Colder climate typically triggers an increase in automotive breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving situations. And people autos which haven’t been nicely maintained over the summer season months are notably in danger throughout harsher climate situations.
Actually, searches for for ‘automotive 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 Road Motors have shared what to do in case your automotive breaks down.
What to do in case your automotive 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 automotive is breaking down, it’s essential to flip your hazards on to inform different highway customers that you could be be slowing down, shifting lanes or stopping.
In the event 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 onerous shoulder, corresponding to on a wise motorway, you must attempt to head for the closest exit or an Emergency Refuge Space (ERA). These are roughly each 1.5 miles and can be utilized for those who break down. In the event you can not attain considered one of these, you must head as far left as attainable.
2. Exit your automobile promptly
After you have made it to a protected place, cease the automotive after which depart the automobile promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, you must preserve your sidelights on and put on your brightest or most reflective clothes. When exiting the automotive, all the time attempt to depart by way of the passenger facet as that is typically the most secure choice. After you have exited the automobile, climb over the security barrier, and attempt to keep a protected distance away from any site visitors.
When you’ve got not been in a position to get into the onerous shoulder, ERA or left lane then you shouldn’t exit the automobile.
After you have made it to a place the place you and your automobile are as protected as attainable, it’s essential to contact your breakdown supplier or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
In case your automotive is in any of the stay lanes on a motorway, it’s essential to contact 999, even in case you have made it to a protected place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automotive until completely important.
What to do for those who break down someplace else?
In the event you break down someplace else, then there’ll almost definitely be no onerous shoulder, so the steps differ barely.
- Pull over for those who 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 automobile, whether it is protected 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 automobile. Nevertheless, it is very important do not forget that you must by no means do that on any sort 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 may nonetheless name and ask for emergency help.
Calum Thomson, Aftersales Director at Bristol Road Motors has commented:
“Understanding what to do is essential on this kind of scenario. When you’ve got by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it might be a little bit scary. The primary factor to recollect is to not panic and give attention to getting your self to a protected location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there can be a sure stage of damage that can not be prevented. Nevertheless, we’d advocate getting your automotive recurrently 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’d additionally advise all the time maintaining one thing heat and reflective in your automotive within the occasion you do should vacate your automobile and watch for help by the roadside.”
