You go to start the car, the engine drags and then nothing. Or it makes it a few miles before giving up on the motorway, just as everyone else cruises by in their nice warm cars. Cold nights have a way of finding weak cars at the worst moment.

It’s not just inconvenient. Sitting by the roadside in freezing weather comes with real risks. You’ve got the cold, poor visibility, and traffic rushing by. None of it makes for a good time. The smart move is to have a plan in place. Stick with this guide and you’ll know exactly what to do if your car lets you down.

Get Yourself Safe First

Forget the car for a moment. Your priority is people. If the car begins to falter, don’t try to keep it going. Get it off the road. Hard shoulder, lay-by, whatever you can find that pulls you clear of the live lane.

Activate your hazard lights immediately so other drivers can see you. If you’ve got a hi-vis vest, put it on before you step out. On motorways, don’t hang around by the doors. Move behind the barrier and stay there until help arrives.

The car can be replaced. You can’t. Make yourself visible, get to safety, and then consider the next step.

Call for Help the Right Way

Once you’re safe, call your breakdown provider. That might be AA, RAC, or Green Flag. Use their app if the signal is patchy. It can send your GPS location straight to them.

On a motorway with no phone signal, walk to the nearest orange SOS phone. They connect you directly to the control centre. Keep your membership card or policy number handy so you don’t waste time digging through the glove box. And don’t wait until you’re stranded to check who you’re covered with. Sort that out before winter and save yourself the stress.

Stay Warm and Visible

If it’s safe, keep the engine running for short bursts to hold some heat. Don’t sit with it idling forever. Fuel runs out faster than you think. Wrap up with coats, blankets, or spare jumpers to trap warmth.

Make yourself easy to spot. Switch on the hazards. Use a torch or reflective gear if you’ve got it. The RAC and AA warn against sitting in a dead car on an unlit road with no lights showing. Cold creeps in quicker than you expect when you’re not moving, so stay warm and make sure others can see you.

Let Others Know You’re Stuck

Once you’ve called the breakdown team, ring a family member or a friend. Share your location so others know where you are. It’s helpful if your phone battery dies or if the recovery truck struggles to locate you. It also saves loved ones from worrying when you don’t turn up on time. Better a quick call now than twenty missed calls later.

Staying Safe

Sitting on the hard shoulder waiting for a truck isn’t fun. Best thing is to keep yourself safe. On the motorway that means getting out, standing behind the barrier, and keeping out of the way. On a quiet back road it’s often the opposite, you might be better off staying inside the car with the hazards flashing, because sometimes there’s nowhere safe to stand.

Winter Kit

A small kit in the boot makes a big difference when you’re stuck in the cold. Pack the basics and you’ll thank yourself later.

A blanket, gloves and a warm hat can live in the boot. If you break down late at night, you’ll be glad they’re there.
A power bank is always handy to charge up your phone
A couple of bottles of water and a few snacks make waiting around less of a pain.

It feels over the top until you need it. Once you’re wrapped in a blanket with a hot drink instead of shivering in the dark, you’ll know why it matters.

Be Prepared

Breaking down in winter feels worse than it really is. Call for help. Keep yourself warm. Don’t stress too much. If you’ve thrown a few basics in the boot beforehand, you’ll be glad you did. Sort your kit today. You’ll be glad you did.