What to do if your car breaks down in Australia
How to stop safely, what to do on a highway or motorway, and the details to have ready when you request roadside help, a mechanic or a tow.
Key takeaways
- People come before the vehicle — get everyone away from traffic.
- The Emergency+ app shows your exact location to share with help.
- Never attempt repairs exposed to live traffic.
Stop as safely as you can
Indicate, slow down and move as far off the road as possible — ideally into a breakdown bay, side street or car park. Turn on hazard lights. At night, keep parking lights on.
On a highway or motorway
If it is safe, get everyone out through the doors away from traffic and wait behind a safety barrier, well away from the vehicle. Do not stand between the car and traffic. If you cannot leave safely, stay in the car with seatbelts on and call 000.
Work out what you need
The symptoms point to the right help:
- Clicking or no crank — likely a battery problem
- Tyre pressure loss or visible damage — flat tyre help
- Warning lights, overheating or loss of power — a mobile mechanic
- Keys locked inside — vehicle lockout
- Cannot steer, roll or start after repair attempts — towing
Share your location precisely
Give the road name, direction of travel, nearest exit or cross street and a landmark. The free Emergency+ app displays your GPS coordinates and nearest address, which is useful on highways and in regional areas.
Have your details ready
Make, model, colour, registration, whether the car can roll and steer, how many passengers, and where you want it towed if needed. Fixit Peace roadside members can save vehicle details in advance.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
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