Breaking down on the road is something every driver dreads, but knowing a few practical tips can make the experience much less stressful and costly. Drawing on the expertise of a seasoned recovery driver with over 500 successful recoveries, this breakdown recovery guide highlights advice he believes every driver should know even before calling for help, but most don’t. From flat batteries to locked wheels and tough locations like multistorey car parks, these tips can save you time and money, and make the recovery smoother.
When location really matters
One of the first things he mentions is the importance of clearly describing your location. If you’re in a place with height restrictions, like a multistorey car park, let the recovery team know. Most trucks can’t access these spots with a loaded vehicle, so notifying them in advance can prevent unnecessary delays and added costs.
Does it roll?
A crucial question you may hear from your recovery driver is, “Does the car roll?” This doesn’t mean drive—it simply means if the car can be physically pushed or winched onto the truck. Even if the engine is dead or the clutch is gone, many vehicles still roll, which helps the driver assess if a standard truck will suffice or if extra equipment, like skates or dollies, will be needed. A quick answer to this question makes a huge difference in how efficiently your car recovery can be dealt with.
1 – Can it shift to neutral & can the parking brake be released?
Dead batteries are a common issue that can keep a car from shifting into neutral or releasing the parking brake, especially in cars with electronic systems. If you suspect the battery might be the problem, tell your driver, as they often carry a jump starter for situations like these. Alternatively, some vehicles have a manual release for neutral, accessible with a little know-how. The SHIFTLOCK app is one tool the driver finds useful, showing drivers how to manually shift specific models.
2 – Are the wheels still blocked?
Sometimes, even if the car is in neutral and the brake is off, the car might still refuse to roll because the wheels are blocked, often due to sitting unused. If you think this might be the case, it’s best to mention it, as blocked wheels require special equipment to move the car. Without it, loading can be a challenge and may take longer, especially if the wheels are stuck in place.
3 – Have you been involved in a road traffic collision?
If your car was recently in a traffic collision, and there’s a chance one of the wheels could be damaged and not roll it’s best to check by giving your vehicle a light push to test if it does; even slight damage can stop the car from moving. Noting this ahead of time lets the recovery team bring along any needed tools for safe loading and avoids further complications. It could also save you a lot of time as you could be waiting for the wrong recovery. You need someone that can recover such vehicles.
4 – Don’t forget the key
Many people don’t realize how essential the car key is during a breakdown. Without it, the driver can’t put the car in neutral, release the parking brake, or unlock the steering. Having the key ready may seem obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to overlook when stressed. This small step can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth recovery.
Location and distance: Know where you are
Knowing and sharing your exact location is one of the most crucial steps especially when stranded on a motorway interchange maze. The driver often finds people are unclear on their location, giving vague references that might work locally but don’t help the driver find you quickly. Avoid descriptions like “the road behind Morrisons” and instead provide a precise pin or postcode, which is faster and far more accurate.
How to share your location
- Use Google Maps or WhatsApp’s location feature to share your exact spot with the driver.
- You can also text the location directly through Google Maps.
Pro Tip: You can save the format to contact recovery services via WhatsApp by using this link style:https://wa.me/44XXXXXXXXXX(replace Xs with the service number and include the UK country code). This opens a chat with the service directly and can be a quick way to share your location.
The driver notes that Google Maps is generally more precise than Apple Maps, particularly on overlapping motorway sections or tricky junctions. This accuracy helps avoid a detour that could add an extra 10–20 minutes to find the correct location, ensuring faster assistance.
Don’t forget the towing eye
Many drivers don’t know about the towing eye—a small metal hook stored in the boot near the spare tire. Having the towing eye ready is helpful because it provides a secure spot for the winch, reducing the risk of damage during loading. While experienced recovery drivers can work around not having it, using the towing eye is much safer for your car.
