Car Breakdown & Troubleshooting Guides

A flat or dead battery is the most common breakdown cause in the UK. If you have jump leads and a second car nearby, here's exactly how to do it safely.

• Park the working car nose-to-nose. Both engines off.
• RED lead: working car positive (+) → flat car positive (+)
• BLACK lead: working car negative (−) → flat car unpainted metal (not battery terminal)
• Start working car, let run 3 minutes, then try starting yours
• If it starts, keep running 15–20 minutes to recharge
• Remove leads in reverse order — black first, then red

⚠️ Never attempt on hybrid or electric vehicles — call a professional.

Before calling recovery, run through these checks. Many "won't start" situations have a simple fix you can sort in minutes.

• Check dashboard — any warning lights? Low fuel warning?
• Make sure you're in Park or Neutral (auto) or clutch fully pressed (manual)
• Listen: Silence = flat battery · Click click = battery/starter · Cranks but won't fire = fuel/engine
• Check fob battery — push-start cars won't work with a dead fob
• Look for puddles under car, burning smell, or visible damage
• Try turning all electrics off then attempt start again

Flat tyres are stressful but manageable if you have a spare wheel. Here's how to change one safely at the roadside.

• Get fully off the road first — never change a tyre on a live carriageway
• Handbrake on, hazard lights on. Warning triangle if you have one
• Loosen wheel nuts slightly BEFORE jacking the car up
• Jack at the vehicle's correct jacking point (see your handbook)
• Remove flat, fit spare, tighten in a star pattern
• Lower car, fully tighten. Space-saver spare: max 50mph, get to a tyre shop

⚠️ No spare? Many modern cars only have foam sealant — call for recovery if you're stuck.

An overheating engine can cause thousands of pounds of damage if you keep driving. Act immediately — this is not a situation to push through.

• Pull over safely as soon as possible — do NOT keep driving
• Turn the engine OFF immediately
• Do NOT open the bonnet straight away — wait at least 15–20 minutes
• NEVER remove the radiator cap while hot — severe scalding risk
• Once cool, check coolant level in the reservoir (not radiator directly)
• If coolant is empty or there's a visible leak — do not restart, call recovery

Driving an overheating car can warp the cylinder head — a £1,000+ repair. Don't risk it.

Running out of fuel is embarrassing but very common. Here's what to do — and what to avoid to prevent further damage to your car.

• Coast to the left safely and pull fully off the road if possible
• Hazard lights on. If on a motorway, get behind the barrier immediately
• Do NOT push the car to a petrol station — dangerous on live roads
• Call a friend with a fuel can, or a recovery/roadside service
• Diesel car: if you ran the tank completely dry, the fuel system may need bleeding — don't just add fuel and try to start it

Motorway breakdowns are one of the most dangerous situations on UK roads. Follow this procedure every time — speed and distance make the risk very real.

• Move to the left lane smoothly, then onto the hard shoulder or ERA
• Switch hazard lights on as soon as you start slowing down
• On smart motorways (no hard shoulder): aim for an Emergency Refuge Area
• Exit from the LEFT door ONLY — never stand behind or in front of the vehicle
• Get behind the barrier and away from the car entirely
• Call 999 if unsafe, then call recovery. Note nearest marker post number for your location

Locked your keys inside? Left your spare at home? Stay calm — there are a few things to check before calling for help.

• Check all doors and the boot — sometimes one has not fully clicked shut
• Try your spare key if someone at home can bring it to you
• Check your insurance — many comprehensive policies include lockout assistance
• Do NOT try to force a door open — modern cars have sensors and you'll cause expensive damage
• Don't break a window unless it's a life safety emergency (child/pet locked in heat)

Modern cars have dozens of warning lights. Some are minor, some mean stop immediately. Here's a quick guide to the most common ones.

• 🔴 Red oil pressure light: Stop immediately — driving further can destroy the engine
• 🔴 Red temperature warning: Stop immediately — overheating (see guide above)
• 🟠 Engine management light: Usually not immediate danger, but get it checked soon
• 🟠 Low fuel warning: You typically have 30–50 miles left — don't ignore it
• 🟡 Tyre pressure warning: Check pressures as soon as safe to do so
• 🔴 Battery warning while driving: Alternator may have failed — get off the road soon