Breaking down is never fun, but when you have your kids in the car it can be particularly stressful. You can prepare your vehicle as much as possible to prevent mechanical problems, but sometimes breakdowns just happen. Make sure you know what to do when you break down with your kids in the car.
Stop the car somewhere safe
Pull over to the left as far as possible, with your wheels turned to the left. If you break down on a highway or motorway, pull over on the hard shoulder, which is for emergency stops. If you’re unable to reach the hard shoulder, turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible.
Make sure your car is visible
Once you’ve pulled over, turn on your hazard lights. If you break down at night, keep your headlights on too so that other drivers can see your vehicle. Explain to your kids that the car is broken and you will need to wait for someone to come and fix it.
Get out of the car
If you’ve broken down on the motorway, sitting in the car next to fast-moving traffic is very risky. You and your kids should get out of the car using the left-hand doors to avoid any passing traffic, and stand behind the guardrail. If you don’t feel safe getting out of the car – for example, if you feel at risk from another person – stay inside the car with the doors locked until it is safe to leave the vehicle. It’s best to leave any pets in the car, as you don’t want them to run onto the road, but make sure you keep the windows open so animals don’t overheat.
Phone for help
Call the RAC or your roadside assistance provider and tell them where you have broken down. Most roadside assistance companies provide on-the-spot joining options for non-members requiring immediate help. If you don’t have a mobile phone, walk to the nearest emergency phone. Be very careful walking along a motorway and stay away from passing cars as much as you can.
Wait for help in a safe place
If you’ve broken down on a motorway, it’s important not to get back in the car to wait for help. This is because a passing car could hit your vehicle if they don’t see that you’ve stopped. Wait for help behind the guardrail or crash barrier, and keep your kids close so they won’t wander onto the road. You might be in for a long wait, so bring any snacks from your car, plus some toys or activity books to keep little ones entertained.
Keep emergency items in your car
Stow a reflective vest or jacket in your car boot, so that if you need to change a tyre, other drivers will be able to see you. Make sure your mobile phone is charged before you go on any long trips, and consider keeping a portable or in-car charger in your vehicle. If you’re worried about breaking down in the cold, keep a blanket, some snacks and warm clothes in your car. A pair of comfortable shoes will also come in handy if you need to walk to find help.
Prevent breakdowns before you set off
Keeping your car well maintained will reduce your risk of breakdowns. Get regular services and make sure your oil, coolant and other fluids are topped up. Make sure your vehicle has a spare tyre that is inflated and has enough tread. You should also keep a puncture repair kit in your boot, and check that you know how to use it.
Don’t ignore small problems
What seems like a small problem might indicate a larger issue – or the beginning of a problem that could grow out of hand. A chip in your windscreen should be fixed before it spreads and becomes irreparable. Autoscreens is a family run business offering mobile services for windscreen repairs and windscreen replacement in Perth. Owner Jason Squire has over 25 years experience and he holds the highest qualification in the industry. For a free quote, call the 24 hour hotline on 0400 200 086
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.