What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Road

Posted on Feb. 27th, 2025

There’s nothing worse than cruising down the road when suddenly—bam!—your car gives out. Whether it’s a dead battery, a flat tire, or something more serious, breaking down is stressful and often happens at the most inconvenient times. But before you panic, take a breath. There are steps you can take to stay safe, assess the situation, and get help quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if your car decides to call it quits. From pulling over safely to figuring out if you need a tow, we’ll make sure you’re prepared for whatever the road throws your way.

Get to a Safe Spot

The moment you notice something’s wrong with your car, your first priority is safety. If your engine sputters, your tire blows out, or warning lights start flashing, don’t slam on the brakes. Instead, ease off the accelerator and start looking for a safe place to pull over. Ideally, you want to get as far off the road as possible, preferably on a wide shoulder or into a parking lot. If you’re on a highway, aim for an exit if you can reach one safely. The goal is to avoid stopping in a dangerous spot where passing traffic could be a hazard.

Once you’ve stopped, turn your wheels away from the road and activate your hazard lights immediately. This alerts other drivers that your vehicle isn’t moving and helps prevent accidents. If it’s nighttime or visibility is low, consider turning on your interior light as well. Stay inside your car unless it’s unsafe to do so, especially if you’re on a busy road. If you must get out, exit from the side away from traffic and move to a safe distance.

Assess the Problem

After you’re safely off the road, it’s time to figure out what’s wrong. Some car issues are obvious—if you have a flat tire, you’ll hear it thumping, and if your engine overheats, steam may start rising from under the hood. Other problems, like a dead battery or transmission failure, might not be so easy to diagnose. Take a moment to check for warning lights on your dashboard and listen for any unusual sounds. If your car still has power, try turning the ignition again to see if it responds differently.

While some breakdowns can be handled with a quick fix, others will require professional help. If you know how to safely change a tire or jumpstart your battery and have the necessary tools, you might be able to get back on the road yourself. However, if you’re unsure or the issue seems serious, it’s best to call for roadside assistance. Attempting a repair without the right knowledge could make the problem worse or put you in danger.

Make Yourself Visible

Once your car is parked safely, you want to ensure other drivers can see you clearly. This is especially important if you’ve broken down on a highway or at night. Turning on your hazard lights is a good start, but if you have roadside emergency tools like reflective triangles or flares, now’s the time to use them. Place them behind your car at a safe distance to give approaching vehicles enough warning to slow down.

If you don’t have reflective gear, popping the hood is another good way to signal that your car isn’t just parked but actually broken down. This is a universal sign that you need assistance and makes it easier for a tow truck or roadside service to spot you. The more visible you make yourself, the less likely another driver is to accidentally hit your vehicle while passing.

Call for Help

Once you’ve secured your car and assessed the issue, it’s time to reach out for assistance. If you have a roadside assistance membership, call them first and provide your location details. If not, your best bet is to call a local towing service, like Orlando’s Towing, that can quickly get you off the road and to a safe place. Be ready to describe your location as accurately as possible—highway mile markers, nearby exits, or landmarks can help responders find you faster.

When making the call, give them details about your vehicle’s condition. If your car won’t start, tell them if it makes any noise when you turn the key. If you have a flat tire, let them know if you have a spare. The more information you provide, the better prepared they’ll be to help you. While you wait, stay inside your car with the doors locked, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area.

Stay Alert While Waiting

Being stranded on the side of the road can make you feel vulnerable, so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on approaching traffic and avoid standing too close to the roadway. If anyone stops to offer help, be cautious—while most people mean well, it’s safer to wait for professional assistance rather than accept help from strangers.

If your phone has enough battery, keep it handy and check for updates from the tow service or roadside assistance provider. If your battery is low, conserve power by limiting calls and texts until help arrives. Your priority is staying safe while waiting for a solution.

Know When to Accept a Tow

Some car issues can be fixed on the spot, but others require a tow to a repair shop. If your car won’t start after a jump, has significant damage, or isn’t safe to drive, don’t risk pushing it further—get it towed. A professional towing service will transport your vehicle safely and prevent further damage.

Driving a vehicle that’s not roadworthy can turn a minor issue into a major repair bill. If your check engine light is flashing, your brakes feel unresponsive, or you hear strange grinding noises, it’s best to let a tow truck take care of it. It may cost a little upfront, but it could save you from an even bigger headache down the road.

Be Prepared for the Future

While breakdowns are unpredictable, a little preparation can make them easier to handle. Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials like a flashlight, jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, and basic tools. Having these items on hand can help you tackle minor issues and stay comfortable while waiting for help.

Regular vehicle maintenance is the best way to avoid breakdowns altogether. Check your tire pressure, battery life, and fluid levels regularly. If your car has been acting up, don’t ignore the warning signs—getting a small issue checked out now can prevent a major problem later.

Breaking down on the road is never fun, but knowing what to do can make a stressful situation much more manageable. Staying calm, getting to a safe location, assessing the problem, and calling for the right help can keep you safe and get you back on the road faster. If you ever find yourself stranded in Gainesville, GA, Orlando’s Towing is ready to assist with towing, roadside help, jumpstarts, lockouts, and more. Call us at (678) 749-6073, and we’ll get you moving again in no time!