Colder climate usually triggers an increase in automotive breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving circumstances. And people automobiles which haven’t been effectively maintained over the summer season months are significantly in danger throughout harsher climate circumstances.
In truth, 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 could discover themselves on this scenario, the consultants at Bristol Road 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.
When 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 any onerous shoulder, similar to on a wise motorway, it’s 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 when you break down. When you can’t attain one in every of these, it’s best to head as far left as attainable.
2. Exit your car promptly
After getting made it to a protected place, cease the automotive after which go away the car promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, it’s best to hold your sidelights on and put on your brightest or most reflective clothes. When exiting the automotive, at all times attempt to go away through the passenger facet as that is typically the most secure possibility. After getting exited the car, climb over the security barrier, and attempt to keep a protected distance away from any visitors.
When you’ve got not been in a position to get into the onerous 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 protected as attainable, 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 protected place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automotive except completely important.
What to do when you break down elsewhere?
When you break down elsewhere, then there’ll most certainly be no onerous shoulder, so the steps differ barely.
- Pull over when you 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 protected to take action and stand behind a barrier or as far-off 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’s best to by no means do that on any type of motorway.
- Ring your breakdown firm as soon as it’s protected to take action and allow them to know the place you’re. 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 essential on this kind of scenario. When you’ve got by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it could be a bit of scary. The primary factor to recollect is to not panic and concentrate on getting your self to a protected location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there will likely be a sure degree of damage that can not be prevented. Nonetheless, we’d advocate getting your automotive recurrently serviced to assist determine 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 at all times maintaining one thing heat and reflective in your automotive within the occasion you do should vacate your car and await help by the roadside.”
