Colder climate typically triggers an increase in automobile breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving situations. And people automobiles which haven’t been nicely maintained over the summer time months are significantly in danger throughout harsher climate situations.
In truth, searches for for ‘automobile restoration close to me’ have risen by a 85% within the final three months, whereas searches for ‘breakdown cowl uk’ have risen by 50% over the identical time interval.
To assist those that might discover themselves on this state of affairs, the specialists at Bristol Road Motors have shared what to do in case your automobile breaks down.
What to do in case your automobile breaks down on a motorway:
1. Head left
The very first thing to do is stay calm. As quickly as you might be conscious that your automobile is breaking down, it’s essential to flip your hazards on to inform different street customers that you could be be slowing down, transferring lanes or stopping.
If you happen to can, attempt to head left. This implies aiming for a tough shoulder or the closest exit to keep away from inflicting an obstruction for different street customers.
If there isn’t a laborious shoulder, equivalent to on a sensible motorway, it is best to attempt to head for the closest exit or an Emergency Refuge Space (ERA). These are roughly each 1.5 miles and can be utilized if you happen to break down. If you happen to can not attain one among these, it is best to head as far left as attainable.
2. Exit your car promptly
After getting made it to a secure place, cease the automobile after which go away the car promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, it is best to preserve your sidelights on and put on your brightest or most reflective clothes. When exiting the automobile, all the time attempt to go away through the passenger aspect as that is typically the most secure choice. After getting exited the car, climb over the security barrier, and attempt to keep a secure distance away from any visitors.
You probably have not been in a position to get into the laborious shoulder, ERA or left lane then you shouldn’t exit the car.
After getting made it to a place the place you and your car are as secure as attainable, it’s essential to contact your breakdown supplier or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
In case your automobile is in any of the stay lanes on a motorway, it’s essential to contact 999, even when you have made it to a secure place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automobile except completely important.
What to do if you happen to break down some place else?
If you happen to break down some place else, then there’ll almost definitely be no laborious shoulder, so the steps differ barely.
- Pull over if you happen to can, for instance right into a lay-by or onto a quieter aspect street.
- Flip in your hazard lights to point to different drivers that you’re there.
- Exit your car, whether it is secure to take action and stand behind a barrier or as distant from the street as you will get.
- Discover your triangle warning signal and place it 45m (roughly 60 paces) away from the rear finish of your car. Nonetheless, it is very important keep in mind that it is best to by no means do that on any type of motorway.
- Ring your breakdown firm as soon as it’s secure to take action and allow them to know the place you might be. If you don’t pay for breakdown cowl, you’ll be able to nonetheless name and ask for emergency help.
Calum Thomson, Aftersales Director at Bristol Road Motors has commented:
“Realizing what to do is necessary on this form of state of affairs. You probably have by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it might be a bit of scary. The primary factor to recollect is to not panic and deal with getting your self to a secure location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there shall be a sure degree of wear and tear that can not be prevented. Nonetheless, we’d advocate getting your automobile commonly serviced to assist establish any faults as early as attainable to keep away from the chance of breaking down.
“And as we’re approaching winter, we’d additionally advise all the time conserving one thing heat and reflective in your automobile within the occasion you do must vacate your car and anticipate help by the roadside.”
