Colder climate usually triggers an increase in automobile breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving situations. And people autos which haven’t been nicely maintained over the summer time months are significantly in danger throughout harsher climate situations.
In truth, 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 state of affairs, the specialists 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 highway customers that you could be be slowing down, shifting lanes or stopping.
If you happen to 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 onerous shoulder, comparable 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. If you happen to can’t attain certainly one of these, it is best to head as far left as attainable.
2. Exit your car promptly
Upon getting made it to a protected place, cease the automobile 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 automobile, all the time attempt to go away through the passenger aspect as that is typically the most secure possibility. Upon getting exited the car, climb over the protection barrier, and attempt to keep a protected distance away from any visitors.
In case you have not been in a position to get into the onerous shoulder, ERA or left lane then you shouldn’t exit the car.
Upon getting made it to a place the place you and your car are as protected as attainable, it’s good to contact your breakdown supplier or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
In case your automobile is in any of the stay lanes on a motorway, it’s good to contact 999, even when you’ve got made it to a protected place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automobile until completely important.
What to do for those who break down some place else?
If you happen to break down some place else, then there’ll almost certainly be no onerous 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 protected 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. Nevertheless, you will need to keep in mind that it is best to by no means do that on any type of motorway.
- Ring your breakdown firm as soon as it’s protected 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 necessary on this form of state of affairs. In case you have by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it might be just a little scary. The primary factor to recollect is to not panic and give attention to getting your self to a protected location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there might be a sure degree of wear and tear that can not be prevented. Nevertheless, we’d suggest getting your automobile frequently serviced to assist determine any faults as early as attainable to keep away from the chance of breaking down.
“And as we’re approaching winter, we’d additionally advise all the time maintaining one thing heat and reflective in your automobile within the occasion you do need to vacate your car and look ahead to help by the roadside.”
