What To Do When You Face Vehicle Breakdown?

If your vehicle breaks down, move it safely to the side of the road, turn on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle. Check for basic issues (if safe), and call roadside assistance or towing services. Prioritising safety helps prevent accidents and ensures quick help. A car breakdown occurs when your vehicle can no longer operate or is unsafe to use further. It could occur for several reasons, such as mechanical failure, overheating, tyre damage, or fuel-related issues. Common breakdown signs are unusual noises, dashboard warning lights, and engine smoke. If you notice this, immediately park your car on the side of the road. Secure yourself and seek help. This blog explains in detail what you should do during a car breakdown.

A car breakdown is exactly what it sounds like, and it can feel like a nightmare. It is when your car suddenly stops functioning or continues to move in an unsafe condition. This could happen due to the following reasons: 

• Core components failure; for example, engine or brake failure.
• Engine overheating, putting the entire vehicle and its occupants at risk.
• Tyre damage, such as low tyre pressure, a flat tyre, or a tyre rupture.
• Fuel-related issues like low fuel levels or leaks. 

The following are common signs of a vehicle breakdown: 

• Unusual noises: Sounds of knocking, grinding, or squealing may occur from the engine and brakes, indicating an underlying issue.
• Dashboard warning lights: Key indicators like engine, battery or fuel may appear on the dashboard with a prominent red colour.
• Smoke or steam emergence: Smoke or steam may emerge from the bonnet due to engine overheating.
• Burning smell or fuel odour: You may get a burning smell or unusual odour because of overheating inside or outside the vehicle.
• Strong vibrations: You may experience strong vibrations or shaking, especially when driving at higher speeds.
• Brake issues: You may need to apply excessive pressure on the brake pedal, notice a delayed braking response, or, in severe cases, experience a complete brake failure.
• Hard steering: You will find it difficult to steer your car for operations, or the steering may be unresponsive.
• Fluid leaks: The engine oil or fuel may be leaking, often indicated by low-level warning signs and unusual smells near the bottom of the vehicle.

Here are some practical things to do during a car breakdown: 

Park aside

If your car breaks down in the middle of the road or on the highway, push it to a safe place and park it. This will ensure your car does not obstruct vehicles behind you and cause traffic congestion. It also gives you an opportunity to carefully assess signs of a vehicle breakdown and plan the next steps.

Apply the handbrake

Note that your vehicle is unpredictable during a breakdown. It can suddenly move forward, posing a threat to anything or anyone in its path. To avoid this, apply the handbrake when you park your car. 

Switch on emergency lights and display symbols

Even if your car is parked to the side, ensure other road users are aware of it while maintaining visibility for assistance. So, switch on the emergency lights and display emergency symbols, such as a red triangle. 

Secure yourself

Consider the reason behind the vehicle breakdown and accordingly secure yourself. If your car has broken down due to overheating, it is best to step out of the vehicle for a while. If your car breaks down in an isolated area, remain inside the vehicle until help arrives to avoid potential dangers.

Seek help

A car breakdown can be dangerous; hence, avoid taking matters into your own hands. Seek help from nearby mechanics. They will reach your location, inspect the car, and if the issue can be fixed on the spot, they will do so; otherwise, they will tow the vehicle to a garage.

Follow up before next ride

Even after your vehicle is repaired, have it inspected by your trusted professional once you return home. This will help ensure the car is functioning properly and remains safe to drive.

The following pointers explain how car insurance is handy during a car breakdown: 

Roadside assistance

Consider this situation: Your car has broken down on the highway. You need help, but the local mechanic is unreachable. In such a scenario, the insurance company can offer help. They can provide a car breakdown service. Whether your car needs towing, a jump-start, fuel delivery, or flat tyre assistance, roadside services are available to help you.

Wide network of garages

If your car has broken down and requires repairs/replacement, you may wonder whether the service will be genuine and, more importantly, how expensive it will be. Insurance companies have a wide network of garages. You can turn to them for effective repairs, genuine part replacement, and, most importantly, cashless service. 

Financial coverage

At times, a car breakdown may occur following an accident, potentially causing damage to your own vehicle or a third party. Both have significant complications. A comprehensive car insurance policy offers financial coverage for both own and third-party damages, relieving your financial burden to a great extent.

A car breakdown is when your vehicle suddenly stops operating. In some cases, continues to operate but is not safe to drive. In either case, it is inconvenient and stressful. It could occur for multiple reasons, such as engine or brake failure, overheating, tyre issues, or fuel-related problems. If your car has broken down, the first thing to do is park it aside, apply the hand brake, and switch on the emergency lights. This will ensure other road users are aware of the breakdown and can pass safely. It also keeps you visible for assistance. Next, secure yourself at the breakdown location and seek help from mechanic professionals. 

Having comprehensive car insurance is helpful in such situations. SBI General Insurance offers roadside assistance, ensuring your car is repaired on the spot or towed to a garage based on the situation. It connects you to a wide network of garages for genuine repairs/replacement in a cost-effective way. It offers financial coverage for both own and third-party liabilities, helping you manage expenses after a breakdown. 

1. Why does a car break down?

A car can break down because of mechanical failure, overheating, or tyre or fuel-related issues. 

2. How to identify a car breakdown?

Identify a car breakdown by checking for unusual sounds, emergency lights on the dashboard, and engine smoke. 

3. What to do when a car breaks down?

Here is what you should do when a car breaks down: 

• Park the car on the side
• Apply the hand brake
• Turn on emergency lights or display emergency signals
• Secure yourself
• Seek help from a mechanic 

4. How does insurance help with a car breakdown?

The insurance company offers roadside assistance, ensuring you are not alone and receive the required help in times of need. 

5. Do all insurance plans offer roadside assistance?

Comprehensive and own vehicle damage insurance plans offer roadside assistance.