When your car breaks down on the highway in the UK—whether you’re on the M25, M1, or a rural A-road—it’s easy to panic. But staying calm and taking the right steps can make a huge difference. This guide walks UK drivers through what to do in a motorway or dual carriageway breakdown situation, how to stay safe, and how our 24/7 towing service can help you get back on track fast.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to do when your car breaks down on the highway is to remain calm. Panic leads to poor decisions. Whether you notice smoke from the engine, a flat tyre, strange noises, or sudden loss of power, focus on keeping control of your vehicle.
If possible, steer it to the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area (ERA) if you’re on a smart motorway. Avoid sudden braking, and make smooth manoeuvres. Turn on your hazard warning lights immediately to alert other drivers.
Understanding what caused the breakdown—overheating, battery failure, fuel issues—can help when you call for assistance.
2. Get to Safety and Secure the Scene
When your car breaks down on the highway, safety should be your top priority. Move your vehicle as far from traffic as possible—preferably the hard shoulder or an emergency lay-by. Never stop around bends, junctions, or hills where visibility is poor.
Once stopped, switch on your hazard lights and set up a warning triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your vehicle—if it’s safe to do so and you’re not on a motorway (warning triangles should not be used on motorways in the UK).
Exit your vehicle from the left-hand side, and wait behind a safety barrier if one is available. Keep pets inside the car unless there’s an emergency.
If your car can’t be moved or you’re in a live lane on a smart motorway, call 999 immediately. Then contact a 24/7 towing service.
3. Communicate and Call for Help
Now that you’re safe, it’s time to call for assistance. If you’re in immediate danger or stopped in a live motorway lane, dial 999. Then call a reliable 24/7 UK-based towing service for breakdown recovery.
Use the nearest motorway marker post or emergency roadside phone to pinpoint your location, or use a mapping app on your phone. This ensures roadside or towing services can find you faster.
Why Choose Our 24/7 Towing Service? We respond quickly across the UK, from London to Leeds. Whether your car breaks down on the highway during rush hour or in the middle of the night, we’re here to help with professional, nationwide towing and recovery.
4. Know What Not to Do
It’s just as important to know what not to do when your car breaks down on the highway:
- Don’t attempt major roadside repairs.
- Don’t stand near traffic or on the carriageway.
- Don’t exit the vehicle from the right-hand side unless in an emergency.
- Don’t accept help from strangers unless they’re in a marked emergency or breakdown vehicle.
Following these safety precautions can protect both you and your passengers.
5. Prepare for Next Time — Stay Road-Ready
Breakdowns can happen to anyone. Here’s how to be prepared next time your car breaks down on the highway:
- Carry a UK-compliant emergency kit: torch, first-aid kit, warning triangle, reflective jacket, power bank, basic tools.
- Stick to your car’s servicing schedule.
- Save our 24/7 towing service number on your phone or in your vehicle’s glovebox.
- Consider joining a UK roadside assistance programme.
Preparedness can turn a stressful breakdown into a manageable inconvenience.
Save Our Number Before You Need It If your car breaks down on the highway in the UK, don’t waste time searching—call the professionals. Our UK-based 24/7 towing service is fast, reliable, and available whenever and wherever you need us.
Call: [+44 1 633 603050] | Request Assistance
Stay safe, stay prepared, and know that help is just a call away.