What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway

Last Tuesday, Maria's worst nightmare came true. Driving home from work on the I-10, her car suddenly lost power. The engine sputtered, warning lights flashed, and she found herself coasting toward the shoulder as traffic rushed past at 70 mph. Her hands shook as she gripped the wheel, wondering what to do next.

If you've ever experienced this heart-pounding moment, you're not alone. Highway breakdowns happen to thousands of drivers every single day. The good news? Knowing what to do can turn a terrifying situation into a manageable inconvenience.

Move to Safety Immediately

The moment you notice something wrong, start moving toward the right shoulder. Don't slam on the brakes or make sudden movements that could surprise other drivers. Turn on your hazard lights immediately—this signals to everyone around you that you're in distress.

Try to get as far off the road as possible. That extra ten feet could save your life. If you can't make it to the shoulder, don't panic. Getting out of traffic lanes is your first priority, even if you're not completely off the road.

Stay in Your Vehicle

Here's where many people make a critical mistake. Your instinct might tell you to get out and check what's wrong, but on a busy highway, your car is actually the safest place to be. Modern vehicles are designed to protect you from impacts. Your body standing on the shoulder? Not so much.

Keep your seatbelt fastened and wait for help inside your vehicle. If you absolutely must exit—say, if you smell smoke or see flames—get out the passenger side door, away from traffic, and move well beyond the guardrail.

Call for Professional Help

This is where having a reliable towing service on speed dial makes all the difference. At Upland Towing Service, we've rescued countless drivers from highway breakdowns. Our 24/7 emergency response team knows every inch of local highways and can reach you quickly—often within 30 minutes.

When you call us, we'll ask for your exact location. If you're not sure where you are, look for mile markers or use your phone's GPS. Tell us what happened with your vehicle and whether anyone needs medical attention. We'll dispatch the right equipment for your situation, whether that's a flatbed for a luxury car or our heavy-duty truck for larger vehicles.

What Not to Do

Don't accept rides from strangers, no matter how friendly they seem. Don't try to fix the problem yourself on the highway shoulder—save the DIY repairs for a safe location. And don't leave your vehicle unattended unless it's absolutely necessary for your safety.

Remember Maria from the beginning? She did everything right. She moved to the shoulder, stayed in her car with the doors locked, and called for professional help. Our team arrived within 25 minutes, loaded her car safely onto our flatbed, and had her home before her dinner got cold.

Highway breakdowns are stressful, but they don't have to be dangerous. Stay calm, stay safe, and let the professionals handle the rest. We're here 24/7, ready to bring you home safely.