What to do if your car breaks down this winter: Essential safety tips
Breaking down is never convenient, especially in cold, wet winter conditions. But knowing what to do can keep you safe and help you get back on the road quickly.
Here’s your essential breakdown checklist:
What to do if your vehicle or car breaks down
1. Get to a safe place
If possible, move your car off the road and away from traffic. On a motorway, try to exit at the next junction. If that’s not possible, pull onto the hard shoulder or into a layby and switch off the engine.
2. Make yourself visible
Turn on your hazard lights. If it’s dark or foggy, keep sidelights on. Wear a high-vis jacket if you leave the vehicle.
If you have a warning triangle, place it at least 50 metres behind your car, but never on a motorway hard shoulder, as it’s unsafe.
3. Leave your vehicle
Even if the weather’s bad, you need to get out of your car and off the road. Leave via the left-hand door and move behind a barrier or onto a grass verge.
4. Call for help
Use your mobile to contact your breakdown provider. If you’re on the motor way and have no signal? Use the orange emergency phones on the motorway, they connect directly to National Highways.
It’s always handy to have the app ‘What Three Words’ on your phone as this will be able to get your location for you at all times.
5. Leave the car alone
Don’t return to your car to restart it. It’s risky and could delay help.
Above all, stay calm and stay safe. Breakdowns are an annoyance, but they’re not the end of the world. Be patient and help will come.
What to do if there’s nowhere to pull over?
• Move as far left as possible.
• Exit via the left-hand door and get behind the safety barrier.
• Call 999 immediately.
If it’s unsafe to exit:
• Stay in the car with your seatbelt on.
• Turn on hazard lights.
• Call emergency services.
Need help now?
If you already have RAC breakdown cover with us, contact the RAC on the below numbers:
• UK breakdown: 0333 159 8714
• European breakdown: 00 33 472 43 52 55
• Or, contact them online using RescueMe
How do I know if I have Breakdown Cover?
You can easily check what cover you have by taking a look at your policy documents. If you don't have them to hand, don't worry, you can find them in Your Account.
Is your cover right for you?
Did you know 1 in 3 breakdowns happen at home*? Without the right level of cover, you could be left waiting, and paying, for help.
Need to add Breakdown Cover to your policy?
Not a problem, you can add this at any time during the year via your Your Account or by calling 0333 043 2066.
And lastly, don’t forget to download the myRAC app!
The myRAC app has everything you need in one handy place.
*Figures are provided by RAC, based on breakdown data between January 2024 - December 2024.