Should I keep trying to start the car?

Not if it has overheated, lost oil pressure, made a severe mechanical noise or shows signs of damage. Repeated attempts can worsen some faults.

What if I do not know the postcode?

Use a map pin and provide the road, direction, nearest junction, business or landmark from a safe position.

Can the vehicle be taken home?

Often yes, but the destination must be lawful, accessible and agreed when the job is booked.

What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down

Put safety before the vehicle

If the vehicle is still moving, aim for the safest available place without making a sudden or dangerous manoeuvre. Use hazard lights where appropriate and follow the Highway Code. A live lane, blind bend, fire, injury or collision is an emergency situation rather than a routine recovery enquiry.

Once stopped, consider where occupants should wait. The safest choice depends on the road and surroundings. Do not stand between the vehicle and moving traffic, and do not attempt repairs where you cannot work safely.

Work out your exact location

A full address and postcode are ideal at home, work or in a car park. On a motorway or dual carriageway, record the road number, direction of travel, nearest junction, service area, emergency area or marker visible from a safe position.

A map pin is useful, but do not rely on it alone. Mobile location services can place a pin on the opposite carriageway or an adjacent road. Add a plain-English description.

Describe what the vehicle did

Explain whether it stopped while driving, lost power gradually, overheated, made a noise or simply failed to start. Note warning lights, smoke, smells and any visible fluid. Do not keep restarting an engine that has overheated or lost oil pressure.

Tell the recovery company whether the vehicle starts, rolls, steers and has keys. This information is directly relevant to loading.

Choose assistance or recovery

A flat-battery symptom in a safe driveway may suit a jump start or battery assessment. A vehicle with wheel damage, overheating, loss of drive or an unknown serious fault is more likely to need recovery.

A reputable operator should ask enough questions to understand the job rather than dispatching solely from a town name and registration.

Prepare for collection

Remove essential personal belongings, keep the keys ready and confirm the destination. If the vehicle is going to a garage, check that it is open and willing to receive it.

Do not leave the vehicle somewhere it is not permitted to remain. If police, a car-park operator or landowner is involved, follow their instructions and obtain any release details.

Useful checklist

People are in a safe position
Exact address or road direction is known
Vehicle registration and make/model are available
Fault or damage has been described
Rolling, steering and key status are known
Destination is confirmed