Colder climate usually triggers an increase in automotive breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving situations. And people automobiles which haven’t been properly maintained over the summer time months are significantly in danger throughout harsher climate situations.
In truth, 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 Road 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’re conscious that your automotive is breaking down, it’s essential to flip your hazards on to inform different street customers that you could be be slowing down, shifting lanes or stopping.
In case 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 any laborious shoulder, similar to on a wise motorway, it’s 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 when you break down. In case you can’t attain considered one of these, it’s best to head as far left as attainable.
2. Exit your automobile promptly
After getting made it to a protected place, cease the automotive after which depart the automobile promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, it’s best to hold your sidelights on and put on your brightest or most reflective clothes. When exiting the automotive, at all times attempt to depart by way of the passenger aspect as that is usually the most secure choice. After getting exited the automobile, climb over the protection barrier, and attempt to keep a protected distance away from any site visitors.
When you’ve got not been capable of get into the laborious shoulder, ERA or left lane then you shouldn’t exit the automobile.
After getting made it to a place the place you and your automobile are as protected as attainable, it’s essential 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, it’s essential to contact 999, even when you’ve got made it to a protected place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automotive except completely important.
What to do when you break down some place else?
In case you break down some place else, then there’ll most certainly be no laborious shoulder, so the steps differ barely.
- Pull over when you 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 automobile, whether it is protected to take action and stand behind a barrier or as far-off from the street as you will get.
- Discover your triangle warning signal and place it 45m (roughly 60 paces) away from the rear finish of your automobile. Nevertheless, you will need to keep in mind that it’s best to by no means do that on any form 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’ll be able to nonetheless name and ask for emergency help.
Calum Thomson, Aftersales Director at Bristol Road Motors has commented:
“Realizing what to do is necessary on this form of state of affairs. When you’ve got by no means skilled breaking down earlier than it could be slightly scary. The primary factor to recollect is to not panic and deal with getting your self to a protected location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there can be a sure degree of damage that can not be prevented. Nevertheless, we might suggest getting your automotive often serviced to assist establish any faults as early as attainable to keep away from the probability of breaking down.
“And as we’re approaching winter, we might additionally advise at all times holding one thing heat and reflective in your automotive within the occasion you do must vacate your automobile and look forward to help by the roadside.”
