What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on a Highway

A highway breakdown is almost never as bad as it feels in the first two minutes. Most cases are a flat tyre, an overheated radiator, or a dead battery — none of them require a towing disaster if you follow a calm sequence.

Step 1: Safety — do this first

1. Indicate left immediately. Move to the shoulder or the safest off-road point you can reach — do not stop in a live lane.
2. Switch on all hazard lights the moment you start slowing.
3. If at night, use interior lights too.
4. Everyone out of the car, on the non-traffic side, behind the guard rail if possible. Do not stand next to the vehicle.
5. Place a warning triangle 15–30 metres behind the car. Every toolkit has one.

The highway death risk is the traffic, not the broken car. Until step 1 is done, do nothing else.

Step 2: Quick diagnostic — should I drive?

Some problems are "wait for help". Some are "do not drive another metre". The difference matters.

• Flat tyre: safe to change on the shoulder. Do not drive far on a flat — it destroys the rim.
• Battery / won't start: safe to wait. Jump-start and carry on.
• Overheating (steam from bonnet): turn off immediately. Do not restart. Driving an overheated engine another 500 metres can crack the head.
• Oil warning light: stop. Do not drive. You have minutes before the engine seizes.
• Brake failure / no brake: stop immediately via downshift and handbrake. Do not drive further.
• Strange noise only: call a mechanic before deciding. A 5-minute call with a mechanic on TrunkCall can tell you whether to drive slowly to the next exit or wait for tow.

Step 3: Call for help — the right sequence

1. Call your car manufacturer's 24-hour roadside assistance. Most cars under 5 years old have free RSA — check the owner manual or call the dealer.
2. Call your insurer's RSA if you have it as an add-on.
3. Call highway emergency: 1033 works on most national highways for medical, police, and mechanical help.
4. Call a local mechanic on TrunkCall for remote diagnosis — this can save you a Rs 5,000 tow if it turns out to be something simple.

Step 4: While waiting

• Stay outside the car if it is safe (guard rail, shoulder).
• Do not accept help from strangers who 'just happen to pass' — there are predatory tow-gangs on some highways.
• Take photos of the vehicle position and any damage for insurance.
• Drink water if it is hot. Share your location with a family member.

Step 5: When the mechanic or tow arrives

• For tow: insist on a flatbed for all-wheel-drive cars and most luxury cars. Flat-towing can damage the transmission.
• For on-spot repair: ask for a written estimate before authorising work. Highway mechanics over-charge when they sense panic.
• Keep your car documents and wallet with you. Do not leave valuables in the car during tow.