First: make the situation safer
A breakdown can happen because of a flat tyre, a dead battery, overheating, an electrical warning, fuel shortage or a mechanical fault. The best first action is not to diagnose the problem in traffic—it is to make the location and people around the car safer.
Move away from danger when safe to do so and contact local emergency services. Do not stand in an active traffic lane or attempt a repair in an unsafe place.
Signal that the vehicle has stopped
Turn on hazard lights. If it is safe, park as far from moving traffic as possible and keep the steering straight.
Keep people in a safer position
Use your judgement based on the road. Avoid standing beside the vehicle on fast-moving roads, blind turns or narrow lanes.
Check only the obvious warning signs
Note dashboard warnings, smoke, unusual noise, a puncture or whether the engine will start. Do not open a hot radiator cap or touch damaged electrical parts.
What to share when you request roadside help
Accurate details help a support team understand the request before a local partner is considered. A useful roadside assistance request should include:
- Your exact current location, landmark or map pin—not only the city name.
- The vehicle make, model and registration details available to you.
- The immediate issue: dead battery, flat tyre, towing requirement, no fuel, car lockout or another breakdown symptom.
- Whether the car is in a safe, accessible position for a mechanic or recovery vehicle.
- A working phone number so the request can be verified before dispatch.
BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
Quick breakdown checklist
- Hazard lights are on.
- People are away from traffic wherever possible.
- Location is accurate and includes a landmark.
- You know the main vehicle issue or warning sign.
- Your phone has sufficient battery for updates.
Common roadside issues and the right next step
Dead battery or car will not start
Check that it is safe to remain where you are. Share that the engine will not start and mention any battery or electrical warning. A jumpstart request can be assessed based on vehicle type and partner availability.
Flat tyre or suspected puncture
Do not change a tyre beside high-speed traffic. Tell the support team whether the tyre is visibly flat and whether the vehicle has a usable spare tyre.
Towing after a breakdown
If the car cannot be driven safely, select towing or describe the fault in the request. Include the pickup location and intended destination if it is known. Any estimate and extra work should be reviewed before approval.
Fuel delivery or car lockout
For fuel emergency, specify fuel type if known. For a lockout, wait in a safe nearby area and be ready to verify vehicle access before any work starts.
NEED HELP NOW?
Share the issue. Find nearby assistance.
Open the SOS form to submit your exact location, vehicle details and the urgent car issue.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FAQ
Questions drivers often ask
What should I do immediately when my car breaks down?
Move to a safe position if possible, switch on hazard lights, keep people away from traffic and share your precise location when requesting help.
Can roadside assistance help with a dead car battery?
Yes. A roadside assistance request can be used to seek help for a battery jumpstart or battery-related breakdown, subject to local partner availability and the vehicle condition.
Can I request towing after a car breakdown?
Yes. Include the vehicle issue and exact pickup location in the SOS request so towing availability can be assessed.
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