Car broke down on the road: what to do
Get off the road, get everyone safe, then work out what went wrong and who to call.
21 itemsStart
Before a long road trip: car checklist
What to check a week before and the night before, so the car is not the story of your trip.
A week before (6)
- Service due soon? Do it now, not on the way back
- Have the battery tested if it is over 3 years oldMost garages test it free or for very little.
- Brakes: no squeal, no shudder, no pulling to one side
- Tyre tread and walls checked, spare tyre included
- Oil, coolant, brake and washer fluid topped up
- Air conditioning blowing cold
The night before (5)
- Tyres set to the loaded pressure on the door stickerMany cars list a higher pressure for a full load. Check when cold.
- Heavy bags low and forward in the boot, nothing blocking your rear view
- Do not go over the maximum load in the manual
- All lights and wipers working
- Fuel tank full
Keep in the car (6)
- Licence, registration and insurance papers
- Roadside assistance number saved in your phone
- Warning triangle, torch and reflective vest
- Jack, wheel brace, jump leads and tyre inflator
- First aid kit, drinking water and snacks
- Phone charger and a downloaded offline map
On the road (4)
- Stop for at least 15 minutes every 2 hoursIf you feel sleepy, stop sooner and nap for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Fill up before the tank reaches a quarter on quiet roads
- Glance at the temperature needle and warning lights now and then
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive
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Monthly car checks you can do at home
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