1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do when your vehicle breaks down is to stay calm and quickly assess the situation. Panic can make it harder to think clearly and respond appropriately.

What to Do Next:

• Pay attention to any warning signs from your vehicle, such as dashboard warning lights or strange noises.
• Determine if you can safely continue driving to an exit or need to pull over immediately.
• Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation.

Remaining calm will help you make rational decisions and keep yourself and your passengers safe.

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2. Safely Pull Over to the Right Shoulder

If possible, steer your vehicle to the right shoulder or a designated emergency stopping area. The farther you can get from moving traffic, the safer you will be.

Steps to Take:

• Gradually reduce your speed and use your turn signal to indicate your movement to other drivers.
• Avoid stopping on curves or hills where visibility is limited.
• If an exit is nearby and your vehicle is still operable, take it to a safer location off the highway.

If pulling over to the right is not an option, such as in heavy traffic or an unsafe area, stay in your vehicle with hazard lights on and call for help immediately.

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3. Turn On Hazard Lights and Stay Visible

Once you’ve safely pulled over, turn on your hazard lights to make your vehicle visible to other drivers. This is a critical step to prevent accidents and inform approaching traffic that you need assistance.

Additional Tips for Visibility:

• Use reflective triangles or flares if you have them in your emergency kit.
• Keep your headlights on if it’s dark or raining.
• If you must exit the vehicle, do so on the side away from traffic.

Staying visible significantly reduces the risk of collisions, especially in low-light conditions.

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4. Stay Inside Your Vehicle If It’s Safe

If you’re on a busy highway, it’s generally safer to remain inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened while waiting for help. Exiting your vehicle near speeding traffic can be extremely dangerous.

When to Exit Your Vehicle:

• If your car is smoking or you smell fuel, evacuate immediately and move to a safe location.
• If you need to place warning devices, stay alert to passing traffic and avoid standing near the road.
• If it is safe to do so, stand behind guardrails or barriers for added protection.

Your personal safety should always come first, so assess the situation carefully.

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5. Call for Roadside Assistance or Emergency Services

After ensuring your safety, contact roadside assistance or emergency services for help. If you’re unsure what should I do if my vehicle breaks down on the highway, professional help is the best course of action.

Who to Call:

• Roadside Assistance: Services like AAA or your insurance provider’s assistance plan can help with towing, flat tires, or battery jumps.
• Highway Patrol: Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger or obstructing traffic.
• A Towing Service: If you don’t have roadside assistance, search for a nearby towing company.

Providing your exact location and a clear description of the issue will speed up the response time.

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6. Communicate Your Location Clearly

When calling for assistance, it’s important to provide accurate details about your location to help responders reach you quickly.

How to Share Your Location:

• Look for mile markers, exit signs, or nearby landmarks.
• Use your phone’s GPS to pinpoint your exact coordinates.
• Describe any distinctive features, such as overhead signs or rest areas.

The more precise you are with your location, the faster help will arrive.

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7. Attempt Minor Repairs Only If It’s Safe

If you’re knowledgeable about basic car maintenance and it’s safe, you might attempt minor repairs such as changing a flat tire or restarting a stalled engine. However, never compromise your safety to fix your vehicle.

Safe Situations to Perform Repairs:

• If you’re far enough from moving traffic.
• If you have the necessary tools and know-how.
• If the issue is minor and quickly fixable, such as a loose battery connection.

If you’re unsure about the problem, it’s best to wait for professional help to avoid further damage.

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8. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Future Breakdowns

Being prepared for unexpected breakdowns can make a significant difference. Keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle ensures you’re ready for various situations.

Essential Items for Your Kit:

• Reflective triangles or flares for visibility.
• A flashlight with extra batteries.
• A first-aid kit for medical emergencies.
• Jumper cables and a tire repair kit.
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks.

Having these items on hand can provide peace of mind during a breakdown.

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9. Know Your Insurance and Roadside Assistance Options

Before experiencing a breakdown, familiarize yourself with your auto insurance policy and roadside assistance options. Many insurance providers offer emergency towing and repairs as part of their coverage.

Things to Check in Your Policy:

• Whether towing is included and the coverage limit.
• Which roadside services are available (fuel delivery, jump starts, etc.).
• Contact numbers for emergency services.

Being informed ahead of time can help you act quickly in a breakdown scenario.

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10. Prevent Future Breakdowns with Regular Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid breakdowns in the first place. Routine vehicle checks and servicing can help detect potential issues before they escalate.

Key Maintenance Tasks:

• Regular oil changes and fluid top-ups.
• Tire pressure and tread checks.
• Battery health inspections.
• Brake system evaluations.

A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to experience sudden breakdowns, keeping you safer on the road.

What Should I Do If My Vehicle Breaks Down on the Highway?

Knowing what to do if your vehicle breaks down on the highway is essential for every driver. By staying calm, pulling over safely, and contacting the right assistance, you can handle the situation effectively and minimize risks.

Remember, your safety is the top priority. Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or a major breakdown, taking the right steps can make all the difference. Stay prepared, drive cautiously, and always have an emergency plan in place.