Colder climate usually triggers an increase in automotive breakdowns, with rain and frost impacting driving situations. And people autos which haven’t been properly maintained over the summer season months are significantly in danger throughout harsher climate situations.
In reality, 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 could discover themselves on this scenario, 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’re conscious that your automotive is breaking down, that you must flip your hazards on to inform different highway customers that you could be be slowing down, shifting lanes or stopping.
For those who 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 isn’t any onerous shoulder, corresponding to on a wise motorway, you need 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 in case you break down. For those who can’t attain one in all these, you need to head as far left as potential.
2. Exit your automobile promptly
Upon getting made it to a protected place, cease the automotive after which go away the automobile promptly and safely.
If visibility is low, you need to preserve your sidelights on and put on your brightest or most reflective clothes. When exiting the automotive, at all times attempt to go away by way of the passenger facet as that is typically the most secure choice. Upon getting exited the automobile, climb over the security barrier, and attempt to keep a protected distance away from any site 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 automobile.
Upon getting made it to a place the place you and your automobile are as protected as potential, that you must contact your breakdown supplier or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
In case your automotive is in any of the reside lanes on a motorway, that you must contact 999, even if in case you have made it to a protected place.
Then, whereas ready, don’t return to your automotive until completely important.
What to do in case you break down someplace else?
For those who break down someplace else, then there’ll most probably be no onerous shoulder, so the steps differ barely.
- Pull over in case you can, for instance right into a lay-by or onto a quieter facet highway.
- 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 highway as you will get.
- Discover your triangle warning signal and place it 45m (roughly 60 paces) away from the rear finish of your automobile. Nonetheless, it is very important do not forget that you need 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:
“Understanding what to do is essential on this kind of scenario. 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 concentrate on getting your self to a protected location earlier than calling for help.
“Sadly, over time there can be a sure stage of wear and tear that can’t be prevented. Nonetheless, we might advocate getting your automotive recurrently serviced to assist establish 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 need to vacate your automobile and look ahead to help by the roadside.”
