Breaking down on the highway can be one of the most stressful situations a driver faces. High speeds, heavy traffic, and limited space make it more dangerous than a typical roadside issue. Knowing exactly what to do can protect you, your passengers, and other drivers while helping you get assistance quickly.
At Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing in Davidsonville, MD, we’ve helped countless drivers handle highway breakdowns safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your car breaks down on the highway.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most important step is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to poor decisions. Pay attention to your surroundings, your vehicle’s behavior, and traffic conditions.
If you notice warning signs like loss of power, strange noises, or warning lights, begin preparing to pull over as soon as possible.
2. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location
If your car is still drivable, carefully guide it to the shoulder of the road or an emergency lane. Try to move as far away from traffic as possible.
If you cannot move the vehicle:
- Turn on your hazard lights immediately
- Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened
- Call for help right away
Avoid stopping in curves or areas with limited visibility if you can safely move further.
3. Turn on Hazard Lights and Increase Visibility
Make your vehicle as visible as possible to other drivers.
- Turn on hazard lights immediately
- Use reflective triangles or flares if available
- Turn on interior lights at night
Visibility is critical on highways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
4. Stay Inside the Vehicle (When Safe)
On busy highways, it’s usually safer to remain inside your car rather than standing near traffic.
Exit the vehicle only if:
- There is smoke or fire
- You are in immediate danger
- You can safely move far away from traffic (such as behind a guardrail)
If you must exit, always use the side away from traffic.
5. Call for Professional Roadside Assistance
Once you are safe, call a trusted towing and roadside assistance provider.
Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing offers 24/7 emergency service, including:
- Towing (local and long-distance)
- Tire changes
- Fuel delivery
- Jump-starts
- Lockout services
Our team responds quickly—often within 30 minutes locally—so you’re not left waiting long.
📞 Call 410-798-5446 anytime
6. Avoid Accepting Help from Strangers
While some drivers may offer assistance, it’s safest to wait for trained professionals. Tow operators have the proper equipment and experience to handle your vehicle safely.
You can politely decline help and let them know assistance is already on the way.
7. Be Prepared Before It Happens
The best way to handle a highway breakdown is to be prepared in advance.
Keep these items in your vehicle:
- Emergency kit (flashlight, batteries, first aid)
- Reflective triangles
- Jumper cables or battery pack
- Phone charger
- Water and snacks
Preparation can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
8. Prevent Breakdowns with Routine Maintenance
Many highway breakdowns are preventable. Issues like worn tires, weak batteries, overheating engines, and low fluids often show warning signs before failure.
Regular maintenance helps reduce the risk of:
- Engine overheating
- Tire blowouts
- Electrical failures
- Sudden loss of power
At Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing, we provide full-service maintenance and inspections to keep your vehicle reliable on the road.
Stay Safe and Know Who to Call
Breaking down on the highway is never convenient—but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Prioritize safety, stay visible, and call a trusted professional for help.
📞 For fast, reliable roadside assistance, contact Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing at 410-798-5446.
Since 1976, we’ve helped Davidsonville drivers stay safe, prepared, and confidently on the road—no matter where trouble strikes.