A car breakdown is never convenient, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing what to do keeps you safe and helps get assistance to you faster.
If preparation isn’t enough, having Quokka Towing saved in your phone means help is only a call away. As trusted local towing experts in Perth, we provide fast, reliable, and affordable service backed by genuine local care.
Contact us now for immediate assistance or get a free, no-obligation quote today.
A car breakdown can happen without warning. When it does, especially on busy Perth roads or freeways, knowing what to do straight away protects you, your passengers, and other drivers.
As a trusted local towing provider in Perth, WA, we assist drivers through car breakdown situations every day. From overheated engines due to Perth’s hot summer weather to flat batteries in outer suburbs, we see how the right actions reduce risk and speed up recovery. This guide explains exactly what to do during a car breakdown, when to call for help, and how to prepare before you drive.
Taking the Right First Steps to Ensure Safety
The first few minutes of a car breakdown are critical. Acting calmly and decisively reduces the risk of secondary accidents and helps roadside assistance reach you faster. Here are the immediate actions to take during a car breakdown:
- Pull over as far left as safely possible
- Turn on hazard lights immediately
- Keep your seatbelt fastened
- Stay inside the vehicle if traffic is moving fast
- Call roadside assistance or a trusted local towing service
Protect Yourself on Busy Roads
Your safety always comes first. Perth’s freeways and arterial roads move quickly, and roadside stops during a car breakdown are more dangerous than many drivers realise.
Signal Early and Pull Over Safely
As soon as you notice something’s wrong, turn on your hazard lights immediately. This alerts drivers behind you and allows you to move safely to the side of the road. If your vehicle is stuck in an unsafe spot and won’t move, stay inside, keep your seatbelt fastened, and call for help right away.
- Steer smoothly to the shoulder, emergency lane, or as far off as possible from the lanes of moving traffic.
- Keep your wheels turned to the side, and apply the handbrake.
- Avoid stopping on bends or narrow sections where your car may be positioned in a blind spot.
Stay Visible and Reduce Risk
The next important step is to make sure other drivers can see you. Visibility prevents collisions as drivers, upon seeing the road hazard, will naturally keep their distance to avoid any accidents. This also helps roadside crews locate you faster. Actively ensuring your visibility makes a big difference, especially on highways or darker roads around Perth.
- Leave your hazard lights flashing the entire time to warn other motorists.
- If your vehicle is on the side of the road, raise your car bonnet to signal to others that your vehicle is disabled.
- At night, turn on your interior light to make the car even more noticeable.
Stay Inside If It’s Unsafe to Exit
If you’ve broken down on a busy road, somewhere like Mitchell Freeway, or near fast-moving traffic, it’s safest to stay inside your vehicle. According to Transport WA, here’s what to do in case this happens to you:
- Remain in your car and stay calm.
- Keep your seatbelt fastened and doors locked.
- Call roadside assistance or emergency towing in Perth immediately.
- Avoid standing near moving traffic.
Exit Only When Conditions Allow
If it’s safe to exit, do so from the side away from moving vehicles. Once out of the vehicle, move behind a safety barrier or any structure that can shield you from moving traffic or any debris or projectile from the road. Keep all companions, including children and pets, away from the road. Being stuck on the side of the road is dangerous enough, so securing their safety, including yours, is of vital importance.
When to Call for Professional Support
Once you are safe, getting the right help is the next priority. A professional towing service ensures your vehicle is removed quickly and without further damage. More importantly, it keeps you out of harm’s way, especially on busy Perth roads and highways where traffic moves fast.
If you’re a roadside assistance member, they may resolve minor issues such as flat batteries, flat tyres, or fuel problems. This can save time if the fix is simple. However, if the vehicle cannot be driven safely, is overheating, has been involved in an accident, or is stopped in an unsafe location, towing is the safest option during a car breakdown. Continuing to drive could cause further mechanical damage and higher repair costs.
A common scenario, during Perth’s summer heat, is that we regularly assist drivers on Mitchell Freeway whose vehicles have overheated while sitting in heavy traffic. In many of these situations, the engine temperature rises quickly, forcing drivers to pull over to the emergency lane. Turning on hazard lights, staying inside the vehicle, and calling for roadside assistance or a tow truck helps reduce risk while traffic continues moving past at high speed.
It’s also wise to call for towing if warning lights remain on after a restart, the steering or brakes feel unusual, or there are fluid leaks under the vehicle. Trust your judgement. If it doesn’t feel safe, don’t risk it.
Clear communication helps speed things up. Be ready to explain exactly where you are, nearby exits or landmarks, and your vehicle’s make, model, and colour. Live GPS sharing can significantly reduce delays and help your tow truck reach you faster. The more accurate the information, the quicker and smoother the recovery process will be.
What to Do After Your Car is Away From Danger
Once your vehicle is in a safe location, the focus shifts from urgency to recovery. This is the time to consider the costs and your vehicle’s long-term reliability. Acting quickly and methodically helps prevent small issues from becoming expensive problems.
Get a Proper Mechanical Inspection
Once your vehicle is off the road, have a qualified mechanic identify exactly what caused the car breakdown. Ask for a clear diagnostic report and an explanation of any urgent repairs. Keeping written records helps with insurance claims, warranties, and prevents the same issue from happening again.
Contact Your Insurer Promptly
If towing or repairs may be covered under your policy, notify your insurer as soon as possible. Provide towing invoices, inspection reports, and any photos taken at the scene. Early communication helps avoid delays and ensures you understand what costs are covered.
Review, Restock, and Prepare
After everything is resolved, replace any safety items used during the breakdown. Take a moment to reflect on what worked and what could be improved. Preparing now reduces stress and lowers the risk of another car breakdown in the future.
Prevention Saves You From Headaches
Many car breakdown incidents are preventable with basic preparation. Perth’s heat, long distances, and stop-start traffic place extra strain on vehicles, particularly in summer. The table below outlines simple checks and how often they should be done to reduce the risk of a car breakdown.
| Vehicle Check | How Often | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres (including spare) | Monthly | Reduces blowouts and loss of control |
| Engine oil and coolant | Monthly | Prevents overheating and engine damage |
| Battery condition | Every 6 months | Flat batteries are a leading cause of car breakdown |
| Warning lights | Immediately | Early signs of mechanical failure |
| Fluids (brake, washer) | Monthly | Maintains safe braking and visibility |
Car Breakdown FAQs
Is it safer to stay inside the car during a car breakdown?
Yes. On busy roads, remaining inside with your seatbelt fastened is often the safest option until assistance arrives.
When should I call a tow truck for a car breakdown?
If the vehicle cannot be driven safely, is overheating, or is stopped in an unsafe location, towing is recommended.
How long does towing usually take in Perth?
Response times vary by location and traffic, but local towing services often arrive faster than state-wide providers.
Does insurance usually cover towing after a car breakdown?
Many policies include towing, but coverage differs. Always check your policy and keep receipts.
Handling Breakdowns with Confidence
A car breakdown is never convenient, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing what to do keeps you safe and helps get assistance to you faster.
If preparation isn’t enough, having Quokka Towing saved in your phone means help is only a call away. As trusted local towing experts in Perth, we provide fast, reliable, and affordable service backed by genuine local care.
Contact us now for immediate assistance or get a free, no-obligation quote today.
