What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down

A breakdown is stressful, but the first priority is always people rather than the vehicle. What you should do depends on whether you are on an ordinary road, motorway, hard shoulder or another potentially dangerous location.

Get to a safer position where possible

If the vehicle can be moved safely, get it away from moving traffic. Use hazard warning lights where appropriate and follow official road and motorway safety instructions. If you are in a live traffic lane or there is immediate danger, contact the emergency services.

Work out whether the vehicle can continue

Warning lights, overheating, tyre damage, electrical failure and mechanical problems can all require different action. Do not continue driving when doing so could be unsafe or cause further damage.

Have the important information ready

For recovery, it helps to know your location, destination, registration and what has happened. Onagone's live breakdown journey can use your phone location where available, reducing the need to work out an unfamiliar postcode.

Need vehicle recovery?

Onagone lets you enter your pickup location and destination online. The route and vehicle details are reviewed before the job is confirmed or payment requested.

Request recovery with Onagone · Breakdown recovery · Recovery & transport services