Here’s what to do in a car breakdown

1. Remain calm

The first and most important step when your car breaks down is to remain calm. Panicking can lead to poor decision-making, which can put you and others in danger. Once you notice that something is wrong with your vehicle – whether it might be a strange noise, a warning light on your dashboard, or a sudden loss of power – try to move your car to a safe location. If you’re on a busy street, try and pull over or move to a nearby side street.

Leondis tip: Always turn on your hazard lights as soon as you realise you’re in trouble. This signals to other drivers on the road that you’re experiencing difficulties and will go a long way to helping prevent an accident.

2. Assess the situation

Once you’re in a safe spot you can assess the situation. Can you identify the problem? It might be something as simple as a flat tyre, or it could be more serious. If you’re confident the issue with your car is minor and you feel confident in your ability to fix it (like changing a tyre or topping up your coolant), then go for it. However, if you’re unsure what the issue is, or your feeling is that it’s a complex, it’s better to be cautious and call for professional car breakdown assistance.

Leondis tip: If you’re unfortunate enough to break down on a busy road or highway and you can’t move to a safer location, then stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on and call for help.

3. Call for help

If you need professional help, your first call should be to a roadside assistance service. In Australia, there are several options available, such as NRMA, RACQ, or RACV, depending on what state you live in. Having a membership with one of these organisations can be a lifesaver when you’re stranded. If you don’t have roadside assistance, you can contact a local tow service. If you’re in Sydney, feel free to give the team at Leondis Automotive a call and we’ll be happy to provide as much assistance as we can.

Leondis tip: Save the contact numbers of your roadside assistance service in your phone. That way, you won’t have to search for them in a stressful situation.

4. Stay visible, stay safe

While waiting for help, it’s important to make yourself and your vehicle as visible as possible to other road users. If you have reflective triangles in your car break down kit, place them a safe distance behind your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic. At night, keep your hazard lights on and consider using a torch if you need to inspect your car outside.

Additionally, keep your doors locked and windows up while waiting, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar or isolated area. If someone that’s unknown approaches your vehicle, speak to them through a slightly opened window rather than opening your door completely.

5. Be prepared with a car break down kit

Being prepared for the event of your car breaking down starts well before you hit the road. We recommend having a well-stocked break down kit in your vehicle just in case. Here’s what you should include in your kit:

Spare tyre and jack: Ensure your spare tyre is in good condition and that you have a jack and wheel brace to change a tyre if needed.
Jumper leads: These are crucial for jump-starting your vehicle if your battery dies.
Reflective triangles and high-visibility vest: These will help keep you visible to other road users, especially at night.
First aid kit: A basic first aid kit is ideal to keep in your car in case of minor injuries.
Torch (with extra batteries): A torch is essential for night-time breakdowns or when you need to inspect your car in the dark.
Blanket and water: If you’re stranded for a while, a blanket can keep you warm, and water is important to stay hydrated.
Multi-tool or basic tool kit: This can come in handy for minor repairs.
Smartphone charger: A car charger or power bank ensures you can always call for help.

6. After the breakdown

Once your car has been towed or repaired, it’s a good idea to follow up with a visit to a trusted mechanic to ensure there are no lingering issues. At Leondis Automotive, we offer comprehensive vehicle inspections and diagnostics to identify any potential problems before they become serious. We use the latest diagnostic software and tools to ensure your vehicle is in top condition.