What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway: A Guide

Breaking down on the highway can be a stressful experience, especially with cars speeding past and limited room to maneuver. Knowing what to do in these situations can help you stay safe and manage the breakdown effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your car breaks down on the highway.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

It’s natural to feel anxious when your car stops working, but staying calm is essential. Take a deep breath and assess the situation to determine the best course of action. Look around to make sure you’re aware of any potential dangers or hazards nearby, such as fast-moving traffic or construction zones.

2. Move Your Vehicle to Safety (If Possible)

If you notice signs of trouble—such as a sputtering engine, overheating, or dashboard warning lights—try to safely steer your vehicle to the right shoulder or an emergency lane. If possible, avoid stopping near blind corners or curves to improve visibility to oncoming drivers. Turning on your hazard lights as soon as you sense an issue will alert other drivers that you’re experiencing car trouble.

Tip: If your car is still mobile, aim for a wide, flat area off the highway where there’s more space to park. However, if your car is fully immobilized, leave it as is and follow the remaining steps for safety.

3. Turn On Hazard Lights and Stay Inside

Once you’ve safely parked, keep your hazard lights on. These lights warn other drivers that your car is stationary and signal that you’re dealing with an emergency. Staying inside your vehicle is usually the safest option, especially on busy highways. Only exit the vehicle if it is unsafe to remain inside, and in that case, use the passenger side doors to avoid the flow of traffic.

4. Call for Roadside Assistance or a Tow Truck

After ensuring your safety, reach out for assistance. Having the contact information for a reliable towing service, like Dearden Towing Services, can be incredibly helpful in moments like these. Inform the dispatcher of your location and any notable landmarks, so they can find you quickly.

What to Expect: Roadside assistance or towing companies can help with a range of issues, including towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and tire changes. Explain the problem to the dispatcher so they know exactly what kind of help you need.

5. Use Emergency Triangles or Flares for Extra Visibility

If you have emergency triangles, flares, or cones, place them a safe distance behind your car to improve your visibility, especially in low-light conditions. Setting up one triangle close to your vehicle and another farther back can give oncoming drivers a heads-up that there is an obstacle ahead.

Note: Be very cautious when setting up flares or triangles, as moving around your vehicle can be risky on high-speed highways.

6. Avoid Standing Near the Road

Resist the urge to inspect your vehicle’s problem by standing close to the highway, especially if it’s a busy road. Even if you think you know the issue, it’s safer to wait for professional help to avoid unnecessary risks.

7. Stay Vigilant and Monitor Your Surroundings

While you wait for help, stay alert. Pay attention to any suspicious behavior or unusual situations around you. If someone offers help, it’s best to stay in your car and communicate through a slightly open window to protect yourself and avoid any potential misunderstandings.

8. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Future Incidents

While breakdowns are often unexpected, having an emergency kit can make these situations more manageable. Essential items include a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, water, non-perishable snacks, and a blanket. You may also want to carry a portable charger for your phone and an emergency whistle.

Final Thoughts

Breaking down on the highway can be an unnerving experience, but knowing these steps can help you stay safe and organized. By moving your car to a safe area, using hazard lights, and calling a reliable towing service like Dearden Towing Services, you can handle the situation with confidence and minimize the risks involved. Always remember to stay inside your vehicle if possible and wait patiently for help to arrive.

Whether it’s a minor issue or a full tow is required, Dearden Towing is ready to assist and get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.

At Dearden Motor Company we take pride in offering a wide range of services. We’re available around the clock for emergency towing. Our roadside assistance covers everything from jump starts to fuel deliveries. For long-distance tows we have you covered. Light Duty Towing, Heavy Duty Towing, winching and recovery, impound services, and specialized towing. At Dearden Motor Company our commitment is to provide efficient, reliable, and stress-free towing in Utah.