What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down on The Highway?

Breaking down on the highway can be a frightening and dangerous experience, especially if you're in heavy traffic or far from help. Knowing what to do when your car stalls is crucial for your safety and the safety of others. Whether it's a flat tire, engine failure, or overheating, staying calm and taking the right steps can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if your car breaks down on the highway, and introduce an essential item that every driver should have—your Car Emergency Bag.

Assess Your Vehicle’s Condition

When you notice something wrong with your car, the first thing to do is assess its condition. Look out for warning lights on the dashboard, like the check engine light or low tire pressure alert. Pay attention to unusual sounds, like clunking, squealing, or grinding. If you see steam or smoke rising from under the hood, it’s a sign you need to pull over immediately. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, slow down and prepare to pull over safely.

Turn on Your Hazard/Emergency Lights

Once you realize your car is breaking down on the highway, immediately turn on your hazard lights. These flashing lights signal to other drivers that you’re having trouble, helping to prevent accidents. Whether it’s day or night, or bad weather is involved, hazard lights make your car more visible and give others the time they need to slow down or safely navigate around you. Keep them on until help arrives.

Slow Down and Pull Off the Road

If your car is still running, begin to slow down gradually. Avoid slamming on the brakes, which could cause a loss of control. Steer carefully toward the shoulder or a safe area like a rest stop or parking lot.

Make sure you stop as far away from traffic as possible. Ideally, pull over to the right side of the road, but avoid stopping on curves, overpasses, or other spots with limited visibility. Your goal is to create as much space as possible between you and passing vehicles to minimize risk. Check your mirrors and use your turn signals to indicate your intentions.

Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location

Once you’ve pulled over, take a few steps to ensure your car stays put. Turn your wheels away from the road to prevent your car from rolling into traffic, especially on inclines. Engage your emergency brake to keep your vehicle secure while you wait for help or attempt repairs. If your car breaks down on the highway and is immobilized in the travel lane, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and keep your hazard lights on.

Before exiting the vehicle, assess your surroundings. If it’s safe to get out, check for oncoming traffic and always exit from the side of the vehicle facing away from the road. Never stand in front of or behind your car, as these are high-risk areas for being struck by passing vehicles.

Set Up Flares or Triangles

To make yourself more visible to other drivers, set up reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle. These bright markers alert other motorists that your car is stationary, allowing them to slow down and safely navigate around you.

Place the first warning triangle about 10 feet behind the vehicle, directly on the side closest to traffic. Place the second triangle about 100 feet behind the car, aligned with the middle of the bumper. If possible, place a third triangle another 100 feet behind the vehicle. This is especially helpful when your car breaks down on the highway at night or in poor visibility.

Call for Assistance

Using Roadside Assistance Services

If you have a roadside assistance plan through your insurance or a third-party provider like AAA, call them for help. They can send someone to tow your car, jump-start your battery, or provide minor repairs.

Contacting Local Towing Services

If you don’t have roadside assistance, search for a reliable local towing service. Use your phone’s GPS to provide an accurate location when requesting help.

Other Precautions to Keep in Mind

Even after you've called for help, it's important to follow these additional precautions:

• Stay in your car: If you're on a busy highway, it’s safer to stay inside with your seatbelt on.
• Don’t accept rides from strangers: While most people mean well, it’s safer to wait for professional assistance.
• Use your phone wisely: Conserve your phone’s battery by turning off non-essential apps. Use your phone only for important communication or to track help.

Utilize Your Car Emergency Kit

Utilize Your Car Emergency Kit Every driver should keep a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. A Custom First Aid Kit and other essential supplies can be lifesavers when your car breaks down on the highway.

Why It Is Important to Have an Emergency Kit In Your Car?

1. Ensures Your Safety

When your car breaks down on the highway or you experience an emergency on the road, having a well-stocked car emergency kit is crucial for ensuring your safety. Essential items like first aid supplies, a reflective vest, and a flashlight can make a huge difference, especially in low visibility conditions or after dark. With the right tools, you’re ready for medical emergencies, accidents, or any sudden need for roadside assistance. No one expects a breakdown, but with an emergency kit, you can be ready for the unexpected.

2. Prepares You for Common Car Problems

Car problems can strike at any time—whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or an engine overheating. A properly equipped emergency roadside kit can help you quickly address these common issues and get back on the road faster. Your kit might include essentials like jumper cables, a tire repair kit, and a multi-tool—everything you need to get your car running again without waiting for outside help. These tools ensure you're always prepared, especially when your car breaks down on the highway.

3. Provides Comfort During Unexpected Delays

If you're stuck on the side of the road for an extended period, comfort becomes a priority. A waterproof emergency kit can help make the wait a little more bearable. With items like bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and a blanket, you’ll stay hydrated, nourished, and warm, even if you're stranded in extreme weather conditions. If you're in a remote location and your car breaks down on the highway, these small comforts can make a huge difference while waiting for roadside assistance.

4. Improves Your Visibility

In an emergency, ensuring that other drivers can see you is essential to preventing further accidents. Many car emergency kits come equipped with reflective vests, road flares, or warning triangles to help improve your visibility, especially in low-light conditions or bad weather. The brighter and more noticeable you are, the less likely you are to become another accident statistic while waiting for help.

Essential Items in Your Car Emergency Kit

Having a well-stocked Car Emergency Bag can make all the difference when your car breaks down on the highway. A good emergency kit contains everything you might need in an emergency situation, and it’s best to have one that’s compact, organized, and easy to access.

Conclusion

If your car breaks down on the highway, it can be stressful—but being prepared can turn a tough situation into a manageable one. That’s why having a well-stocked car emergency kit is so important. From jumper cables to first aid supplies, the right gear ensures you're ready for unexpected delays, flat tires, or roadside emergencies. For a dependable and thoughtfully designed option, Risen Medical offers car emergency bags that combines durability, smart organization, and essential tools to help you stay safe and visible when it matters most. With the right kit in your trunk, you can hit the road with confidence.