Fact: your car will never break down at an appropriate time. You’re either en-route to an important function with little time to spare or tackling a long road trip across the country when the car begins to make a strange sound and suddenly gives in. Whether it’s a punctured tyre, a fuel shortage or a more serious issue, it’s important to be prepared and understand how to manage a non-running car in a breakdown situation.

Even the most confident, relaxed and centred people can freak out when their car’s warning lights begin to flash. And having a non-running car at the side of the road is a stress-inducing situation.  

By following some basic steps, you can maintain your safety and sanity (even if you’re in the middle of nowhere).

#1 Tips to prevent a breakdown

Not everyone is a meticulous planner and not all of us have our ducks in a row when it comes to preparing for the worst. But if you are reading this before landing up with a non-running car, here are some proactive suggestions to help you prevent or prepare for the worst:

1. Check your oil, water & tyre pressure regularly
2. Make sure that any faults are fixed timeously
3. Remember to service your car annually or when it reaches the required mileage milestones
4. Have a spare tyre (and the necessary tools to replace it) in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Make sure that it is pumped to the required pressure and maintained regularly
5. Keep an emergency triangle, reflective clothing and torch/flashlight in your car
6. Have all key emergency contact numbers including police, ambulance and tow operator stored in your vehicle or readily accessible on your phone
7. Ensure you have enough fuel for the trip
8. Keep your cell phone charged or have a portable charger on hand
9. Ensure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and the washers are operational
10. Be aware of the location of your spare key
11. Have your battery regularly evaluated and keep jumper cables in your vehicle in case of a flat battery
12. Check under your car for any obvious leaks on a regular basis.

Following the above-mentioned steps can often prevent the worst from happening, but it is not fool-proof. Ending up with a non-running car can happen to anyone, even with the best-laid plans and persistent checks.

#2 Steps to follow in the event of a breakdown or non-running car

You’re on the side of the road and your car has given up the ghost. What must you do to get out of this situation as quickly as possible and ensure your personal safety?

1. 1. Switch on your hazard lights
   2. If possible, move your car to the safest place on the side of the road, out of the way of oncoming traffic
   3. Move to sit on the passenger side of the car for your own safety (however, if your vehicle is in the middle of the road and in the way of oncoming traffic, rather get out of the car)
   4. Place an emergency triangle 45 metres behind your car with the reflective side facing oncoming traffic
   5. Contact roadside assistance for help if you cannot fix the issue yourself. Make sure to share your location and details of the problem with the operator for the most efficient service and support
   6. Do not receive help from pedestrians or fellow motorists
   7. Be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious persons.

#3 What to do with your non-running car?

You know yourself and your car. If this is the first time you’ve had a breakdown and it was due to your own negligence (not having enough petrol) or an unavoidable issue (flat tyre), then this is probably a quick-solve situation.

But if a major part of your car is now in need of a fix or the repair job is too costly to foot, perhaps it’s time to consider selling your non-running car.

If you decide to sell up, make sure to choose a sales platform with a solid reputation that can give you instant cash, a competitive price and free towing for your non-running vehicle.