What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Road
The first steps when your car stops running
When your car breaks down, your immediate goal is to get yourself and your passengers to safety, then figure out how to move the vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights, steer to the shoulder or a safe spot away from traffic, and turn off the engine. If you are on a highway or in heavy traffic, stay inside the car with your seatbelt on unless you are in immediate danger — being hit by passing traffic is more dangerous than waiting for help.
Once you are stopped safely, turn on your hazard lights if they are not already on. If it is dark, turn on your headlights as well. Open your hood to signal that you need help, but only if you can do so safely from inside or from the passenger side away from traffic. If you have reflective triangles or flares, place them behind your car at least 100 feet back to warn other drivers.
Do not attempt to fix the car yourself on the roadside unless it is something simple like a loose gas cap or a clearly disconnected hose. Most breakdowns involve problems you cannot safely diagnose or repair without proper tools and a safe workspace.
Key Takeaways
- Move your car to the shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and stay inside with your seatbelt on unless you are in immediate danger from fire or fumes.
- Call for roadside help — either your insurance company's roadside service, your car's roadside assistance program, or a towing company — before you try to fix anything yourself.
- Have your location, vehicle information, and insurance details ready when you call, and stay on the line until help arrives if you feel unsafe.
- If you cannot reach anyone or help is delayed, contact local police for a welfare check, especially if it is night, you are alone, or you are in an unfamiliar area.
- Keep a basic emergency kit in your car with jumper cables, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a blanket so you have options while you wait.
Calling for help: who to contact first
Your first call should be to whoever provides your roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance through your auto insurance, call the number on your insurance card — it is usually a dedicated line that answers faster than the main customer service number. If your car is newer, check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for a built-in roadside service program (many car makers include this for the first few years of ownership). If you belong to an auto club like AAA, call their roadside number.
If you do not have any of those, search online for "towing near me" or call a local towing company directly. Ask for the cost upfront — towing rates vary widely by location and distance, typically ranging from $50 to $150 for a short haul, with longer distances costing more. Some towing companies charge by the mile after the first few miles included in the base fee.
When you call, have ready: your location (use your phone's GPS or a nearby street sign), your vehicle's year, make, model, and license plate, what happened (engine won't start, strange noise, smoke, etc.), and whether anyone is injured. Tell the dispatcher if you need to stay with the car or if you can wait somewhere safer nearby.
What information you will need to provide
Roadside services and towing companies ask for the same core details every time. Write these down or have them in your phone before you need them: your full name, phone number, the vehicle identification number (VIN — on your dashboard or insurance card), your insurance policy number if you are using insurance roadside service, and your current location.
Describe what is happening with the car in simple terms: "Engine won't turn over," "Car is overheating," "Flat tire," "Dead battery," or "Smoke coming from under the hood." Do not guess at the cause. If you do not know what is wrong, say that. The dispatcher will ask follow-up questions to narrow it down.
If you are using your insurance's roadside service, have your policy number ready. If you are calling a tow company directly, ask whether they accept your insurance's roadside benefit (many do, and your insurance may cover part or all of the cost). Some insurance policies cover towing up to a certain distance; knowing your limit before you call helps you understand what you will owe.
Staying safe while you wait for help
Lock your doors and stay inside your vehicle unless you are certain it is safer to get out. If you are on a busy road, do not stand near traffic or behind your car. If you feel unsafe — if someone approaches you, if traffic is extremely close, or if you are alone in an unfamiliar area — call 911 and tell the dispatcher you need a police welfare check while waiting for roadside help.
If your car is smoking or you smell gas or burning rubber, turn off the engine and get out and away from the vehicle immediately. Move at least 100 feet away and call 911. Do not re-enter the car until emergency responders tell you it is safe.
Keep your phone charged and stay on the line with the dispatcher or roadside service if they ask you to. If your phone battery is low, ask for an estimated arrival time and let them know you may need to hang up to preserve battery. Many roadside services can track your location even if you disconnect, but confirm this before you hang up.
Common reasons cars break down and what to expect
A dead battery is the most common roadside breakdown. If you have jumper cables and another car pulls over to help, you can try a jump start. If that works, drive directly to a mechanic or auto parts store to have the battery tested — do not ignore it and hope it was a fluke. If you do not have cables or no one stops, a tow truck can jump-start you on the spot, or tow you to a repair shop.
A flat tire can often be changed by the roadside if you have a spare, a jack, and a lug wrench (all should be in your trunk). If you are uncomfortable doing this, do not attempt it in traffic — call for a tow. If your spare is flat or missing, you will need a tow to a tire shop. Some insurance roadside services include tire changes; check your policy.
An overheating engine means you should turn off the engine and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before attempting to restart it. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot — you can be burned by steam. If the engine will not cool down or overheats again shortly after restarting, call for a tow. This usually signals a leak or a failed thermostat.
If your engine will not start and a jump start does not work, or if you hear grinding, clicking, or no sound at all, you likely need a tow to a mechanic. Starter failure, alternator problems, and fuel pump issues cannot be diagnosed or fixed roadside.
What happens after the tow truck arrives
The tow operator will ask you to point out any damage to your car and may ask you to sign a work order. Read it before you sign — it should list the tow destination, the estimated cost, and any damage they note. If you did not discuss the cost beforehand, ask now before they hook up your car.
You can ride in the tow truck to the repair shop, or arrange to be dropped at a nearby location. Ask the operator where they are taking your car and get a phone number for the shop. If you are using roadside assistance through your insurance, the operator may have already contacted the shop on your behalf.
Once at the shop, do not authorize any repairs beyond the diagnostic until you understand what is wrong and what it will cost. Many shops will do a free or low-cost diagnostic, then call you with a quote. If the quote is high or you are unsure, you can take your car to another shop for a second opinion — you are not obligated to use the first shop the tow truck took you to.
Building a breakdown kit for your car
Keep these items in your car so you have options if you break down: jumper cables or a portable jump starter (easier and safer than cables), a flashlight with extra batteries, a phone charger (car charger and a portable battery pack), a blanket or emergency blanket, a basic tool kit with pliers and a screwdriver, a tire pressure gauge, and a can of tire sealant or a plug kit for small punctures.
Add a reflective vest or reflective triangles so you are visible to other drivers if you need to stand outside your car. Include a bottle of water, a roll of paper towels, and a rag. If you live in a cold climate, keep an ice scraper, sand or kitty litter for traction, and extra blankets. In hot climates, keep extra water and sunscreen.
These items will not prevent a breakdown, but they give you ways to handle minor problems yourself and stay more comfortable while waiting for help. Check your kit twice a year and replace anything that has expired or been used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call the police if my car breaks down?
Call 911 only if you are in immediate danger — fire, smoke, fumes, or an unsafe location where you cannot wait safely. For a routine breakdown, call roadside assistance or a towing company. If you are stranded and cannot reach anyone, or if it is night and you feel unsafe, calling 911 for a welfare check is appropriate; the dispatcher can send an officer to stay with you until help arrives.
What if I break down in the middle of the highway?
Turn on your hazard lights immediately and steer to the shoulder as far from traffic as possible. Stay in your car with your seatbelt on. Call for roadside help right away and tell them you are on a highway — they will prioritize you. Do not attempt to walk to a gas station or call box; stay with your vehicle where help can find you.
Am I responsible for the full towing cost if I use my insurance roadside service?
Most insurance roadside services cover the full cost of towing up to a certain distance — often 5 to 100 miles depending on your policy. Check your insurance documents or call your agent to learn your coverage limit. If the tow exceeds that distance, you pay the difference. If you do not have roadside coverage, you pay the full towing cost.
What should I do if the tow truck charges more than the quote I was given?
Ask the operator to explain the difference before you pay. Some shops charge extra for after-hours service, long-distance tows, or vehicle size. If the charge seems unreasonable, ask for an itemized receipt and contact your insurance company if you used roadside assistance — they may dispute the charge on your behalf.
Can I leave my car at the repair shop overnight if I cannot afford the repair right away?
Yes, most shops will store your car for a few days at no charge while you arrange payment or get a second opinion. Ask the shop manager how long you can leave it and whether there are any storage fees after that period. Get the shop's hours and a direct phone number so you can check on your car's status.