What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down in Hampshire

A vehicle breakdown can be stressful, especially if you are somewhere unfamiliar or the vehicle has stopped in an unsafe position. The first priority is to protect yourself, passengers and other road users. Once you are in a safe position, you can arrange breakdown assistance or vehicle recovery.

1. Get to a safe place

If possible, move away from moving traffic and follow the safety guidance for the road you are on. On a motorway or other high-speed road, use the safest available refuge and follow the relevant emergency guidance. Do not stand in a live traffic lane to inspect the vehicle.

2. Work out what has happened

Tell the recovery company whether the engine will start, whether the vehicle can roll and steer, and whether there are warning lights, smoke, unusual noises or visible damage. These details can affect what recovery equipment is suitable.

3. Provide the exact location

Give the road name, postcode, nearby landmark or what3words location if available. Also provide the destination postcode if you need the vehicle taken somewhere else.

4. Take photographs if it is safe

A photo of the vehicle, its position and any visible damage can help a recovery operator understand the job before quoting. VV247's Get a Recovery Quote page is designed to collect these details.

When recovery may be needed

If the vehicle cannot be started, cannot be driven safely, has suffered accident damage or has a wheel or tyre problem, vehicle recovery or transport may be more appropriate than continuing to drive.

VV247 Recovery & Breakdown provides breakdown and vehicle recovery enquiries across Hampshire, including Basingstoke and surrounding areas, subject to availability. See Breakdown Recovery and Vehicle Recovery for more information.