What Happens when Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway?
Call Now: (800) 719-9972

What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down on the Freeway

By 8  am on

Posts

Experiencing a car breakdown on the highway is one of the most stressful experiences you can have as a driver. With other cars zooming by, your safety is at risk. Maintaining your vehicle can prevent many mechanical breakdowns, but it’s still important to know how to handle an unexpected roadside emergency.

Turn on the Hazard Lights

One of the biggest dangers that exists during a roadside emergency is that other drivers might not anticipate you suddenly slowing down. Try to turn on the hazard lights as soon as possible to alert people around you that your vehicle is having a problem. Then leave the hazards on once you’ve arrived at a safe place to stop. After you’re stopped in a safe place, you might take additional steps to increase the visibility of your vehicle, such as using flares or triangle reflectors behind your car.

Steer to the Safest Shoulder of the Road

In an ideal scenario, your vehicle would be drivable enough to exit the highway and find a safer place to stop. But some roadside emergencies require using your car’s momentum to get to the safest place on the shoulder of the freeway. In most cases, this will involve steering to the right side of the highway, but there are some scenarios where the left side is safer. Use your best judgment to find the safest place to stop.

Engage the Emergency Brake

Once you’ve pulled over, you’ll want to use the emergency or parking brake to ensure your vehicle stays in place. This is especially important if you’re parked on a slope or driving in inclement weather conditions. If you have the ability, parking on a flat part of the shoulder provides the safest way to keep your car from moving.

Take Note of Your Location & Call for Help

After you stop, you’ll want to take note of your current location. Usually, you can identify an exit number, mile marker, or nearby landmarks such as a rest stop or shopping center. You can share this information with the emergency services you contact for help. Depending on your situation, you might reach out for roadside assistance if it’s included in your auto insurance. San Diego drivers may want to contact a local tow service or the police. If you’re at a loss as to who to call, contacting emergency services using 911 can help you locate someone.

Maintain Your Safety while You Wait

Although it can be scary to have cars whizzing by, it’s typically best to remain in your vehicle while you wait for roadside assistance. As you do, remember to keep your seatbelt on. If you need to exit the car, do so from the side furthest from traffic. In some cases, this might mean sliding over to exit through the passenger door. If you must wait outside your car, you might also choose to move to the other side of the guardrail to protect your safety.

Breaking down on the road is never fun for anyone, and it can be extremely stressful and dangerous. If you break down while you’re driving, following these suggestions can make the experience a lot less nerve-racking. One of the most important things for any car owner is to make sure you’re covered by automobile insurance. You can trust Altra Insurance with all of your insurance needs, including motorcycle, homeowners, and car insurance National City. Call our friendly staff today to ask about our services or schedule an appointment.

Have Questions?

Ask What You Want

    Please prove you are human by selecting the car.

    or
    Call Us: For Free Consultation
    (800) 719-9972



    © 2025 Altra Insurance Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.