A car breakdown never happens when it’s convenient, and on the highway, it can be especially stressful. Fast-moving traffic, limited shoulder space, and the uncertainty of what’s wrong with your vehicle can make even experienced drivers panic.
The truth is, staying calm and knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or an overheating engine, there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers until help arrives.
At V&M Towing, we’ve helped countless drivers through this exact situation. Our roadside assistance and towing services are designed to keep you safe, minimize stress, and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most important thing you can do during a car breakdown is stay calm. Panicking makes it harder to think clearly and react safely. Take a deep breath and remember that professional help is available.
Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, ease off the accelerator, and avoid sudden lane changes. Start signaling as soon as you notice a problem. If possible, try to identify the issue. Are you losing power? Is smoke coming from under the hood? Is the steering stiff or the brake pedal soft? These clues help you decide whether you can coast to safety or must stop immediately.
2. Move to a Safe Location
Safety comes first. If your vehicle still moves, steer carefully toward the right shoulder or nearest safe area. Use your turn signals and avoid slamming the brakes unless it’s an emergency.
If possible, stop on a straight stretch of road instead of a curve so other drivers can see you clearly. Pull as far from traffic as possible, ideally onto a wide shoulder, rest stop, or exit ramp.
If your car breaks down in a dangerous area such as a narrow shoulder or bridge, stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives. Exiting into active traffic can be far more dangerous than waiting.
3. Turn On Your Hazard Lights
After stopping, turn on your hazard lights right away. This alerts other drivers that your vehicle is disabled and helps prevent collisions. Keep them on the entire time you’re stopped, especially at night or in low visibility.
If safe, place reflective triangles or flares about 50 to 100 feet behind your car. These make your vehicle more visible and give approaching drivers time to react. Visibility is key to staying safe during a highway breakdown.
4. Stay Inside Your Vehicle if It’s Safe
Highways are dangerous environments, and standing on the shoulder while traffic passes at high speed is extremely risky. Unless there’s smoke, fire, or another immediate danger, it’s safer to stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened.
If you must exit, move quickly to a safe area away from traffic, preferably behind a guardrail or up an embankment. Never stand directly in front of or behind your vehicle. Keep your phone nearby and doors locked while you wait for help.
5. Call for Roadside Assistance or Towing Help
Once you’re in a safe spot, call for professional help. Whether your car has a flat tire, dead battery, or mechanical issue, trained professionals can handle it safely.
V&M Towing provides fast, reliable roadside assistance and towing throughout Berks County and surrounding areas. We handle jumpstarts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and towing for vehicles of all sizes.
Be ready to share:
- Your exact location using mile markers, exits, or GPS.
- Your vehicle’s make and model.
- A brief description of the issue such as flat tire, smoke, or power loss.
The more details you provide, the faster help can arrive. If calling is unsafe, stay in your locked vehicle until you can safely do so.
6. Don’t Try to Fix the Problem on the Shoulder
It might be tempting to change a tire or pop the hood, but on a busy highway, that’s extremely dangerous. Even experienced drivers underestimate how close vehicles pass by. Wait for trained roadside technicians with the right safety gear and tools.
If it’s a simple issue such as running out of fuel or a dead battery, roadside assistance may fix it on the spot. For serious problems such as engine or transmission failure, your car will need towing to a repair shop.
7. Make Yourself Visible and Stay Alert
While waiting for help, keep your hazard lights on and, at night, turn on your dome light so responders can spot you easily. Stay alert to anyone approaching your car. It’s fine to crack your window to speak with police or tow operators, but avoid opening your door for strangers or accepting unsolicited help.
If police stop, let them know a tow truck is already on the way. They may stay with you until assistance arrives.
8. Know When It’s Safe to Exit
If your breakdown occurs in a very unsafe area such as a bridge, tunnel, or middle lane, getting yourself to safety is the top priority. If traffic allows, exit carefully on the side away from traffic and move behind a barrier. Call 911 to report your location and wait for officers to help manage the scene.
In most situations, though, remaining in your vehicle is the safest option until professional help arrives.
9. Prepare for the Unexpected
No one plans for a breakdown, but you can plan to be ready. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes:
- Reflective triangles or flares
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Bottled water and blanket
- First-aid kit
- Cell phone charger
- Tire pressure gauge or small air compressor
These items can make a big difference in comfort and safety while you wait for help.
10. Prevent Future Car Breakdowns
After your immediate situation is handled, take steps to prevent future breakdowns. Many roadside emergencies are avoidable with regular maintenance and attention to warning signs.
Smart maintenance habits include:
- Scheduling regular oil changes and fluid checks.
- Inspecting tires monthly for tread wear and pressure.
- Replacing wiper blades and bulbs before they fail.
- Addressing dashboard warning lights promptly.
- Keeping your gas tank at least one-quarter full.
Having your car inspected regularly at V&M Towing’s licensed inspection station can help detect issues early and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
What Causes Most Car Breakdowns?
Understanding why breakdowns happen helps you prevent them. The most common causes include:
- Battery failure, especially in extreme temperatures.
- Flat or blown tires due to low pressure or worn treads.
- Overheating from coolant leaks or low fluid levels.
- Alternator or belt problems that cut power to your vehicle.
- Fuel issues such as running out of gas or a faulty pump.
Routine maintenance reduces these risks significantly. Still, if you find yourself stranded, knowing the right steps ensures your safety until help arrives.
How V&M Towing Can Help During a Breakdown
When your vehicle breaks down on the highway, you don’t just need a tow, you need reassurance that help is on the way. V&M Towing provides 24/7 roadside assistance and towing for all vehicle types.
Our services include:
- Jumpstarts and battery replacements
- Fuel delivery
- Tire changes
- Lockouts
- Local and long-distance towing
We are also a licensed Pennsylvania State Inspection Station, so once your vehicle is safely at our shop, we can inspect, diagnose, and repair the issue. Our mission is to make every car breakdown as stress-free as possible.
No matter where you are in Berks County, help is just a phone call away.
The Bottom Line
A car breakdown on the highway can happen to anyone, but knowing what to do makes all the difference. Stay calm, move to a safe area, keep your hazard lights on, and contact professionals right away.
Whether you need roadside assistance or towing, V&M Towing is available 24/7 to ensure you’re never stranded for long.
Need Immediate Help After a Car Breakdown?
If you’re experiencing a car breakdown or want to prepare for the unexpected, contact the experts at V&M Towing. Our reliable roadside assistance and towing team is ready to help anytime, anywhere.
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