A vehicle breakdown can happen without warning, whether you’re driving through a busy city, travelling along a highway or heading home after work. While mechanical problems are frustrating, the decisions you make immediately afterwards can have an even greater impact on your safety, your vehicle and the overall cost of recovery.
Many drivers make avoidable mistakes because they’re stressed, unfamiliar with roadside safety procedures or unsure when to call for professional assistance.
Understanding what not to do during a breakdown can help you respond calmly, protect other road users and prevent an inconvenient situation from becoming a serious problem.
Here are seven common mistakes Australian drivers should avoid when their vehicle breaks down.
1. Continuing to Drive Despite Warning Signs
One of the most damaging mistakes drivers make is ignoring early signs of mechanical trouble.
Unusual engine noises, rising temperature gauges, fluid leaks and dashboard warning lights can indicate problems that require immediate attention. Continuing to drive may turn a relatively minor issue into expensive mechanical damage.
For example, operating an overheating engine can cause serious internal damage, while driving with faulty brakes or steering components creates significant safety risks.
If your vehicle begins showing concerning symptoms, reduce your speed where appropriate and find somewhere safe to stop as soon as possible. Avoid unnecessary driving until the problem has been assessed.
A short delay to arrange assistance is generally preferable to risking additional damage or losing control of the vehicle.
2. Stopping in an Unsafe Location
When a vehicle develops mechanical problems, drivers sometimes pull over immediately without considering surrounding traffic.
Stopping near a blind corner, in an active traffic lane or on a narrow road shoulder can expose occupants and other motorists to unnecessary danger.
The NSW Government recommends finding a safe location, such as a breakdown lane, emergency stopping area or road shoulder, while keeping as far away from moving traffic as possible.
If your vehicle remains controllable and can be moved safely, aim for a designated stopping area or a nearby lower-speed road. However, never attempt to continue driving if doing so presents an immediate mechanical or safety risk.
Once stopped, apply the parking brake, activate your hazard warning lights and assess your surroundings before taking further action.
Your priority should always be reaching a safe position rather than stopping at the first available space.
3. Attempting Risky Roadside Repairs Instead of Calling for Help
Some drivers attempt to repair their vehicles immediately, even when they lack the necessary equipment, experience or safe working conditions.
Although simple checks may occasionally be appropriate, roadside repairs can become dangerous when performed beside moving traffic.
Changing a tyre on a narrow highway shoulder, working underneath an unstable vehicle or attempting to restart a severely damaged engine can expose drivers to unnecessary risks.
When a vehicle cannot be driven safely, contacting an experienced towing provider such as Underground Towing & Salvage can help motorists arrange appropriate vehicle recovery rather than attempting potentially dangerous roadside repairs.
Professional towing is particularly important when a vehicle has damaged wheels, steering problems, accident-related damage or mechanical faults that prevent normal operation.
Knowing when to stop troubleshooting and request assistance can help prevent further complications.
4. Failing to Keep Themselves and Other Passengers Safe
Once a vehicle has stopped, some drivers focus entirely on the mechanical problem and forget about the safety of everyone inside.
Standing close to moving traffic, walking around a broken-down vehicle or allowing passengers to wait beside the road can create additional hazards.
According to Joshua Harrison, Founder of Underground Towing & Salvage, safety should always take priority over attempting to repair or move a broken-down vehicle. Drivers should assess nearby traffic, their surroundings and whether the vehicle can be moved without creating additional risks. Providing accurate information about the vehicle’s condition and location also helps towing operators understand potential recovery challenges and determine what equipment may be required.
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads advises motorists to assess whether it is safe to exit their vehicles. Where safe, occupants should leave from the side away from traffic and move behind a safety barrier.
If exiting would be dangerous, remaining inside with seatbelts fastened may be the safer option.
Never attempt to cross a busy road to seek assistance. If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call Triple Zero (000).
5. Forgetting to Make Their Vehicle Visible to Other Drivers
A stationary vehicle can be difficult for approaching motorists to identify, particularly during heavy rain, fog, darkness or poor lighting conditions.
Failing to activate warning lights increases the chance that other drivers will recognise the obstruction too late.
Once you’ve stopped safely, switch on your hazard warning lights to alert approaching traffic. Parking lights may also improve visibility at night or during poor weather.
Some vehicles carry reflective warning triangles, but these should only be positioned where it is safe and appropriate to do so. Never walk into an active traffic lane simply to place warning equipment.
It’s also important to avoid standing behind or directly beside your vehicle where approaching traffic could pose a danger.
These precautions give other road users more opportunity to recognise the situation and respond safely.
6. Providing Incomplete Information When Requesting a Tow Truck
Calling for a tow truck without explaining your situation clearly can complicate recovery arrangements.
For example, simply telling an operator that your car has broken down on a highway may not provide enough information to identify your exact location or determine which recovery equipment is appropriate.
When requesting towing assistance, provide the following details where possible:
- Your exact location, including nearby landmarks, road names or GPS coordinates.
- Your vehicle’s make, model and registration.
- Whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident.
- Any damage affecting its wheels, steering or ability to roll.
- Whether the vehicle is in a car park, narrow street, roadside ditch or another difficult-to-access location.
- Your preferred towing destination.
Through its work assisting motorists across Canberra, Queanbeyan and Tasmania, Underground Towing & Salvage understands the importance of identifying vehicle conditions and access requirements before arranging recovery.
A vehicle with locked wheels or damaged suspension, for example, may require different loading arrangements from a car experiencing a straightforward engine failure.
Providing complete information helps the towing operator assess the situation and prepare for the recovery.
7. Not Confirming Towing Costs, Insurance Coverage and Destination
Another common mistake is arranging vehicle recovery without understanding the likely charges, insurance arrangements or where the vehicle will be taken.
Towing costs can vary depending on the distance travelled, vehicle type, recovery difficulty and any additional services required.
Before authorising a tow, ask about applicable charges, potential additional fees and the proposed destination whenever circumstances allow.
Drivers should also check whether their roadside assistance membership or motor insurance policy includes towing. Standard motor insurance does not automatically mean that mechanical breakdown towing is covered.
Insurers such as NRMA Insurance offer different products and coverage arrangements, making it important to understand the terms of your particular policy.
For broader information about comparing policies and coverage, it’s worth understanding your car insurance options before an unexpected incident occurs.
Finally, confirm whether your vehicle will be transported to your preferred mechanic, an authorised repair facility or a storage yard. This can help avoid unnecessary transport arrangements and additional expenses.
Understanding these details beforehand allows you to make a more informed decision during an already stressful situation.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Know When to Call for Help
Vehicle breakdowns are inconvenient, but making the right decisions can prevent them from becoming dangerous or unnecessarily expensive.
Avoiding common mistakes such as ignoring warning signs, stopping in unsafe locations, attempting risky repairs and providing incomplete recovery information can make a significant difference.
The most important priorities are protecting yourself and your passengers, making your vehicle visible and seeking appropriate assistance when it cannot be driven safely. By keeping emergency contacts accessible, reviewing your insurance arrangements and understanding basic roadside safety procedures, you’ll be better prepared to handle an unexpected breakdown with confidenc
