What To Do If You Breakdown On The Motorway

The blog this week is about what you should do in the event that you are unfortunate enough to breakdown on a motorway in your Volvo or Toyota. Everyone is trying to save money at the moment, interest rates are rising, fuel bills are rising, food costs are soaring, insurance costs are rising etc so when it comes to owning a car, we need all the help we can get to keep costs down. Read on to find out more:

If you find your Volvo or Toyota developing a problem on the motorway the Highway Code says to leave the motorway at the next available exit or pull into a service area. If you cannot do this because the problem is a blown tyre or overheating issue and requires you to stop immediately, then you should pull on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as possible, with your tyres pointing to the left. If you are on one of the new smart motorways, then you should pull into one of the emergency areas situated along the road. For example, on the M27 these are situated approximately 2000 meters apart, but work is being done to install more as these are wholly inadequate. Time will tell if these types of motorways stand the test of time! If you must stop immediately on a smart motorway then it is advised that you stop in the left lane and put your hazard lights on – exit your car from the left passenger door – do not stay in your vehicle. The emergency telephones are situated at approximately one mile intervals along the hard shoulder of the motorway. Before you exit your vehicle put your hazard lights on and your side lights if it is dark – do not leave your full beam on. The RAC recommends that you put on your fog lights in visibility of less than 100 meters, but remember to turn them off when visibility improves. Always exit your vehicle by the left-hand door and ensure your passengers do the same. Ensure that passengers keep away from the carriageway and hard shoulder. If there is a safety barrier please stand behind it. If there is an embankment then move up the embankment away from the side of the road – this is for you and your passengers safety. Walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the carriageway - do not ever try to run across the carriageway – the telephone is free of charge and connects directly to the Highways Agency or the police. Use these in preference to a mobile phone - they can pinpoint your exact location on the motorway when you call from one. Always face the traffic when you speak on the phone - do not have your back to the traffic - you need to be fully aware of the traffic around you. Give as many details as possible to the Highways Agency or the police. Some of you may have breakdown cover or even have it with your bank accounts as a perk – if you do feel free to call them from your mobile phone if you know exactly where you are – if you are vague then it is best to use the emergency call box.

Never stay inside your vehicle whilst waiting for help to arrive - even if it is raining. During the winter months it is always handy to make sure you have a coat, waterproof jacket or blanket and something reflective in the boot, we have said in previous blogs to carry these items in case you breakdown – you may have to wait for an hour or so for help to get to you – not nice in the depths of winter. Before you re-join the carriageway after a breakdown build up your speed on the hard shoulder and watch for a safe gap in the traffic - please do not try to join the motorway when travelling at 30 mph - this could be catastrophic. Other cars will be travelling at much greater speeds! Be mindful that other vehicles may be stationary on the hard shoulder in front of you, so remember to look ahead as well as over your shoulder. Having your vehicle regularly serviced by your local independent garage such as ACC UK Ltd will help to reduce breakdowns. We have always said that preventative maintenance is always more cost effective that reactive repairs.  Happy Safe Motoring Folks!

Here at ACC UK Ltd, Winners of The Motor Trader Independent Garage of The Year 2015, 2019 & 2020, The IGA Big Awards 2022, The Inspire Customer Service Excellence 2016 Award, The Eagle Radio Customer Focus 2017 Business Award, The Workshop Magazine Workshop Manager of the Year 2017 Award, The LiveWire Excellence In Vehicle Servicing 2019 Award and The Aftermarket Excellence Award for Best Website 2019, The Eagle Radio Biz Award – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & the SME News Magazine Most Trusted Car Servicing Provider 2020, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding customer experience for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Give us a call and let us quote you for your next service or repair on your Volvo or Toyota. We service all areas around Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Frimley, Camberley, Hook, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Yateley, Hampshire and Surrey. We offer free collection and drop off services. We also have a fleet of courtesy cars to allow you to get on with your schedule whilst your Volvo or Toyota is with us. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd – Independent Volvo & Toyota servicing, repair and MOT specialists based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire