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 season months are significantly in danger throughout harsher climate circumstances.
Actually, 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 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 might be conscious that your automobile is breaking down, you should flip your hazards on to inform different highway 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 highway customers.
If there isn’t a arduous shoulder, corresponding to 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 in the event you break down. When you can’t attain one among these, it is best to head as far left as doable.
2. Exit your car promptly
Upon getting made it to a secure place, cease the automobile after which depart the car promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, it is best to hold your sidelights on and put on your brightest or most reflective clothes. When exiting the automobile, all the time attempt to depart through the passenger facet as that is typically the most secure choice. Upon getting exited the car, climb over the protection barrier, and attempt to keep a secure distance away from any visitors.
In case you have not been capable of get into the arduous 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 secure as doable, 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 when you’ve got made it to a secure place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automobile except completely important.
What to do in the event you break down elsewhere?
When you break down elsewhere, then there’ll most probably be no arduous shoulder, so the steps differ barely.
- Pull over in the event you can, for instance right into a lay-by or onto a quieter facet highway.
- Flip in your hazard lights to point to different drivers that you’re there.
- Exit your car, whether it is secure to take action and stand behind a barrier or as far-off 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, you will need to do not forget that it is best to by no means do that on any type of motorway.
- Ring your breakdown firm as soon as it’s secure to take action and allow them to know the place you might be. If you don’t pay for breakdown cowl, you’ll be able to nonetheless name and ask for emergency help.
Calum Thomson, Aftersales Director at Bristol Avenue Motors has commented:
“Figuring out what to do is necessary on this type 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 deal with getting your self to a secure location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there can be a sure stage of wear and tear that can not be prevented. Nevertheless, we might suggest getting your automobile repeatedly serviced to assist establish any faults as early as doable to keep away from the chance of breaking down.
“And as we’re approaching winter, we might additionally advise all the time protecting one thing heat and reflective in your automobile within the occasion you do should vacate your car and look ahead to help by the roadside.”
