or see our services.
Key Takeaways
Turn on your hazards, get as far from traffic as you can, stay visible, and call for help with clear location details. In winter, stay with your vehicle and keep the exhaust clear. Staying calm and following these steps keeps a stressful situation from becoming a dangerous one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call 911 if my car breaks down?
Call 911 if anyone is hurt, if the vehicle is blocking traffic, or if you are in an unsafe location. For a simple breakdown in a safe spot, call a roadside assistance or towing service.
Is it safe to accept help from strangers?
Use good judgment. You can stay in your locked vehicle and speak through a partly open window, and ask a passerby to call for help on your behalf if your phone is not working.
What if my car overheats in the canyon?
Turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heater to pull heat from the engine, then pull over safely and shut the engine off. Let it cool before checking coolant, and never open a hot radiator cap.