What Should You do When Your Car Breaks Down?

Breaking down on the road can be a pretty scary event, but panicking will only make things worse. There are things you can do and help you can get. Your phone, which you probably always keep handy, will be useful for contacting roadside assistance… or searching the web to quickly find advice like the one we are going to give you here, with the help of CAA-Quebec experts!

First, if the breakdown occurs while you are driving, try to get your vehicle out of the way. Pull over as far to the right as possible on the shoulder. Make sure you stay visible by immediately turning on your hazard lights. If needed, take flares out of your emergency kit and place them behind your car. You can also raise the hood to signal other drivers about your situation.

Worried about other vehicles and potential accidents? Move to a safer location, exiting by the passenger side. If, for example, you're stuck in the middle of a bridge or a tunnel, the best thing to do is to stay in your car, seat belt fastened, until help arrives.

With children on board, remember to lock the doors to prevent them from going outside. Remain calm and speak in a soft voice to reassure them.

If you are immobilized in a very busy area, your first call should be to 9-1-1 so that a patrol car can secure the perimeter. Then, contact your roadside assistance service or dial *4141 if you are on a road work site in Quebec.

Your phone is dead or has no signal? Ask a fellow driver to make the call for you, but never get into a stranger's vehicle, even if they offer to drive you to the nearest telephone. You must mention your name, the model of your vehicle, licence plate number, the nature and location of the breakdown and a telephone number where you can be reached. When the emergency services arrive, check that the service is the one you called.

Your emergency kit becomes essential in these situations, especially in cold weather and when waiting for long periods of time. Feel free to use the flashlight, warm blanket and snacks.

Be careful out there on the road!