Colder climate typically triggers an increase in automobile breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving situations. And people automobiles which haven’t been nicely maintained over the summer time months are significantly in danger throughout harsher climate situations.
In actual fact, 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 could discover themselves on this scenario, the specialists at Bristol Avenue 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 want to flip your hazards on to inform different highway customers that you could be be slowing down, transferring 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 exhausting 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 if you happen to break down. Should you can not attain considered one of these, it’s best to head as far left as doable.
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 through the passenger aspect as that is typically the most secure possibility. Upon getting exited the car, climb over the security barrier, and attempt to keep a protected distance away from any site visitors.
In case you have not been capable of get into the exhausting 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 doable, you want to contact your breakdown supplier or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
In case your automobile 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 automobile until completely important.
What to do if you happen to break down some other place?
Should you break down some other place, then there’ll most definitely be no exhausting 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 highway.
- 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 distant from the highway as you may get.
- Discover your triangle warning signal and place it 45m (roughly 60 paces) away from the rear finish of your car. Nevertheless, it is very important keep in mind that it’s best to by no means do that on any form 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 possibly can nonetheless name and ask for emergency help.
Calum Thomson, Aftersales Director at Bristol Avenue Motors has commented:
“Understanding what to do is necessary on this form of scenario. In case you have by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it could be a little bit 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 shall be a sure degree of damage that can’t be prevented. Nevertheless, we’d advocate getting your automobile recurrently serviced to assist determine any faults as early as doable to keep away from the probability of breaking down.
“And as we’re approaching winter, we’d additionally advise at all times protecting one thing heat and reflective in your automobile within the occasion you do should vacate your car and look forward to help by the roadside.”
