What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Motorway

A breakdown on a motorway is a different situation to breaking down on a quiet side street. Traffic is faster, there's less room to manoeuvre, and the priority shifts from fixing the problem to getting yourself and your passengers somewhere safe. This guide covers what to do in the first few minutes, and when to call for recovery.

1. Get Off the Live Lanes if You Safely Can

If your vehicle is losing power, try to move across to the hard shoulder or, better still, the next exit or a service station, using your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Only do this if it's safe — never risk crossing lanes in a vehicle that's hard to control.

2. Get Out of the Vehicle Safely

On the hard shoulder, exit from the passenger side where possible and move behind the safety barrier if there is one, well away from the carriageway. Keep children and pets with you. If you're stuck in a live lane and can't get out safely, stay belted in with your hazard lights on and call 999 immediately.

3. Call for Help

On a motorway, use the nearest emergency roadside telephone (SOS phone) if there is one, or call from a mobile once you’re in a safe position. Once you’re safe, call FSR Recovery Group with your exact location — the number on the marker post nearest to you is the fastest way to tell us where you are.

4. What Happens Next

Depending on what’s happened, we’ll talk you through the right next step. A flat battery or a problem that can be dealt with at the roadside may only need roadside assistance. If the vehicle can’t safely continue, we’ll arrange breakdown recovery to a garage, your home, or another agreed destination. If the breakdown followed a collision, our accident recovery service can help instead.

Quick Checklist for a Motorway Breakdown

• Hazard lights on as soon as you notice a problem.
• Move to the hard shoulder or next exit only if it's safe to do so.
• Exit the vehicle from the passenger side and stand behind any barrier.
• Keep everyone together, away from moving traffic.
• Call for help and give your exact location, including the nearest marker post if you can see one.

FSR Recovery Group provides 24/7 recovery across Darlington, County Durham and North Yorkshire, including motorway sections within our coverage area. Wherever you’ve broken down, tell us your situation and we’ll confirm the right type of help.