Colder climate usually triggers an increase in automobile breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving circumstances. And people automobiles which haven’t been effectively maintained over the summer season months are significantly in danger throughout harsher climate circumstances.
The truth is, 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 could 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’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.
Should 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 isn’t a exhausting shoulder, resembling on a wise motorway, you need 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 if you happen to break down. Should you can not attain one in all these, you need to head as far left as potential.
2. Exit your car promptly
After you have made it to a secure place, cease the automobile after which depart the car promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, you need to maintain 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 aspect as that is typically the most secure choice. After you have exited the car, climb over the security barrier, and attempt to keep a secure distance away from any site visitors.
You probably have not been in a position to get into the exhausting shoulder, ERA or left lane then you shouldn’t exit the car.
After you have made it to a place the place you and your car are as secure as potential, it’s good to contact your breakdown supplier or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
In case your automobile is in any of the reside lanes on a motorway, it’s good to contact 999, even when you have made it to a secure place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automobile until completely important.
What to do if you happen to break down some other place?
Should you break down some other place, then there’ll more than likely be no exhausting shoulder, so the steps differ barely.
- Pull over if you happen to can, for instance right into a lay-by or onto a quieter aspect street.
- 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 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 car. Nonetheless, you will need to do not forget that you need 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 Avenue Motors has commented:
“Realizing what to do is vital on this form of scenario. You probably have by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it might be a bit of scary. The primary factor to recollect is to not panic and give attention to getting your self to a secure location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there shall be a sure degree of wear and tear that can’t be prevented. Nonetheless, we’d suggest getting your automobile repeatedly serviced to assist establish any faults as early as potential to keep away from the chance of breaking down.
“And as we’re approaching winter, we’d additionally advise all the time retaining one thing heat and reflective in your automobile within the occasion you do must vacate your car and look forward to help by the roadside.”
