Emergency Handling Breakdowns

When your car breaks down on a highway, the first step is to

Stay calm and signal early to move safely out of traffic. Stop fully on the emergency lane and turn on hazard lights immediately.

After stopping safely, you must

This alerts other drivers to your situation. Hazard lights make your car more visible, especially in low light or bad weather.

To warn other drivers, you should also

Place the triangle at least 45 meters behind your car. This gives oncoming traffic enough time to react and slow down.

If your car breaks down at night, visibility is improved by

Night-time breakdowns are more dangerous. Increase visibility by turning on interior lights and wearing a reflective vest if available.

The correct distance to place a warning triangle is

This standard distance gives fast-moving traffic time to slow or switch lanes. Use further distances in high-speed zones.

If your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road, you should

Avoid stepping into traffic. Wait until It is safe or help arrives. Use phone or emergency services like PLUS or JPJ.

During a breakdown, you should avoid

Other vehicles might not see you and crash into the car. Stand at a safe distance, preferably behind a barrier or off the road.

If your car breaks down near a bend or hilltop, you must

Visibility is limited in such places. Use triangle, hazard lights, and wave from a safe distance to warn approaching drivers.

In a highway breakdown, the safest place to wait is

Stay far from moving vehicles, especially on expressways. Your safety is the priority before repairs or towing.

Calling for roadside assistance is important because

They have the tools, experience, and visibility to manage your breakdown. Avoid DIY fixes on highways.

In case of breakdown in the rain, you should

Visibility drops in bad weather. Staying inside keeps you dry and away from fast traffic. Wait for help safely.

You must avoid pushing the car on a busy road unless

Pushing a car without proper signals or help is dangerous. Only push on low-traffic roads with others assisting and watching traffic.

If your car stalls on a railway crossing, you should

Leave the car and run at a 45-degree angle toward the train’s direction. Call railway authorities to stop the train.

If your vehicle overheats, the best action is to

Do not open the radiator cap immediately. Let the car rest for 30 minutes before checking coolant levels.

When your tire punctures while driving, you must

Avoid braking hard. Steer straight and pull over gently to prevent loss of control.

Before changing a tire, make sure to

Stability is critical to prevent the car from rolling. Use wheel wedges or blocks if available.

The jack should be placed

Using the wrong point can damage the frame or cause collapse. Refer to the manual or diagram for correct placement.

You should only attempt repairs on the road if

Avoid working on highways or in poor weather. Prioritize safety and visibility over quick repairs.

Emergency numbers like 999 or 112 can be used when

Use 112 from a mobile even without credit. These lines work across all mobile networks in Malaysia.

If your engine won’t start, you should first check

Loose terminals or empty tanks are common. If you can not solve it safely, call for assistance.

If the car alarm keeps going off after a breakdown, you should

Car alarms can drain battery or cause confusion. Disable it only if you know how, or wait for help.

Breakdowns in tunnels require you to

Stay calm and avoid reversing. Use emergency phones inside tunnels and wait for tunnel authorities.

If your fuel runs out, the safest action is to

Walking to a petrol station on highways is dangerous. Wait inside the vehicle or on the shoulder away from traffic.

In case of breakdown on rural roads, you should

Share your live location with emergency services or family. Stay inside the car and lock doors if It is isolated.

Your emergency kit should contain

A well-stocked kit helps you manage minor issues. Keep it updated and check it regularly.

A breakdown at night increases risk because

Use reflectors, wear bright clothing, and stay alert. Place cones or flares if available.

A flat battery may be fixed by

Follow correct procedure to avoid electric shock. Connect positive to positive, then negative to engine metal.

In all breakdowns, the priority is to

Vehicle damage can be repaired. Focus on avoiding injury and staying visible to others on the road.

Good breakdown management means

Staying prepared, reacting calmly, and having a plan ensures you handle any situation effectively. It builds driving confidence.