Stranded? What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down
A calm, safe, step-by-step for the side of the road — plus what to tell the tow dispatcher.
Get to safety first
Ease onto the shoulder or into a parking lot, turn on your hazards, and if it's dark or a busy highway, stay buckled inside with doors locked rather than standing near traffic.
Set out reflective triangles or flares if you have them, especially at night.
Pinpoint your location
Note a mile marker, exit number, or cross street — or drop a pin in your phone's map. The faster the driver can find you, the shorter (and often cheaper) the wait.
Call and describe the situation
Tell dispatch your vehicle (year, make, model), what's wrong, whether it's running, and where it needs to go. Ask for the ETA and an upfront price. A good operator gives you both without hesitation.