A breakdown far from home is stressful, but most end with a tow and a slightly longer story. Getting the first five minutes right is what matters.
Road notes
- Signal, slow down and get as far off the road as you can, ideally to an exit, a parking lot or a wide shoulder.
- Turn on your hazard lights, and if it’s safe to get out, exit on the side away from traffic and wait well behind a barrier.
- Know your roadside assistance options before the trip: your auto insurance, an auto club, your car’s warranty or your credit card.
- Every state has a Move Over law that requires drivers to slow down or change lanes for stopped emergency vehicles, and many cover any vehicle with hazards on.
The engine coughs, a warning light flashes, or the steering starts pulling hard to one side. What you do next matters more than what went wrong.
Step 1: Get off the road
- Signal and slow down gradually. Don’t brake hard unless you have to.
- Aim for the safest spot you can reach: an exit, a parking lot or a wide shoulder, as far from traffic as possible.
- Avoid stopping on curves, hills and bridges, where other drivers can’t see you in time.
If you have a flat tire, driving slowly to a safer spot is better than stopping in a dangerous one, even if it damages the wheel.
Step 2: Make yourself visible
- Turn on your hazard lights right away.
- At night, keep interior lights on so other drivers can see the car is occupied.
- If you carry warning triangles or flares and it’s safe to place them, put them well behind the car.
Step 3: Decide whether to stay in the car
There’s no single rule. On a busy highway with no barrier and no safe place to stand, stay in the car with your seat belt on. If there’s a guardrail and room to stand well back from traffic, get out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the barrier. In any situation that feels dangerous, call 911.
Careful
Never stand between your car and moving traffic, and never walk along a highway at night if you can avoid it.
Step 4: Call for help
| Option | Where to check |
|---|---|
| Auto insurance roadside coverage | Your policy or insurer’s app |
| Auto club membership | Your membership card or app |
| Manufacturer roadside assistance | Often included with new-car or certified used-car warranties |
| Credit card benefits | Some cards include or offer roadside services |
| Local tow company | A last resort; ask for the price before agreeing |
Give the dispatcher your exact location: the highway, direction of travel, nearest exit or mile marker, and your car’s description. Many map apps can show your coordinates.
Move Over laws
Every state requires drivers to slow down or move over for stopped emergency vehicles, and many states extend the rule to tow trucks, road crews and any vehicle with hazard lights on. Remember it from the other side too, every time you pass someone on the shoulder.
Many breakdowns start with problems you can catch in a pre-trip checkup. In winter, a breakdown can turn serious quickly; our winter mountain driving guide lists what to carry.
Questions from the road
Q: Should I stay in the car or get out?
A: On a busy highway with no safe place to stand, staying belted in with hazards on can be safer. If there’s a guardrail and room to stand well away from traffic, getting out on the side away from traffic is usually safer. Use your judgment and call 911 if you’re in danger.
Q: What if I have no cell signal?
A: Stay with your car if you’re on a main road, where police and highway service patrols travel. Leave a note with your direction and time if you must walk for help, and only do so when it’s clearly safe.
Q: Can I change a tire on the shoulder?
A: Only if you’re well away from moving traffic on firm, level ground. On a narrow shoulder or the traffic side, it’s safer to wait for roadside assistance.
Road rules, fees, closures and border requirements change. Check with the state transportation department, park, rental company or border agency before you travel. This guide is general information.
