Colder climate typically triggers an increase in automotive breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving situations. And people automobiles which haven’t been nicely maintained over the summer season months are notably in danger throughout harsher climate situations.
In actual fact, searches for for ‘automotive 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 consultants at Bristol Avenue Motors have shared what to do in case your automotive breaks down.
What to do in case your automotive breaks down on a motorway:
1. Head left
The very first thing to do is stay calm. As quickly as you’re conscious that your automotive is breaking down, you want to flip your hazards on to inform different street customers that you could be be slowing down, transferring lanes or stopping.
In the event 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 street customers.
If there isn’t a onerous shoulder, comparable to on a wise 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 for those who break down. In the event you can not attain certainly one of these, it is best to head as far left as doable.
2. Exit your car promptly
After you have made it to a secure place, cease the automotive 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 automotive, all the time attempt to go away by way of the passenger facet as that is usually the most secure possibility. After you have exited the car, climb over the security barrier, and attempt to keep a secure distance away from any visitors.
If in case you have not been capable of get into the onerous shoulder, ERA or left lane then you shouldn’t exit the car.
After you have made it to a place the place you and your car are as secure as doable, you want to contact your breakdown supplier or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
In case your automotive is in any of the reside lanes on a motorway, you want to contact 999, even in case you have made it to a secure place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automotive except completely important.
What to do for those who break down some other place?
In the event you break down some other place, then there’ll most definitely 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 facet 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, you will need to keep in mind that it is best to by no means do that on any form of motorway.
- Ring your breakdown firm as soon as it’s secure to take action and allow them to know the place you’re. 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 Avenue Motors has commented:
“Understanding what to do is vital on this form of state of affairs. If in case 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 might be a sure degree of damage that can not be prevented. Nonetheless, we’d suggest getting your automotive recurrently serviced to assist determine any faults as early as doable to keep away from the chance of breaking down.
“And as we’re approaching winter, we’d additionally advise all the time preserving one thing heat and reflective in your automotive within the occasion you do need to vacate your car and look forward to help by the roadside.”
