Colder climate typically triggers an increase in automobile breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving situations. And people automobiles which haven’t been effectively maintained over the summer season months are notably 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, you could flip your hazards on to inform different highway customers that you could be be slowing down, shifting lanes or stopping.
Should you 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 highway customers.
If there is no such thing as a onerous shoulder, comparable to on a wise motorway, you need 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 for those who break down. Should you can not attain considered one of these, you need to head as far left as potential.
2. Exit your automobile promptly
After getting made it to a secure place, cease the automobile after which depart the automobile promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, you need to preserve your sidelights on and put on your brightest or most reflective clothes. When exiting the automobile, all the time attempt to depart by way of the passenger aspect as that is typically the most secure possibility. After getting exited the automobile, climb over the security barrier, and attempt to keep a secure distance away from any site visitors.
When you have not been in a position to get into the onerous shoulder, ERA or left lane then you shouldn’t exit the automobile.
After getting made it to a place the place you and your automobile are as secure as potential, you could 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, you could contact 999, even when you have made it to a secure place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automobile until completely important.
What to do for those who break down some other place?
Should you break down some other place, then there’ll more than likely be no onerous shoulder, so the steps differ barely.
- Pull over for those who can, for instance right into a lay-by or onto a quieter aspect highway.
- Flip in your hazard lights to point to different drivers that you’re there.
- Exit your automobile, whether it is secure to take action and stand behind a barrier or as far-off from the highway as you will get.
- Discover your triangle warning signal and place it 45m (roughly 60 paces) away from the rear finish of your automobile. Nevertheless, it is very important do not forget that you need to by no means do that on any sort 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 may nonetheless name and ask for emergency help.
Calum Thomson, Aftersales Director at Bristol Road Motors has commented:
“Realizing what to do is vital on this kind of state of affairs. When you have by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it could be just a little scary. The primary factor to recollect is to not panic and give attention to getting your self to a secure location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there will probably be a sure degree of damage that can not be prevented. Nevertheless, we’d advocate getting your automobile frequently serviced to assist establish any faults as early as potential to keep away from the chance of breaking down.
“And as we’re approaching winter, we’d additionally advise all the time holding one thing heat and reflective in your automobile within the occasion you do must vacate your automobile and anticipate help by the roadside.”
