When your car fails on the road, every minute counts — and the wrong decision can turn a breakdown into an accident. This guide covers exactly what to do from the moment your car gives up, no matter where you are in Australia.
1The Golden Rule: Safety Before Everything Else
Your first instinct when something goes wrong is probably to fix the car. Resist it. Your first priority is always to get yourself and any passengers out of danger. A disabled vehicle on a live road is a deadly hazard — not just for you, but for every driver approaching behind you. Do not attempt repairs on a motorway, bridge, tunnel, or any road with a speed limit above 60km/h. Move to safety first, assess second, fix third.
Pro tip: If you are on a motorway and your vehicle still has partial power, drive to the next exit or emergency bay even if it sounds terrible. The risk of stopping on the shoulder is far greater than the risk of damaging the car by driving another kilometre.
2Step 1: Signal and Steer Off the Road
The moment you feel a loss of power, steering vibration, or unusual noise, signal left immediately. Do not brake hard unless you must — let the vehicle coast while gradually slowing. Steer toward the left shoulder, an emergency bay, or the nearest exit ramp. If you are in the right lane, signal and carefully move across lanes one at a time. Do not panic-swerve. Keep your wheels straight relative to the road edge once you are stopped.
3Step 2: Activate Hazard Lights and Stay Visible
Press the hazard light button the instant you stop. In Queensland, it is a legal requirement to use hazard lights when your vehicle is stopped on a road and poses a risk to other traffic. If it is dark, turn on your park lights as well. If you have a high-visibility vest, put it on now — before you exit the vehicle. If you carry warning triangles, deploy them at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on the same side of the road, or 100 metres on a highway.
Pro tip: Keep a high-vis vest in the glove box or door pocket — not in the boot. You need it before you can safely access the boot.
4Step 3: Exit the Vehicle Safely
On a high-speed road, exit from the passenger side (away from traffic). On a quiet suburban street, the driver's side is fine. Move well away from the vehicle — ideally behind a safety barrier, up an embankment, or onto a footpath. Never stand between your car and oncoming traffic. If you have passengers, especially children, get everyone out and to safety together. Do not leave anyone in the vehicle on a motorway shoulder.
5Step 4: Assess the Situation From a Safe Distance
Once you are safe, take a moment to assess. Is the car smoking? Is there a fuel smell? Is fluid leaking underneath? Is the steering wheel locked? These observations matter when you call for help — they help the tow truck driver or mechanic prepare the right equipment. Take a photo of the dashboard warning lights if they are still illuminated. Note the time, your exact location, and the weather conditions.
6Step 5: Call for Help in the Right Order
If anyone is injured, call 000 immediately. If you are in immediate danger (e.g., stopped on a motorway shoulder at night), call 000 and request police attendance to manage traffic. For a standard breakdown with no injuries, call your roadside assistance provider or a local towing company. In Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast, Car Towing Services Brisbane responds 24/7. Have your exact location ready — drop a Google Maps pin and share it if you are unsure of the address.
Pro tip: Save 0469 264 626 in your phone under "Towing — Brisbane" right now. You do not want to be googling tow truck numbers while standing on a motorway shoulder in the rain.
7Step 6: Do Not Attempt Repairs on a Live Road
Changing a tyre, checking oil, or popping the bonnet on a motorway shoulder is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. In Australia, dozens of people are killed or seriously injured each year in roadside incidents. Even if you are a confident mechanic, the risk is not worth it. Wait for professional help. If you are on a quiet residential street and the issue is minor (e.g., a flat tyre and you have a spare), proceed cautiously — but only if the road is genuinely safe.
8Step 7: Communicate With the Tow Truck Driver
When the tow truck is dispatched, stay on your phone. Answer when the driver calls — they will typically call 5–10 minutes before arrival to confirm your exact position. Describe your vehicle clearly: make, model, colour, and registration. Mention if it is in an unusual spot (e.g., underground car park, steep driveway, or narrow laneway). If your vehicle is blocking traffic, say so immediately so the driver can bring appropriate equipment.
Pro tip: If you are in a shopping centre car park, tell the driver which level and nearest store. If you are on a highway, mention the nearest exit or landmark — "southbound M1, just past Exit 24, near the Shell servo".
9Step 8: Document Everything for Your Records
Before the tow truck loads your vehicle, take clear photos of: the vehicle's position on the road, any visible damage, the dashboard warning lights, the odometer reading, and the surrounding area. Ask the tow truck driver for their name, company, and licence number. Get a written quote or receipt before they hook up your vehicle. Note the time they arrived and the destination they are towing to. This documentation protects you if anything goes wrong.
10Step 9: Know Your Rights and Avoid Scams
Unfortunately, breakdowns attract opportunists. In Queensland, only licensed tow truck operators can legally tow your vehicle. Ask for their Tow Truck Licence number before they touch your car. Never accept a tow from an unmarked truck or a "passerby" who offers to "help." Predatory towing is real — some operators quote a low fee then add storage charges, "after-hours" fees, and "fuel levies" that triple the cost. Always get a total price in writing before they hook up.
Pro tip: A reputable towing company will give you a clear, all-inclusive quote over the phone — not vague estimates like "around $150–$300, depends on distance."
11Step 10: Prepare for Next Time
Once you are safe and your car is sorted, use the experience to prepare for the future. Build a proper roadside emergency kit. Save your towing company's number in your phone. Know what your insurance covers. Check your spare tyre pressure monthly. Understand your vehicle's warning lights before they surprise you. The drivers who handle breakdowns best are the ones who planned for them before they happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dave Nguyen
Owner & Lead Operator, Car Towing Services Brisbane
Dave has been towing vehicles across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast for over 15 years. He founded Car Towing Services Brisbane with one rule: treat every customer's car like it's your own.