You’re 60 miles from home on the M6 when your engine warning light flickers. Then it stays on. Your heart sinks. You’ve heard the statistics: motorway breakdowns are dangerous. But what actually happens when you break down? What’s the process? And how do you stay safe while you wait?
The First 60 Seconds: What To Do
When your car starts losing power or making unusual noises:
- Don’t panic – Most breakdowns aren’t dangerous if you respond correctly
- Slow down gradually – Don’t brake hard; gently coast to the hard shoulder
- Turn on hazard lights – Do this immediately
- Pull as far left as possible – The farther from traffic, the safer you are
- Turn off the engine – No point running it if something’s wrong
- Stay in the car – Inside is safer than outside
The Middle Wait: What’s Happening
Once you’ve called, here’s the typical timeline:
- 0-5 minutes: Dispatch receives your call and location
- 5-15 minutes: Service provider dispatches nearest available vehicle
- 15-45 minutes: Recovery vehicle arrives
During this time, stay inside your vehicle with seatbelt on. Keep doors locked and hazards on.
The Recovery Process: What Professional Means
When the professional breakdown recovery team arrives, they’ve already assessed the situation. They know how to safely position their vehicle, manage traffic, and execute recovery without causing additional damage.
A professional operator will position the recovery vehicle safely, assess the vehicle damage, decide the recovery method, execute recovery with precision, and transport to your chosen location. This process typically takes 15-30 minutes once they arrive.
Prevention: Don’t Break Down (Usually)
The best recovery is no recovery needed:
- Regular servicing – Oil changes, filter replacements prevent most breakdowns
- Check fluids monthly – Oil, coolant, brake fluid levels
- Monitor tire pressure – Blowouts are common breakdowns
- Battery health – Replace at 3-4 years
- Winter prep – Oil viscosity, antifreeze matter in cold
