When a car breaks down, the first few minutes matter most. You are likely to be stressed, perhaps in traffic or in the dark, and you want clear steps rather than a long lecture. This guide covers what to do straight away, what information to have ready, what breakdown recovery costs, and how Langford Recovery Group arranges a truck at any time of day.
What should I do first when my car breaks down?
Get safe before you do anything else. Switch on your hazard lights and, if the car still moves, steer it to the safest place you can reach, such as a side road, a lay-by or a car park. Apply the handbrake and turn the wheels away from the road if you are on a slope. If you are not in a safe spot, get yourself and your passengers out and well away from moving traffic.
- Hazard lights on, engine off, handbrake on.
- Everyone out through the side furthest from traffic, and up onto the verge or behind a barrier.
- Do not stand between the car and the traffic, and do not try repairs on a live carriageway.
- If you feel you are in danger, call 999 before anything else.
What if my car breaks down on a motorway or smart motorway?
On a motorway, try to reach the hard shoulder or, on a smart motorway, an emergency refuge area. Switch on your hazard lights, leave the vehicle by the left-hand door and wait behind the safety barrier. Do not put out a warning triangle on a motorway. If you cannot get off the carriageway, keep your hazards on and, if it is safe, get out and behind the barrier; if it is not safe, stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on and call 999. After that, call us with your location, such as the nearest junction, a marker post number or a what3words reference.
What information do I need to give a recovery company?
The faster you can describe the situation, the more accurate your price and arrival estimate will be. Have these details ready:
- Where the vehicle is: postcode, street, junction or marker post.
- Where it needs to go: a garage, your home or another address.
- Make, model and registration, and whether it is a car, van or motorcycle.
- Whether it starts, whether it has been in a collision, and whether the wheels turn.
- Any access problems: a height barrier, a tight street or a locked car park.
How much does breakdown recovery cost without a membership?
You do not need a membership to book with us. You pay for the job you need. Pricing depends on where the vehicle is collected. Within the M25 it is a £99 call-out plus £2.50 per loaded mile, plus VAT. Outside the M25 it is a £150 call-out plus £3.00 per loaded mile, plus VAT.
| Collected | Call-out | Per loaded mile |
|---|---|---|
| Inside the M25 | £99 | £2.50 |
| Outside the M25 | £150 | £3.00 |
All prices exclude VAT at 20%. A weekend job, or one before 7am or after 7pm, adds a £10 surcharge. You pay a 50% deposit when you book. The price is based on the details you give us and may change if the real situation is different. We arrange recovery through independent Recovery Operators and we do not provide insurance, so check your own policy if you want to claim.
What are the most common reasons for a breakdown?
A flat battery is the most familiar, especially after a cold night or a car left unused. Tyre damage and punctures come next, followed by overheating, engine warning lights, gearbox problems and running out of fuel. If the car has been in a collision, see our guide to accident recovery. If the car simply will not start and cannot be repaired on the spot, it is a non-runner, and our non-runner transport page explains how those are moved. Where it is safe to try, the operator may carry equipment for a jump start; otherwise the vehicle is loaded and taken to your chosen destination.
Will my car be driven or carried?
A vehicle that cannot be driven is normally loaded onto a flatbed recovery truck and carried, which avoids further wear or damage. This matters for automatics, four-wheel-drive cars, low-slung sports cars and anything with damage. Let us know about those details when you book so the right truck is sent.
How can I lower the chance of breaking down?
You cannot prevent every fault, but a few habits help. Check your tyre pressures and tread regularly, and look for cuts or bulges. Keep an eye on oil and coolant levels, and do not ignore a warning light that stays on. In winter, a battery that is slow to turn over is a sign it may soon fail, so have it tested before it leaves you stranded. Keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel, carry a charged phone and a power bank, and keep a torch and a warm layer in the car. If you are about to start a long journey, a quick check beforehand costs far less than a roadside recovery.
Where do you arrange breakdown recovery?
We arrange breakdown recovery across the UK, day and night. Our breakdown recovery page covers the service, and our London 24/7 recovery guide lists every London borough. You can also see local pages for Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Newcastle, Nottingham, Norwich, Exeter, Carlisle, Kent and London. If your town is not listed, check the full areas we cover page or call us. Planning a move rather than dealing with an emergency? See vehicle transport.
How do I book a breakdown recovery?
- Tell us where you are. Enter the pickup and drop-off postcodes in the online quote, or call 07886 658982.
- See your price. You see the cost before you commit, and pay a 50% deposit to book.
- We arrange the recovery. The nearest available independent Recovery Operator is assigned.
- Your driver gets in touch. They contact you when they arrive, load the vehicle and take it where you need it.
Stuck right now? See my price or call 07886 658982. WhatsApp is available too.