A car breakdown on a busy highway can turn a routine drive into a dangerous situation within seconds. With vehicles traveling at high speeds and limited space to maneuver, knowing how to respond quickly and safely could save your life.
Highway breakdowns occur more frequently than most drivers realize. Whether it’s a flat tire, engine failure, or electrical issues, these mechanical problems don’t wait for convenient locations. The key to surviving such situations lies in preparation and knowing the right steps to take.
This guide will walk you through the essential actions to take when your car breaks down on the highway, from the initial moments of trouble to getting back on the road safely. By following these steps, you’ll be better equipped to handle this stressful situation while protecting yourself and other drivers.
When help is needed, Canada Direct Roadside Assistance is there to ensure you stay safe during roadside emergencies.
Pull Over Safely
The moment you notice your car experiencing problems, your priority should be getting to safety. Don’t attempt to reach your destination if you’re experiencing engine trouble, strange noises, or warning lights on your dashboard.
Move to the Right Lane
Signal immediately and begin moving toward the right lane. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you’re experiencing difficulties. Stay calm and avoid sudden movements that could cause an accident.
Find a Safe Location
Look for the widest part of the highway shoulder, ideally away from curves or hills where visibility is limited. If possible, try to reach an off-ramp, rest area, or parking lot. However, don’t drive too far if your car is severely damaged—stopping on the shoulder is better than risking complete engine failure in traffic.
Position Your Vehicle
Park as far right as possible, away from traffic. Turn your wheels away from the road so that if your car gets hit, it won’t roll into traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and engage the parking brake.
Assess the Situation
Once you’re safely stopped, take a moment to evaluate your circumstances before taking any action.
Check Your Surroundings
Look around to determine your exact location. Note nearby exit numbers, mile markers, or landmarks that you can reference when calling for help. Assess the weather conditions and traffic patterns to understand the level of danger.
Evaluate the Problem
Try to identify what caused the breakdown. Is it a flat tire, overheating engine, dead battery, or something else? Understanding the issue will help you communicate effectively with roadside assistance and determine if it’s something you can safely address yourself.
Determine Your Safety Level
Consider factors like weather, time of day, traffic volume, and your location on the highway. If you’re in a dangerous spot or conditions are poor, your priority should be getting to safety rather than attempting repairs.
Call for Help
Don’t hesitate to contact professional help, even if you think you can handle the problem yourself.
Emergency Services
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 first. This includes situations where you’re stopped in traffic, near a curve, or if someone is injured. Emergency responders can provide traffic control and ensure your safety.
Roadside Assistance
Contact your roadside assistance provider, whether it’s through your insurance company, automobile association, or vehicle manufacturer. Have your membership number, location details, and a description of the problem ready.
What Information to Provide
When calling for help, provide:
- Your exact location (highway number, direction of travel, mile marker)
- Description of the problem
- Your vehicle’s make, model, year, and colour
- Your contact information
- Number of passengers
Safety Measures While Waiting
Your safety while waiting for help is just as important as getting off the road initially.
Stay Visible
Keep your hazard lights on throughout your wait. If you have flares, reflective triangles, or other warning devices, place them behind your car at 100-foot intervals. This gives approaching drivers advance warning of your presence.
Position Yourself Safely
The safest place is usually inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on, especially in heavy traffic. If you must exit your car, exit from the side away from traffic and stay well clear of the roadway.
Be Cautious of Strangers
While many people want to help, exercise caution when strangers approach. You can politely decline assistance and let them know that help is already on the way. If someone makes you uncomfortable, stay in your locked vehicle and be ready to call 911.
Stay Alert
Keep watching for approaching help and be ready to safely signal to them. Avoid distractions like reading or using your phone extensively, as you need to remain aware of your surroundings.
Basic Repairs You Can Attempt
Some highway breakdowns can be resolved with simple fixes, but only attempt these if you can do so safely.
Flat Tire
If you have a spare tire and the necessary tools, changing a flat tire is possible on the highway shoulder. However, only attempt this if you’re on a wide, stable shoulder away from heavy traffic. If conditions aren’t ideal, wait for professional help.
Overheating Engine
If your engine is overheating, turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heater to help cool the engine. Once the engine cools down, you may be able to add coolant if you have it available. Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot.
Dead Battery
If you have jumper cables and another vehicle stops to help, you might be able to jump-start your battery. Ensure both vehicles are safely positioned and follow proper jump-starting procedures.
Simple Electrical Issues
Sometimes, turning the car off and on again can resolve minor electrical glitches. Check that all lights and electrical components are working properly before attempting to drive.
Prevention Tips
The best way to handle highway breakdowns is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Regular Maintenance
Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and system checks can prevent many roadside emergencies.
Pre-Trip Inspections
Before long highway trips, check your tires, fluid levels, battery, and lights. Ensure you have emergency supplies in your vehicle, including a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, and basic tools.
Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes:
- Flares or reflective triangles
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Basic tools
- First aid kit
- Water and snacks
- Blanket
- Phone charger
Know Your Vehicle
Familiarize yourself with your car’s warning lights and sounds. Understanding what different indicators mean can help you address problems before they become serious breakdowns.
Stay Prepared, Stay Safe
Highway breakdowns are stressful situations that require quick thinking and proper preparation. By following these steps—pulling over safely, assessing the situation, calling for help, maintaining safety while waiting, and knowing basic repairs—you’ll be better equipped to handle these emergencies.
Remember that your safety is more important than your vehicle or schedule. When in doubt, call for professional help rather than attempting risky repairs on a busy highway. Regular vehicle maintenance and keeping emergency supplies in your car will help prevent many breakdown situations.
Take time to review these steps and prepare your vehicle’s emergency kit. The few minutes spent preparing today could save your life tomorrow. Safe travels start with being prepared for the unexpected.
