What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway

A breakdown on a busy highway can be scary, with traffic rushing past and no obvious place to go. Having a plan before it happens helps you stay calm and safe. Here's what to do from the first warning sign through getting your car repaired.

At the first sign of trouble

Cars often give a warning before they stop completely. You might see a warning light, feel a loss of power, hear a new noise, or notice steam or smoke.

When that happens:

1. Turn on your hazard lights right away so other drivers know something is wrong.
2. Check your mirrors and signal before changing lanes.
3. Move toward the right shoulder if you can do it safely. If you're in the far left lane, the left shoulder may be the only option, but the right side is usually safer.
4. Look for a better spot if the car is still moving. An exit ramp, wide shoulder or parking area is better than a narrow shoulder near a curve.
5. Pull as far off the road as you safely can and turn your wheels away from traffic.

Once you're stopped

Your safety matters more than the car.

• Keep your hazard lights on.
• Stay buckled in the car in most situations, especially on a busy highway. Being inside the vehicle with your seat belt on is often safer than standing near traffic.
• Exit only if it's safe and necessary, such as if there's smoke or fire. If you get out, use the side away from traffic and move well away from the road, behind a guardrail if there is one.
• Don't try roadside repairs next to moving traffic, including changing a tire on the traffic side.
• Use reflective triangles or flares only if you can place them without stepping into traffic.

At night, turn on interior lights so passing drivers and responders can see you.

Call for help

Who to call depends on your situation:

• 911 if you're in danger, blocking traffic, injured, or stopped in a dangerous spot.
• Roadside assistance for towing, jump starts, flat tires, lockouts or fuel delivery. You may have coverage through your auto insurance, a motor club membership, your factory warranty, or a vehicle service contract. Many plans include roadside help, but terms vary.
• Highway assistance programs operate in some states and metro areas. Check what's available where you drive.

Be ready to share your location. Use mile markers, exit numbers, the direction you were traveling, or your phone's map app to pin your spot.

Before the tow truck arrives

Use the wait to gather what you'll need:

• Your registration and insurance card
• Your roadside assistance or service contract information
• The name and address of the shop where you want the car towed
• A note of what happened and any warning lights you saw

If you have a vehicle service contract, check whether it requires you to call the administrator before a tow or repair. Some plans pay for towing only to the nearest qualified shop or up to a set distance.

After the breakdown

Once the car reaches a shop:

1. Ask for a diagnosis before repairs. Get a written estimate.
2. Contact your warranty provider if the car is under a factory warranty or a service contract. Many plans require authorization before work begins. Our claims page explains the general process.
3. Keep every receipt, including towing, rental cars and lodging. Some plans reimburse certain trip interruption costs if you break down far from home.
4. Ask questions about what failed and why, so you know whether it's a one-time problem or a sign of more to come.

Build a simple emergency kit

Keep these in your car:

• Phone charger or power bank
• Reflective triangles or flares
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Water and a few snacks
• First aid kit
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• A warm layer or blanket in cold weather

Prevention helps

Not every breakdown is preventable, but regular maintenance lowers the odds. Keep up with oil changes, tire checks, battery tests and cooling system service. Don't ignore warning lights. Our guide to what auto service contracts cover shows which systems tend to cause costly repairs.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help you compare plans from third-party providers, including whether a plan offers roadside assistance or trip interruption benefits. We'll explain what a plan covers before you buy. You can get a free quote anytime.