What Can You Do If Your Car Breaks Down On The Highway?

Home / Blogs
What Can You Do If Your Car Breaks Down On The Highway?

Having your car breakdown on the highway can be a stressful and scary experience. It’s not only dangerous for you because automobiles are coming at high speed from behind, but can also create panic.

Cars are not invincible objects, and they can break down anytime, anywhere. Even if you take the necessary precautions before heading out on the motorway, it can still cause problems. Therefore, you must know how to respond in such a situation.

Get Passengers Out Of The Car

The first safe thing you can do is to get everyone out of your car. Speedy vehicles are coming from behind, so you must carefully cross the road. Ensure not to get hit by anyone. If you have any pets and you can handle them, take them with you. Otherwise, leave them in the vehicle and take yourself to a safe place.

Take Your Safety Kit With You

Every car owner must have a safety kit in their car. This includes necessary tools, an extra tire, flashlight, water bottle, and more. Having a safety kit may help you solve your car’s problem yourself.

Also, keep some snacks and drinking water with you. You never know how long you may be there for and what the weather conditions may be like when your car breaks down.

Pull Over Your Car

After this, the driver should pull over the car to a safe place. A car breakdown depends on what type of problem your car is facing. If your vehicle allows, you should drive to an exit and a service area nearby.

If your vehicle is not in driving condition, you should drag it to the hard shoulder of the road, and switch on your hazard and fog lights to alert other drivers coming from behind.

Call For Help

You may not be able to solve your car’s problem. If you think that the problem with your car is more severe, you must immediately call for professional help. There are emergency numbers written on the motorways. Note them down before heading on your journey.

Your recipient would ask your location, car number, contact number, and name. Tell them your details and the problem with your car. If their service is good, they will come to help you soon.

Wait In A Safe Place

A wise thing you can do is to wait in a safe place. The situation could become worse if you are alone in a deserted place. Therefore, stay in your car and wait for the help to arrive. If you are a female, it is better to call the police even if you feel that there is no danger around.

Don’t Try To Fix Problem Yourself

Even if the problem with your car is not severe such as a flat tire, you should avoid fixing it yourself. Don’t depend on some DIY or YouTube videos while waiting for roadside assistance or a towing company. You can make the situation worse than what it was before.

Let Your People Know

It can be a hard and stressful time to deal with a car breakdown alone on the motorway. To be on the safe side of the situation, tell your family or any close friend about your situation. They might suggest a nearby mechanic or come to help you if you are near to them. Also, wear a safety vest if you have one to warn other drivers.

What Are The Common Causes Of A Car Breakdown?

Some common causes can be:

  • Faulty battery
  • Damaged tires
  • Clutch cables
  • Plugs
  • Alternator faults
  • Radiator problem
  • High-tension leads

How Can Action Towing Help?

Action Towing is an Edmonton based towing company helping people with car breakdowns. If you are stuck anywhere with your vehicle, you can give us a call, and we will be there to help you.

RECENT BLOGS

A place to come for news and updates about our services, our equipment, careers,
what we’ve been up to lately.

December 11, 2025

In Edmonton’s competitive business environment, companies depend on their fleets, equipment, and transport systems running without interruption. A single breakdown on an icy highway or a stalled truck at a busy worksite can lead to costly delays. That is why many organizations partner with commercial towing providers in Edmonton. This blog explains how 24/7 commercial… Continue reading How Edmonton Businesses Can Reduce Downtime With Commercial Towing Services

December 5, 2025

Edmonton is no stranger to severe winters. Heavy snowfalls, icy roads, and subzero temperatures create an environment where even the most prepared fleets face challenges. For businesses that rely on transportation, logistics, or construction equipment, downtime resulting from a breakdown can lead to significant financial losses. This is where a commercial towing company becomes an… Continue reading Why Do Edmonton Businesses Need 24/7 Commercial Towing Support During Harsh Winters?

November 28, 2025

Breakdowns are never convenient, but when they happen on remote Alberta highways, they can turn into full-scale operational emergencies. Vast stretches of isolated roads, unpredictable weather, and limited access to repair facilities make highway breakdowns particularly costly and hazardous for fleet operators. A single stranded tractor-trailer can disrupt delivery schedules, expose drivers to safety risks,… Continue reading Is Your Fleet Prepared For A Breakdown On Remote Alberta Highways?

GIVE US A CALL FOR QUICK VEHICLE
RECOVERY AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE