Colder climate usually triggers an increase in automobile breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving circumstances. And people autos which haven’t been nicely maintained over the summer time months are notably in danger throughout harsher climate circumstances.
The truth is, 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’re conscious that your automobile is breaking down, you should 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 a laborious shoulder, resembling on a sensible 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 if you happen to break down. When you can not attain certainly one of these, it’s best to head as far left as attainable.
2. Exit your car promptly
Upon getting made it to a protected place, cease the automobile after which depart the car promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, it’s best to maintain your sidelights on and put on your brightest or most reflective clothes. When exiting the automobile, at all times attempt to depart by way of the passenger aspect as that is usually the most secure possibility. Upon getting exited the car, climb over the protection barrier, and attempt to keep a protected distance away from any site visitors.
When you’ve got not been capable of get into the laborious shoulder, ERA or left lane then you shouldn’t exit the car.
Upon getting made it to a place the place you and your car are as protected as attainable, you should 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 should contact 999, even in case you have made it to a protected place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automobile until completely important.
What to do if you happen to break down some place else?
When you break down some place else, then there’ll more than likely 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 protected to take action and stand behind a barrier or as far-off from the street as you may 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 do not forget 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:
“Understanding what to do is essential on this type of state of affairs. When you’ve got by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it might be somewhat scary. The primary factor to recollect is to not panic and give attention to getting your self to a protected location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there might be a sure degree of damage that can’t be prevented. Nonetheless, we might advocate getting your automobile usually 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 might additionally advise at all times retaining one thing heat and reflective in your automobile within the occasion you do should vacate your car and await help by the roadside.”
