What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Motorway

There’s never a convenient time for your car to break down—especially when it happens on a busy motorway. The experience can be stressful, dangerous, and confusing if you’re not sure what steps to take. Knowing how to respond calmly and safely can make a world of difference, both for your own protection and for getting your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do when your car breaks down on the motorway, from the moment your vehicle starts showing signs of trouble to calling a reliable breakdown recovery service.

1. Recognise the Early Warning Signs

Before your car comes to a complete stop, you’ll often get warning signals that something’s wrong. Pay close attention to signs such as:

• Dashboard warning lights (engine, oil, or battery indicators)

• Strange noises, vibrations, or smoke from under the bonnet

• Loss of power or difficulty steering

• Unusual smells, like burning rubber or oil

If you notice any of these, act immediately but calmly. Avoid sudden braking or swerving; instead, signal and move safely to the left-hand lane and then onto the hard shoulder (if it’s safe to do so). Early recognition can help you avoid being stranded in a live lane.

2. Pull Over Safely

Once you’ve guided your vehicle onto the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area (ERA), bring it to a complete stop as far to the left as possible. Turn your wheels to the left so that if another vehicle collides with yours, it will be pushed further away from the road rather than back into traffic.

If you’re on a smart motorway (where there’s no traditional hard shoulder), look for an emergency refuge area, typically marked by orange signs every 1.5 miles. If you can’t reach one, move as far to the left as you can and switch on your hazard lights.

3. Turn On Your Hazard Lights

As soon as you’ve stopped, turn on your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers. If it’s dark or visibility is poor (fog, rain, etc.), also switch on your sidelights. These small actions can make a big difference in keeping you and others safe on the motorway.

4. Exit the Vehicle Safely

Your next priority is personal safety. On motorways, it’s safest to exit the vehicle from the passenger side (away from traffic). Never attempt to make repairs while your vehicle is on the hard shoulder.

Once out, move up the embankment or behind a barrier—away from the road and your car. Keep your pets inside the vehicle if you have them, as they can become a distraction or hazard if they run onto the motorway.

5. Use a Reflective Jacket and Warning Triangle (If Safe)

If you have a high-visibility jacket, put it on before leaving the car. While warning triangles can be useful on smaller roads, do not use them on motorways—it’s unsafe to walk back into fast-moving traffic. Prioritise staying visible and protected instead.

6. Call for Breakdown Recovery Assistance

Once you’re in a safe location, it’s time to call for help. You can contact:

• A breakdown recovery service such as the AA, RAC, or a local recovery company.

• The police (by dialling 999) if you feel unsafe or are blocking a live lane.

• National Highways (via 0300 123 5000) if you’re in England and need roadside support or traffic updates.

If your mobile battery is dead or you have no signal, look for the nearest emergency phone, usually spaced about every mile along the motorway. These connect directly to the control centre, which can dispatch help quickly and pinpoint your exact location.

7. Wait Safely for Help to Arrive

While waiting for assistance, stay behind the safety barrier and keep an eye on the traffic. Avoid sitting in your car, as it’s one of the most dangerous places to be on a busy motorway. If you’re with children or elderly passengers, keep them calm and comfortable until help arrives.

Most professional breakdown recovery services will aim to reach you quickly, assess your vehicle, and either repair it on-site or tow it to a nearby garage.

8. After the Breakdown: Getting Back on the Road

Once your vehicle is repaired or recovered, take a few precautions before you continue your journey:

• Check your fuel level, tyres, and fluid levels.

• Make sure all warning lights are off.

• Plan a quick stop to rest and recover mentally before driving again—breakdowns can be surprisingly exhausting.

If your vehicle needs garage repair, consider arranging temporary transportation or notifying your insurance provider if necessary.

9. Preventing Future Breakdowns

While some breakdowns are unavoidable, regular maintenance greatly reduces the risk. Here are a few tips to help you stay road-ready:

• Schedule routine servicing and oil changes.

• Check tyre pressure and tread depth monthly.

• Ensure your battery, lights, and wipers are in good condition.

• Carry an emergency kit including a torch, reflective jacket, first-aid supplies, and a mobile charger.

Prevention and preparation go hand in hand when it comes to keeping your journeys safe and smooth.

Final Thoughts

Breaking down on a motorway can be nerve-wracking, but knowing what to do can keep you and your passengers safe until professional help arrives. Always prioritise safety over convenience—get yourself and others out of harm’s way, make your vehicle visible, and contact a reliable breakdown recovery service immediately.

By staying calm and prepared, you’ll turn a stressful situation into a manageable one and get back on the road with confidence.