Nobody wants their holiday road trip ruined by a car breaking down. Getting stuck on a busy motorway or a quiet country road sounds awful but it doesn’t have to wreck your whole vacation. If you’re ready and know what to do, a breakdown can just be a small hiccup instead of a total disaster. You can get back on the road safely and quickly.
Preparing for long journeys
The best way to deal with a breakdown is to stop it from happening. Before you head out on a long drive it’s super important to check your car thoroughly. This means looking at your tyre pressure and tread, checking oil and coolant levels and making sure all your lights are working. For more detailed advice you can check out some tips for holiday road trip prep to make sure your car is in great shape.
You should also pack an emergency kit. Don’t forget a high-visibility jacket for everyone, a warning triangle, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit and a fully charged phone with a power bank. It’s also smart to bring extra water, snacks and blankets, especially if you have kids with you or if it’s cold. Thinking about these little things is a big part of preparing for a long road trip.
Initial steps during a breakdown
If your car does break down your first thought should be safety. Try to pull over as far left as you can, ideally onto the hard shoulder of a motorway or into a safe lay-by. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Once you’ve stopped, get everyone out of the car on the side away from traffic. Move to a safe spot, like behind a roadside barrier. It’s much safer to wait outside the car than inside. If it’s dark or hard to see, put on your high-visibility jackets. Only put out a warning triangle if you’re on a regular road and it’s safe, about 45 metres behind your car. Never use a warning triangle on a motorway.
Finding a reliable tow truck
Once everyone is safe, your next step is to get help. If you have breakdown cover, call your provider right away. If you don’t or if your policy doesn’t cover your situation, you’ll need to find help yourself. This can be the most stressful part especially if you’re somewhere new. Searching online for local services is a good start but you’ll want to find a reliable company. When you need a dependable tow truck, look for services with good reviews and clear prices so there are no surprises. Have your exact location ready, using a map app on your phone or by noting the nearest motorway marker post.
Insurance and recovery options
Having good breakdown insurance is a huge help. Before you travel check what your policy covers. Basic cover might just include roadside assistance where a mechanic tries to fix your car on the spot. More complete policies offer recovery, meaning your car will be towed to a garage, your home or your destination.
Some policies even help with onward travel like a rental car or a hotel stay overnight, which can be a lifesaver on a holiday. Make sure your cover works for all the places you’ll be travelling especially if you’re going abroad. Keep your policy number and the contact details for your provider saved in your phone and written down somewhere in the car.
Resuming your journey safely
After your car is fixed at the roadside or taken to a garage, take a moment before you continue your holiday. A breakdown can be pretty stressful and may have thrown off your itinerary, so make sure you feel calm and ready to drive again. If your car needed repairs, make sure you get the paperwork from the garage that shows what they did.
You might need to change your plans, especially if the breakdown caused a big delay. Be realistic about how much further you can safely drive that day. It might be better to find a nearby hotel for the night and continue your journey feeling fresh in the morning instead of pushing on when you’re tired and stressed.
A breakdown is never fun but with a little planning and a calm approach it doesn’t have to ruin your holiday.
Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
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