Preparation – things to do before you set off…
You and your journey
Make sure you are well rested and have any medication you need with you. Plan your route before leaving, and identify opportunities to take a break during your journey. Check the latest traffic conditions too.
Tyres
Check your tyres are not too worn or damaged and that they’re properly inflated
Fuel, oil and water
Always keep your fuel tank at least one-quarter full to avoid running out during your journey. Check your oil level and ensure your screen wash is topped up.
Lights
Check all your lights work properly, they’re essential for you to see and be seen.
Mobile phone
Charge your phone the night before a long journey and check it before you leave.
Breakdown basics for motorway driving
What to do if the vehicle you are in breaks down or is damaged on the motorway.
If your vehicle develops a problem, exit the motorway. If you can’t, use the hard shoulder, or an emergency area if you are on a smart motorway.
Emergency areas are marked with blue signs showing an orange SOS telephone symbol.
If there’s no hard shoulder and you can’t reach an emergency area, move your vehicle to the left-most part of the road – the road boundary, the verge or a slip road.
Turn your hazard lights on to increase your visibility.
If you and other occupants can exit the car safely, do so using the left hand doors and wait behind the safety barrier if there is one.
Keep clear of your vehicle and moving traffic.
Call Highways England using a roadside phone or dial 0300 123 5000 from your mobile.
Then contact your breakdown recovery service.
If you can’t reach the left side of the road, can’t exit the vehicle or you’re otherwise in danger, put your hazard lights on, stay in your vehicle with your seat belt on and call ‘999’ from your mobile immediately.