Colder climate typically triggers an increase in automobile breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving circumstances. And people automobiles which haven’t been nicely maintained over the summer season months are notably in danger throughout harsher climate circumstances.
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 might discover themselves on this scenario, the consultants 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, it’s good 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 is no such thing as a onerous shoulder, resembling on a sensible motorway, it is 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 all these, it is best to head as far left as attainable.
2. Exit your automobile promptly
Upon getting made it to a secure place, cease the automobile after which go away the automobile promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, it is best to preserve your sidelights on and put on your brightest or most reflective clothes. When exiting the automobile, at all times attempt to go away by way of the passenger facet as that is typically the most secure possibility. Upon getting exited the automobile, climb over the protection barrier, and attempt to keep a secure distance away from any site visitors.
In case you have not been capable of get into the onerous shoulder, ERA or left lane then you shouldn’t exit the automobile.
Upon getting made it to a place the place you and your automobile are as secure as attainable, it’s good to 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, it’s good to contact 999, even you probably have made it to a secure place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automobile until completely important.
What to do when you break down someplace else?
When you break down someplace else, then there’ll almost definitely 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 automobile, whether it is secure to take action and stand behind a barrier or as distant 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 automobile. Nonetheless, you will need to do not forget that it is best to by no means do that on any form of motorway.
- Ring your breakdown firm as soon as it’s secure 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 Road Motors has commented:
“Figuring out what to do is essential on this kind of scenario. In case you have 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 deal with getting your self to a secure location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there might be a sure stage of damage that can’t be prevented. Nonetheless, we might suggest getting your automobile frequently 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 must vacate your automobile and look forward to help by the roadside.”
