Colder climate typically triggers an increase in automotive breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving situations. And people automobiles which haven’t been nicely maintained over the summer time 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 might discover themselves on this state of affairs, the specialists at Bristol Avenue 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 might be conscious that your automotive is breaking down, you want to 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 is no such thing as 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 for those who break down. When you can not attain one among these, it is best to head as far left as potential.
2. Exit your car promptly
After you have made it to a secure place, cease the automotive after which go away 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 automotive, at all times attempt to go away through the passenger aspect as that is usually the most secure possibility. After you have exited the car, climb over the protection 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 arduous 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, you want 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, you want to contact 999, even when you have made it to a secure place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automotive until completely important.
What to do for those who break down some place else?
When you break down some place else, then there’ll almost definitely be no arduous shoulder, so the steps differ barely.
- Pull over for those who can, for instance right into a lay-by or onto a quieter aspect 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 distant 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. Nonetheless, it is very important 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 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 kind of state of affairs. You probably have by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it might be somewhat 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 stage of wear and tear that can not be prevented. Nonetheless, we might advocate getting your automotive repeatedly serviced to assist determine any faults as early as potential to keep away from the chance of breaking down.
“And as we’re approaching winter, we might additionally advise at all times preserving one thing heat and reflective in your automotive within the occasion you do should vacate your car and anticipate help by the roadside.”
