Breaking down on a motorway can be a stressful and potentially dangerous experience. Whether it’s a flat tyre, engine failure, overheating, or a mechanical fault, knowing what to do can help keep you and your passengers safe while reducing the risk to other road users.
At Brian Roberts Towing, we’ve helped thousands of motorists across Auckland and throughout New Zealand recover their vehicles safely. Here’s what you should do if your vehicle breaks down on the motorway.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first priority is your safety. If your vehicle starts making unusual noises, loses power, or warning lights appear on your dashboard, don’t panic. Stay focused and avoid making sudden movements.
Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that you’re experiencing a problem.
2. Move Off the Road If It’s Safe
If your vehicle is still able to move, carefully indicate and make your way to the left-hand shoulder or the nearest safe stopping area.
Try to park as far from the traffic lane as possible. The more distance between your vehicle and passing traffic, the safer you’ll be.
Avoid stopping:
- Around blind corners
- On bridges
- At the crest of a hill
- In live traffic lanes whenever possible
3. Make Yourself Visible
Once you’ve stopped safely:
- Keep your hazard lights on.
- If visibility is poor, turn on your parking lights.
- If it’s safe to do so, wear a high-visibility vest before exiting your vehicle.
Visibility is especially important at night or during wet weather when other drivers have less time to react.
4. Exit the Vehicle Safely
If it’s safe to leave your vehicle, exit through the passenger side whenever possible, away from moving traffic.
Move yourself and any passengers behind the roadside safety barrier if one is available. Stay well away from the edge of the motorway while waiting for assistance.
Never stand between your vehicle and passing traffic.
5. Call for Assistance
Once you’re in a safe location, arrange professional assistance.
Provide as much information as possible, including:
- Your exact location or nearest motorway exit
- The direction you’re travelling
- Your vehicle make and model
- A description of the problem
- Whether your vehicle is safely off the road
This helps your towing provider dispatch the right recovery vehicle quickly.
6. Stay with Your Vehicle Only If It’s Safe
If you’re parked well clear of traffic and there is no safer place to wait, remain in a safe position away from traffic while waiting for help.
If conditions are dangerous or your vehicle is in a hazardous position, follow any instructions from emergency services or road authorities.
Common Reasons Vehicles Break Down
Motorway breakdowns can happen unexpectedly, even with well-maintained vehicles. Some of the most common causes include:
- Flat batteries
- Engine overheating
- Mechanical failure
- Transmission problems
- Tyre blowouts
- Fuel shortages
- Electrical faults
Regular servicing can reduce the likelihood of many of these issues occurring.
What Not to Do
When your vehicle breaks down, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t stand on the motorway beside your vehicle.
- Don’t attempt repairs in a live traffic lane.
- Don’t walk along the motorway unless directed by emergency services.
- Don’t ignore warning lights if your vehicle begins showing signs of failure.
- Don’t accept assistance from unlicensed towing operators.
How Brian Roberts Towing Can Help
Brian Roberts Towing provides fast, reliable towing and vehicle recovery services throughout Auckland and nationwide.
Whether you’ve broken down on the motorway, been involved in an accident, or simply need your vehicle transported, our experienced team is equipped to recover cars, SUVs, motorcycles, light commercial vehicles, and heavy vehicles safely and efficiently.
We understand that breakdowns rarely happen at convenient times, which is why we offer prompt, professional service whenever you need us.
Need a Tow?
If your vehicle has broken down on an Auckland motorway or anywhere across New Zealand, Brian Roberts Towing is here to help.
Our experienced operators will recover your vehicle safely and transport it to your preferred repairer, home, or destination, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
Need professional towing or vehicle transport? Contact Brian Roberts Towing today for fast, reliable service across Auckland and nationwide.