What To Do When Your Car Is Broken Down

Quick answer

• Prioritize safety: move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
• Assess the situation: determine if it’s a minor issue or requires professional help.
• Contact roadside assistance or a tow truck if needed.
• Get repair estimates from reputable mechanics.
• Understand your warranty or insurance coverage.
• Plan for alternative transportation while your car is being repaired.
• Keep records of all repairs and expenses.

Who this is for

• Drivers who have experienced a sudden car breakdown.
• Individuals who need a clear, step-by-step guide to handle a roadside emergency.
• Car owners who want to understand the financial implications of unexpected car repairs.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

What is your immediate goal? Is it to get the car running again, or to simply get yourself to safety? Your timeline will depend on the severity of the issue and your personal needs. For example, if you need to get to work, your timeline is immediate. If the car can be left overnight, you have more flexibility.

Current cash flow

Assess your available funds. Unexpected car repairs can be costly. Knowing your current financial situation will help you make informed decisions about repair options and payment methods.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

Do you have an emergency fund set aside? This fund is crucial for unexpected expenses like car repairs. If your fund is insufficient, you may need to consider other options, but having a buffer will significantly reduce financial stress.

Debt and interest rates

Are you carrying significant debt? If you need to finance repairs, understanding your current debt obligations and interest rates is important. High-interest debt can make financing new expenses more expensive.

Credit impact

Will you need to use a credit card or take out a loan for repairs? Consider how this might impact your credit score, especially if you have limited credit or are already managing a high credit utilization ratio.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Ensure Safety:

• What to do: If your car breaks down in a dangerous location (e.g., highway, busy intersection), turn on your hazard lights immediately. If possible and safe, steer your vehicle to the shoulder, a side street, or a parking lot.
• What “good” looks like: You and your passengers are safely out of harm’s way, away from moving traffic.
• Common mistake: Staying in a dangerous spot because you’re unsure what to do, or trying to fix the car on a busy roadside.
• How to avoid it: Prioritize your safety above all else. If you can’t move the car, stay inside with your seatbelt on and call emergency services if the situation is critical.

2. Assess the Situation:

• What to do: Once safe, try to determine the nature of the problem. Are there warning lights on the dashboard? Is there smoke, a strange noise, or a fluid leak?
• What “good” looks like: You have a general idea of whether it’s a simple fix (like a flat tire you can change) or a more complex mechanical issue.
• Common mistake: Panicking and assuming the worst without a basic assessment, or attempting repairs beyond your skill level.
• How to avoid it: Consult your car’s owner’s manual for dashboard warning light meanings. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and call for professional help.

3. Call for Assistance:

• What to do: If you can’t safely resolve the issue yourself, contact your roadside assistance provider (e.g., AAA, your insurance company’s service, or a manufacturer’s roadside program). If you don’t have one, search for reputable local towing services.
• What “good” looks like: You have a tow truck or mechanic en route to your location.
• Common mistake: Not having roadside assistance and calling the first number you find without checking reviews or pricing, leading to overcharges.
• How to avoid it: Before you need it, sign up for a roadside assistance plan. If you need to call a new service, ask for their estimated arrival time and any upfront diagnostic or towing fees.

4. Choose a Repair Shop:

• What to do: If your car is towed, you’ll likely need to choose a repair shop. Ask your tow truck driver for recommendations, or research reputable mechanics in your area using online reviews and asking friends for referrals.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve selected a trusted repair shop with a good reputation.
• Common mistake: Letting the tow truck take your car to a shop you know nothing about, or choosing the cheapest option without vetting the service.
• How to avoid it: Have a few trusted mechanics in mind before a breakdown occurs. If you’re at the mercy of a tow, ask for options and do a quick online search if possible.

5. Get a Diagnosis and Estimate:

• What to do: Once at the shop, request a detailed diagnosis of the problem and a written estimate for the repair costs before authorizing any work.
• What “good” looks like: You understand the problem, what needs to be done, and the total cost, including parts and labor.
• Common mistake: Authorizing work without a clear understanding of the diagnosis and cost, leading to surprise bills.
• How to avoid it: Ask questions. If an estimate seems high, get a second opinion from another mechanic if time and your car’s location permit.

6. Review Warranty and Insurance:

• What to do: Check if any part of the repair is covered by your car’s manufacturer warranty, an extended warranty, or your auto insurance policy (e.g., for damage from an accident or a covered peril).
• What “good” looks like: You’ve identified potential cost savings through coverage.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to check warranty or insurance, and paying out-of-pocket for covered repairs.
• How to avoid it: Keep all warranty and insurance documents accessible. Call your provider or dealer to inquire about coverage for the specific issue.

7. Authorize Repairs:

• What to do: Based on the estimate, your budget, and any applicable coverage, decide whether to proceed with the repairs. Authorize the work with the chosen shop.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve made a confident decision to proceed with repairs.
• Common mistake: Delaying authorization unnecessarily, which can sometimes incur additional storage fees or prolong the repair process.
• How to avoid it: Communicate clearly with the mechanic about your decision and any concerns you have.

8. Arrange Alternative Transportation:

• What to do: While your car is being repaired, arrange for alternative transport. This could involve using public transit, ride-sharing services, borrowing a car, or renting one.
• What “good” looks like: You have a reliable way to get around during the repair period.
• Common mistake: Not planning for transportation and facing inconvenience or missing important commitments.
• How to avoid it: Discuss rental car options with the repair shop or your insurance company, as some policies cover rental car costs.

9. Pay for Repairs and Get Documentation:

• What to do: Once repairs are complete, pay the bill. Ensure you receive an itemized invoice detailing all parts and labor, along with a warranty on the work performed.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear record of the expenses and proof of payment.
• Common mistake: Paying without reviewing the invoice or understanding the charges, and not getting a receipt or warranty information.
• How to avoid it: Review the invoice carefully against the initial estimate. Keep all repair records for your vehicle’s maintenance history and potential future warranty claims.

10. Test Drive and Follow Up:

• What to do: Before leaving the shop, take the car for a short test drive to ensure the issue is resolved. If you notice any problems, discuss them with the mechanic immediately.
• What “good” looks like: The car is running smoothly, and you’re satisfied with the repair.
• Common mistake: Not test driving and discovering the problem persists only after leaving the shop.
• How to avoid it: Be proactive. A quick drive confirms the repair and gives you an opportunity to address lingering concerns.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not having roadside assistance	High out-of-pocket costs for towing and immediate repairs; delayed help.	Subscribe to a roadside assistance plan before you need it.
Ignoring dashboard warning lights	Minor issues can escalate into major, costly repairs; potential safety hazards.	Consult your owner’s manual and seek professional diagnosis promptly when lights appear.
Choosing the cheapest repair shop blindly	Poor quality repairs, repeat issues, potential damage to your vehicle, overcharging for shoddy work.	Research reviews, get recommendations, and ask for detailed estimates before authorizing work.
Not getting a written repair estimate	Unexpectedly high bills; difficulty disputing charges; lack of clarity on the work performed.	Always request a detailed, written estimate for parts and labor before approving any repairs.
Authorizing repairs without understanding	Paying for unnecessary work; not addressing the actual problem; financial strain from surprise costs.	Ask questions about the diagnosis and proposed repairs until you fully understand them.
Forgetting to check warranty coverage	Paying for repairs that should be covered by the manufacturer or an extended warranty, costing you money.	Keep warranty documents handy and inquire about coverage for the specific issue with your dealer or warranty provider.
Not planning for alternative transport	Inconvenience, missed appointments, potential loss of income, added stress during the repair period.	Arrange for ride-sharing, public transport, or rental cars in advance, or discuss rental options with the repair shop/insurance.
Paying without receiving an itemized invoice	Difficulty tracking expenses; inability to verify charges; no proof of work for future reference or disputes.	Always get a detailed, itemized invoice for all repairs, including parts, labor, and taxes, with warranty information.
Not test-driving the car after repairs	The original problem may persist, or new issues could arise, requiring further, unexpected repairs and costs.	Always take a short test drive to confirm the repair was successful before leaving the repair shop.
Failing to keep repair records	Difficulty when selling the car; potential issues with future warranty claims; no history for maintenance.	Maintain a comprehensive log of all maintenance and repair work performed on your vehicle.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your car breaks down on a busy highway, then prioritize getting yourself to a safe location off the road because your safety is paramount.
• If you have roadside assistance coverage, then use their services for towing and potentially initial diagnosis because it’s often more cost-effective and reliable.
• If you can identify the problem as a flat tire and have a spare and the tools, then attempt to change it yourself because it’s a common, manageable issue.
• If the breakdown involves smoke, fire, or significant fluid leaks, then do not attempt to fix it yourself and call emergency services or a tow truck immediately because these are serious safety hazards.
• If you are unsure about the cause of the breakdown or it involves complex mechanical issues, then call a tow truck to take it to a reputable repair shop because attempting repairs without expertise can cause more damage.
• If the repair estimate is unexpectedly high, then get a second opinion from another mechanic if your car’s location and your timeline allow because this can confirm the diagnosis and potentially find a more affordable solution.
• If the repair is likely covered by a warranty, then confirm this with the dealership or warranty provider before authorizing work at an independent shop because you could save significant money.
• If you rely on your car for work and the repairs will take more than a day, then arrange for a rental car or alternative transportation proactively because you need to maintain your ability to commute.
• If the repair shop offers a warranty on their work, then ensure this is clearly stated on your invoice because it provides recourse if the problem reoccurs.
• If you need to finance the repairs, then explore options like a credit card with a 0% introductory APR or a personal loan, but be mindful of interest rates because this impacts the total cost.
• If your car is old and the repair cost is a significant percentage of its value, then consider if repairing it is more cost-effective than replacing it because sometimes a major repair isn’t worth it.
• If you are in a remote area with limited options, then prioritize getting the car to the nearest available reputable service, even if it means a longer tow, because getting it to a place where it can be fixed is the priority.

FAQ

What should I do if my car breaks down on the highway?

First, turn on your hazard lights. If it’s safe to do so, steer your vehicle to the shoulder or the nearest safe location away from traffic. Stay in your car with your seatbelt on if you can’t safely exit, or move to a safe spot away from the vehicle and traffic if you can exit. Then, call for roadside assistance or emergency services.

How do I know if my car is covered by a warranty?

Check your original purchase documents or your car’s owner’s manual for warranty information. Most new cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and you might have purchased an extended warranty. If you’re unsure, contact the dealership where you purchased the car or your warranty provider.

What is roadside assistance and how does it work?

Roadside assistance is a service, often offered by auto clubs, insurance companies, or auto manufacturers, that provides help when your vehicle breaks down. This typically includes towing, jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. You usually pay a membership fee or a per-incident charge.

Should I get a second opinion on car repairs?

Yes, especially if the repair estimate is high or the problem is complex. A second opinion can confirm the diagnosis, ensure you’re not overpaying, and potentially find a more cost-effective solution. It’s a good practice for significant repairs.

How much does a tow truck typically cost?

The cost of a tow can vary widely depending on your location, the distance of the tow, and the type of vehicle. It’s best to get an estimate upfront from the towing company. Many roadside assistance plans include a certain number of miles of towing for free.

What if I can’t afford the car repairs?

If you can’t afford the repairs, assess the situation. If it’s a minor issue, you might be able to defer it. For major repairs, you may need to explore financing options, use a credit card, or consider if the repair cost outweighs the vehicle’s value. In some cases, selling the car for parts might be an option.

How can I find a reputable mechanic?

Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Check online reviews from sources like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. Look for shops that are certified by organizations like the Automotive Service Association (ASA) or that specialize in your car’s make.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed diagnostic procedures for specific car problems.
• Next: Consult your car’s owner’s manual or a professional mechanic for specific diagnostic steps.
• Legal rights and responsibilities related to vehicle repair disputes.
• Next: Research consumer protection laws in your state or consult with a legal professional.
• Specific pricing for car parts or labor rates across different regions.
• Next: Contact local repair shops for current pricing or research national averages for common repairs.
• The process of buying a new or used car after a breakdown.
• Next: Explore resources on car buying guides, financing options, and vehicle depreciation.
• In-depth information on car insurance claims beyond basic coverage for repairs.
• Next: Review your auto insurance policy details or speak with your insurance agent about specific coverage scenarios.