What to do if your car broke down
5 minute read Published on Jun 4, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Imagine you’re travelling along the Trans-Canada highway when your car suddenly breaks down. The sun is setting, it’s cold, and traffic is passing by. In that moment, you’re probably feeling panicked. But you’re not alone. In January 2022, CAA Quebec reported 117,729 calls, 60% of which were for dead batteries.
The point is, even experienced drivers face breakdowns, whether it’s flat tires, low fuel, or other mechanical issues. That’s why knowing what to do during a breakdown can save you time, money, and stress. This guide walks you through getting the help you need anywhere in Canada, while staying calm and safe.
Common causes of car breakdowns in Canada
Breakdowns can happen to anyone, even if you drive a reliable vehicle. Some of the top causes of breakdowns in Canada include:
Battery failures: Cold weather conditions reduce your car battery’s efficiency levels, causing many breakdowns during the winter months.
Flat tires: Potholes, worn tires, or improper inflation can leave you stranded.
Mechanical faults: Engine, transmission, and electrical failures.
Weather-related issues: Ice, snow, and flooding can immobilize your car and put your safety at risk.
Accidents: Even a minor car accident can leave your vehicle inoperable.
Low fluids: Lack of oil, coolant, and fuel can damage your engine.
By understanding why breakdowns happen in the first place, you can help prevent them and know what to expect should something unexpected happen.
Step-by-step guide: What to do if your car breaks down
Here are the steps you should take:
1. Turn on your hazard lights
If your car breaks down, the first thing to do is to turn on your hazard lights. Your hazard lights signal to other drivers that you are experiencing a problem, warning them to steer clear of you.
2. Pull over safely
Pull over on the side of the road or into the nearest parking lot when it is safe to do so. Never come to a complete stop in the middle of the road if you can help it.
3. If you can’t pull over, stay in your vehicle
If pulling over safely isn’t an option, then come to a slow stop and remain in your vehicle. Although remaining on the road is not ideal, some vehicle breakdowns may necessitate it.
4. Put on the parking brake and turn your wheels away from the road
Once you’ve stopped, properly park your car by putting the parking brake on and turning your wheels away from the road. If your car rolls, it won’t roll into oncoming traffic.
5. Call emergency services or roadside assistance
Depending on the situation, you may need to phone emergency services by dialling 9-1-1 or roadside assistance. Emergency services should be called if you suspect that you or someone else involved has been injured.
6. Make your car visible to other motorists
Make it as visible as possible to other drivers. Turning on your hazard lights is a great first step. Pop the hood of your car and place a reflective sign, pylon, or flares behind your car to make other drivers aware of your presence.
7. Wait for roadside assistance or emergency services to arrive
All that’s left to do is wait. Depending on who you call, roadside assistance or emergency services should arrive imminently. Keep your doors locked and remain alert to moving traffic.
Who to call and what to expect
Knowing who to contact during a breakdown can help make your situation a bit less stressful:
Emergencies
In an emergency, where someone is injured, your car breaks down in a dangerous location, or other traffic hazards exist, contact 911 police services as soon as possible. Provide them with your exact location, vehicle details, and any passenger information they may need to know.
Non-emergencies
If your vehicle breaks down and you’ve been able to safely manoeuvre it to the side of the road, contact roadside assistance. Options include CAA, your insurance company, or a tow truck company. Remember to stay in your vehicle and wait for help to dispatch.
What to expect
A service provider will confirm your location and their arrival time. They’ll also advise you on the next steps and provide any advice you may need, depending on your circumstances. Keep your phone charged, stay warm, and communicate clearly on the phone to make sure help gets to you quickly. Remember that the best location for your vehicle and yourself is on the shoulder of the road to avoid collisions.
Does car insurance cover breakdowns?
Standard car insurance plans typically won’t cover a car breakdown. That said, it depends on what circumstances led to your car breaking down. Here’s a quick breakdown on the types of auto insurance and whether or not they’ll come in handy:
Coverage type | Breakdown covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Third-party liability coverage | No. | Only covers damage or injuries you cause to other drivers. |
Collision coverage | Only if your car breaks down as a result of a car accident. | Covers repair and replacement costs following at-fault accidents. |
Only if your vehicle breaks down as a result of theft, vandalism, fire, or severe weather damage. | Also covers wildlife impacts. | |
Roadside Assistance | Yes. | Tow truck costs, battery jump, lockout, spare tire service, and other car trouble. |
Wear and tear
Auto insurance plans in Canada do not cover damage that is caused by wear and tear, such as an old car battery, belt, or tires. These parts are the responsibility of the vehicle owner to maintain and replace over time.
Mechanical failures
Again, mechanical failures are considered to be a common result of car ownership. Insurance companies do not provide compensation for them. The only exception to this is if the mechanical failure is the result of a collision. In this case, your collision car insurance or direct compensation car insurance may cover it.
Emergency kit essentials
In the event your car breaks down, being prepared can save your life and reduce your stress throughout the ordeal. Here are some essential items you should carry in your vehicle at all times:
Safety gear and devices
The following items can alert others of your situation and help aid you in getting the help you need:
Flares.
Reflective traffic triangles.
Hazard vest.
First aid kit.
Phone charger.
Comfort
It's always good to have these items on hand:
Warm clothing.
Blanket.
Non-perishable snacks and water.
Winter tools
Preparation is key, especially during the wintertime. It's worth having these on you at all times:
Shovel.
Ice scraper.
Snow brush.
Kitty litter for traction on icy roads.
Vehicle documents
Emergency services may ask you for the following:
Driver’s license.
Vehicle registration.
Insurance documents.
Vehicle tools
You may need to change a tire or jump-start your car. To do that, you need the following:
Spare tire.
Car-jack.
Wrench.
Jumper cables.
Preventing future breakdowns
Conducting routine car maintenance on your vehicle is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of unexpected breakdowns. Some of the tasks you need to remain up-to-date on include:
Battery inspections.
Check your transmission fluid.
Replacing worn belts and buying new tires.
Tire pressure checks.
Top-ups of car fluid.
Contact BrokerLink today
Even if you own a reliable car brand, breakdowns can happen to anyone. By being prepared, you can turn a stressful situation into one that’s a lot more manageable. If your current Toronto car insurance plan lacks roadside coverage, BrokerLink can help you review your policies and update any coverage gaps with affordable plans you know will come in handy down the road.
We can also help you acquire liability insurance, loss of use, and other helpful add-ons to ensure you get to where you need to go safely. Contact BrokerLink over the phone or by email to speak with a broker directly. You can also get a free quote right now using our online quote tool.