What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down
A calm, step-by-step checklist for the first ten minutes after a breakdown — where to stop, how to stay visible and who to call.
5 min read · 12 January 2026
Get off the road safely
The moment you notice a problem, reduce speed gradually and move to the left shoulder or the nearest safe pull-off. Avoid braking hard in fast-moving traffic, especially on expressways.
- Switch on hazard lights immediately
- Place a warning triangle 15–20 metres behind the vehicle
- Keep passengers out of the vehicle and away from live lanes
Diagnose only what is safe
A flat tyre, a dead battery or an empty fuel tank are easy to identify. Overheating, smoke or a burning smell means you should stay outside the vehicle and wait for professional help.
Call for assistance
Share your exact location, vehicle registration number and the nature of the fault. With an active OnRoads India membership, our 24×7 control room dispatches the nearest verified partner — target dispatch 29* minutes.
Stuck on the road right now?
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