What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Road
Stop safely, turn on hazard lights, and move out of traffic if you can
When your car breaks down while you are driving, your first job is to get yourself and your vehicle out of danger. If you are on a highway or busy road, turn on your hazard lights immediately and steer toward the shoulder or nearest safe spot. If you cannot reach the shoulder, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and call for help.
Do not stand in traffic or between your car and oncoming vehicles. If you must exit the car, move to the shoulder or a safe distance away from the roadway. In poor visibility — fog, rain, darkness — turn on your headlights and hazard lights both. Other drivers need to see you.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on hazard lights and move to the shoulder if safely possible; if not, stay in your vehicle and call for help.
- Call 911 if you feel unsafe, are on a highway, or cannot move the vehicle; otherwise, call a towing service or roadside assistance program.
- If you have roadside assistance through your insurance, auto club, or vehicle manufacturer, call them first — they often cover towing at no cost.
- Keep your vehicle registration, insurance card, and a list of emergency contacts in your car at all times.
- Document the breakdown with photos and note the time, location, and what happened, in case you need to file an insurance claim.
Decide whether to call 911 or a towing service
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger — traffic is heavy and fast, you are on a highway, you feel unsafe, or you cannot move the vehicle out of the travel lane. The dispatcher will send police or a tow truck, depending on what you describe. Tell them your location as precisely as you can: highway number, mile marker, or nearby cross street.
If you are on a quiet road, in a parking lot, or safely off the roadway, call a towing service directly. Ask for an estimate of the cost and how long they will take to arrive. Many tow trucks charge a base fee plus mileage, and rates vary widely by location and time of day. Towing at night or on weekends often costs more than daytime service.
Before you pay for a tow, check whether you already have roadside assistance. Many insurance policies include it, as do memberships in auto clubs like AAA. Some vehicle manufacturers — Toyota, Honda, BMW, and others — offer roadside assistance for a set number of years after purchase. Call your insurance company or check your membership card first. If you are covered, they will arrange and pay for the tow.
What information to give the tow operator
When you call, have your vehicle information ready: the year, make, model, and color of your car, and your license plate number. Tell the operator where you are — use a street address, highway number and mile marker, or nearby landmarks. Describe what happened: the engine stopped, you heard a noise, the brakes failed, you ran out of gas. The more detail you give, the faster they can help.
Ask where the tow truck will take your vehicle. Some operators have preferred repair shops; others will take your car to a shop you choose. If you have a mechanic you trust, tell the operator now. If you do not, ask whether the tow service can recommend one, or ask to be towed to the nearest dealership for that vehicle brand.
Stay on the line with the dispatcher until the tow truck arrives, or until you are certain help is coming. Write down the name of the company, the truck number, and the estimated arrival time. If the truck does not arrive within that window, call back.
Stay safe while you wait
Lock your doors and stay inside your vehicle unless you are in immediate danger. If you must get out, stand well away from traffic — at least 100 feet behind your car if you are on a highway. Do not try to flag down passing cars or accept rides from strangers.
If you are stranded at night or in an unsafe area, turn on your interior light so the tow operator can see you are there. If a stranger approaches, do not open your window or door. Tell them help is on the way and call 911 if you feel threatened.
Keep your phone charged. If your battery is low, use it only to call for help. If you have a portable charger in your car, use it now. Do not leave your vehicle running to charge your phone — you risk carbon monoxide buildup in a closed car.
What to do if you run out of gas
Running out of gas is a breakdown, and the same rules apply: turn on hazard lights, move to the shoulder if safe, and call for help. You can call a towing service, but many will charge you a service fee on top of the tow. A cheaper option is to call a friend or family member to bring you a gas can, or to call a roadside assistance program if you have one.
Some gas stations offer fuel delivery, though the cost and availability vary by location. Call ahead to ask. If you are on a highway with no nearby exit, a tow truck may be your only option. Do not try to walk to a gas station on a highway — it is dangerous and illegal in many places.
Once you have gas in the tank, try to start the car. If it starts, drive directly to a gas station and fill up. If it does not start, the problem is not just fuel — call the tow truck.
Document the breakdown and understand your costs
Take photos of your vehicle, the location, and any visible damage or hazards. Note the date, time, and what happened. If other vehicles were involved or if you hit something, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. This information matters if you need to file an insurance claim or if the breakdown was caused by a road hazard or another driver.
Ask the tow operator for an itemized receipt showing the base fee, mileage charge, and any other costs. If you are not covered by roadside assistance, you will pay this bill. Costs range from $75 to $300 or more depending on distance and time of day. If the bill seems wrong, ask for an explanation before you pay.
If the breakdown was caused by a pothole, debris in the road, or another hazard, you may be able to file a claim with your city or county. Keep your receipt and photos. Contact your local government's public works or transportation department to ask about the process.
Prepare your car to avoid future breakdowns
Regular maintenance prevents many breakdowns. Have your oil changed on schedule, your tire pressure checked monthly, and your battery tested every few years. Keep your gas tank at least a quarter full — running on empty stresses your fuel pump and can leave you stranded.
Keep an emergency kit in your car: jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a phone charger, a blanket, and a basic tool set. Include a gallon of water, some snacks, and a list of emergency contacts. In winter, add an ice scraper, sand or kitty litter for traction, and extra blankets.
Know the signs of trouble: warning lights on your dashboard, unusual noises, changes in how the car handles, or leaks under the car. If you notice any of these, have the car inspected by a mechanic before you drive it on the highway. A small problem caught early costs far less than a breakdown on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call the police instead of a tow truck?
Call 911 if you are in danger or cannot move your vehicle safely. Police will respond and may call a tow truck for you. If you are safely off the road and not in danger, calling a towing service directly is faster — police have other priorities and may take longer to arrive.
What if I cannot afford the tow?
Ask the tow operator about payment plans or whether they accept credit cards. Some towing services offer discounts for cash payment. If you have roadside assistance through insurance or an auto club, you will not pay the tow fee. If you do not, the cost is your responsibility, though you may be able to negotiate with the operator.
Should I accept a ride from the tow truck driver?
Yes, if the truck has a passenger seat and the driver offers. Many tow trucks can carry one passenger. If the truck cannot carry you safely, ask the driver to recommend a nearby restaurant, gas station, or waiting area. Do not walk along the highway or accept rides from strangers.
What if my car breaks down in bad weather?
Stay in your vehicle with the engine off and hazard lights on. Run the engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm, but crack a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Call for help immediately. In heavy snow or flooding, do not try to drive out — wait for professional help.
Can I tow my car myself with another vehicle?
Only if you have proper towing equipment — a tow strap or chain rated for your vehicle's weight — and you know how to use it safely. Improper towing can damage both vehicles and cause accidents. If you are not certain, call a professional tow truck. The cost is worth the safety.