What To Do If You Break Down

Step-by-step safety guidance based on NHTSA, AAA, and California Highway Patrol recommendations.

Before You Need It

Prevention & Your Roadside Kit

The best breakdown is the one that never happens. NHTSA recommends a few simple habits.

Routine Maintenance

Keep up with tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, and tire rotations to help prevent breakdowns before they start.

Check Tires & Fluids

Verify tire pressure against the placard on your driver's door frame, and check wiper blades, fluid levels, lights, and A/C before longer trips.

Pack an Emergency Kit

A charged phone and charger, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, water, and nonperishable food should always be within reach.

Check for Recalls

Use NHTSA's free Recalls Look-up Tool with your license plate or VIN to catch safety issues before they leave you stranded.

If It Happens

Step-by-Step: Breaking Down Safely

Follow these steps in order, based on AAA and California Highway Patrol guidance.

Get Off the Road, As Far Right As Possible

Pull onto the right shoulder — as far from traffic as you safely can, ideally on level ground. If there's an exit nearby, take it. On a multi-lane highway with a median, the left shoulder can work if you can't safely reach the right. Never stop in a travel lane if you can help it.

Turn On Your Hazard Lights

Flip on your hazards immediately, especially at night or in bad weather, so other drivers can see you well before they reach you.

Increase Your Visibility

Raise your hood to signal trouble to passing drivers. If you have flares or warning triangles, place them behind your vehicle to direct traffic away. A brightly colored cloth tied to your antenna or door handle helps too.

Stay Safe While You Wait

If you're fully off the road, stay buckled in your vehicle until help arrives. If you can't get completely clear of traffic, or you're worried about being struck, exit from the side away from traffic and move well clear — AAA recommends at least 40 feet from the vehicle. If you're stuck in a center divide with no safe way out, stay inside, buckled, and call 911.

Call for Help

Call La Costa Towing's dispatch line and we'll get a truck moving. On San Diego County freeways during commute hours, Caltrans' free Freeway Service Patrol (dial 511) can also assist with minor issues while you wait.

Call (760) 730-0348

Sources

This page is general safety information, not a substitute for your judgment in an emergency. If you or others are in immediate danger, call 911.