No make this mistake if your car breaks down on the road (this guide will save you)
The scene is familiar to many drivers: you are in the middle of the road, enjoying the scenery, and suddenly, your car breaks down without warning. Situations like this can be stressful and dangerous, especially if you don’t know how to react appropriately. In this article, I will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to act if your car breaks down in the middle of the road, based on my personal experience and knowledge in design, mechanics, and everything related to automobiles.
SUMMARY:
| main ideas | details |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Stay calm | Look for a safe place to stop off the road. |
| 🚨 Turn on hazard lights | Do this immediately to alert other drivers. |
| ⚠️ Signal danger | Use triangles or the V16 light, according to current regulations. |
| 📞 Call for assistance | Contact the roadside assistance service or insurance company. |
Steps to take if your car breaks down
When your car breaks down on the road, the first and most important thing is to stay calm. Here are the fundamental steps to follow:
- Look for a safe place to stop. If possible, move off the road and avoid low visibility areas.
- Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Signal danger with the V16 emergency light or with triangles. Since 2026, triangles will be replaced by the V16 light.
- Call the roadside assistance service or your insurance company to request help.
On my website, I always emphasize the importance of these actions to ensure both your safety and that of other road users. Cars are designed with mechanical and electrical parts that can fail at any moment, especially if they do not receive proper maintenance or if they are old.
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Look for a safe place | Avoid low visibility areas and stop off the road if possible. |
| 2. Hazard lights | Turn them on immediately to alert other drivers of the danger. |
| 3. Signaling danger | Use the V16 light or triangles, according to current and future regulations. |
| 4. Call for assistance | Contact the roadside assistance service or the insurance company. |
In addition, RACE offers 24-hour roadside assistance to its members anywhere in the world. If the problem cannot be resolved on site, the car will be towed to a recommended workshop.
How to act if the clutch breaks down while driving
One of the most distressing failures is breaking the clutch while driving. Here’s how to act in this case:
- Stay calm and turn on the hazard lights.
- Analyze the situation and decide if it is safe to stop or to continue to a safer location.
- If you decide to stop, put the car in neutral to stop the car safely.
Acting correctly can prevent further damage and ensures your safety and that of others. Additionally, it is essential not to run out of fuel during the trip. Keeping the tank full and paying attention to the fuel gauge are crucial preventive actions.
Prevention is better than cure: your car was warning you
In my experience, many of the roadside breakdowns can be prevented with proper maintenance. It is crucial to conduct periodic checks on the car, especially before going on a trip.
- Check the radiator grilles to ensure they are not blocked.
- Make sure the car has enough coolant.
- Check the state of the thermostat and the radiator fan.
- Verify the condition of the tires and their alignment.
If the car overheats, you should pull over and signal danger. Once the engine cools down, check for possible causes of overheating, such as a blocked radiator, lack of coolant, or problems with the thermostat or radiator fan.
What is roadside assistance and what services does it include?
Roadside assistance is an essential service that provides help in emergency situations. When contracting an insurance policy, check that it includes roadside assistance. This service generally offers:
- Towing the car in case of breakdown.
- On-site repairs if possible.
- Transporting occupants to their final destination.
- Accommodation if the repair takes longer than expected.
In extreme situations, if you are not satisfied with the service received, you can complain. Always check your policy to be aware of the services included. Some details that drivers may not always be aware of are the requirements for prior estimates and the possibility of selecting the workshop to which the car will be taken.
From my experience, I advise opting for a policy that offers these services, as in the event of an unforeseen breakdown, having quick and efficient assistance can make a difference.
If you want to learn more about related topics and how to deduct an electric/hybrid car, I recommend reading the article deducting an electric/hybrid car.
How are the transportation of persons to their home or vacation spot managed?
In the unfortunate case of a breakdown, the insurance may include the transportation of the people in the vehicle. This service ensures that even if your car is towed to the workshop, you and your companions can reach your destination.
It is important to know the options available in your policy. Some insurance companies offer alternative transportation, such as taxis or rental cars, to ensure your mobility. It may also be possible for the insurance company to cover accommodation costs if the repair takes longer than expected.
If you want to learn more about mobility and sustainability, you can read about shared mobility and how it helps to clean large cities.
