If your car breaks down, get it as far out of traffic as you can, turn on your hazard lights, and decide whether it's safer to stay inside with your seatbelt on or to get out and stand well away from the road. Then call for the right kind of help: a mobile mechanic to repair it on the spot, roadside assistance for a jump or tire, or a tow if it can't be fixed where it is. If anyone is hurt or you're in danger, call 911.
Step 1: Get out of traffic
- Signal and steer toward the right shoulder, or an exit or parking lot if you can reach one.
- On a highway, aim for a wide shoulder, away from curves and hills where other drivers can't see you.
- Turn on your hazard lights straight away.
Step 2: Stay safe while you wait
- If you're well off the road, you can usually stay in the car with your seatbelt on.
- If the spot feels dangerous, get out on the side away from traffic and stand behind a guardrail if there is one.
- Use warning triangles or flares behind the car if you have them and can place them safely.
- At night, keep hazards on and interior lights on so you're visible.
Step 3: Work out what happened
Note what you noticed just before it stopped:
- Warning lights: battery light (alternator), temperature light (overheating), oil light (stop immediately)
- Smells: sweet (coolant), burning rubber (belt), burning oil
- Sounds: a squeal, a bang, grinding
- Smoke or steam from under the hood
If steam is coming from the engine, don't open the radiator cap. See our guide to car overheating.
Step 4: Call the right help
| Situation | Who to call |
|---|---|
| Dead battery, failed alternator, starter, belt, hose | Mobile mechanic |
| Flat tire with a spare, lockout, out of fuel | Roadside assistance or a mobile mechanic |
| Accident, fuel leak, major engine failure | Tow truck |
| Injury or danger | 911 |
A mobile mechanic can often get you moving where you are. If it's late, see our guide to 24-hour mobile mechanics.
Step 5: Tell them what they need
- Your exact location: highway, direction, nearest exit or mile marker
- Year, make and model
- What happened and any warning lights
- Whether the car is in a safe spot to work
If the car won't start again
Sometimes the car just won't restart after stalling. Our guide to why your car won't start helps narrow down the cause while you wait.
Commercial trucks
Truck drivers have extra rules about warning devices and roadside safety. Our guide to semi truck roadside repair covers what commercial drivers need to know.
A small kit that helps
- Phone charger or power bank
- Reflective triangles and a flashlight
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Water, a blanket, basic first aid
- Your insurance card and any roadside plan number
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in my car on the highway?
If you're well off the road with your seatbelt on, often yes. If you're close to traffic or the car might be hit, get out on the safe side and move away.
Can a mobile mechanic come to the highway?
Many will if the shoulder is wide enough to work safely.
How long will help take?
It depends on your location and the time of day. Ask for an arrival estimate when you call.
Find a mechanic near you
Find mobile mechanics who cover your area on the locations page, or browse diesel mechanics for trucks.
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