Common Reasons to Seek Roadside Assistance In 2024

Cars are more than just a mode of transport - they are a form of independence, essential for navigating our daily routines. This is especially true in rural areas where walking to your destination isn't always feasible.

Whether you're a seasoned driver or just starting out, chances are you've found yourself stranded on the side of the road, frantically calling for help at least once. For new drivers, encountering car troubles can be particularly daunting.

This article will dive into the most common reasons drivers seek roadside assistance in 2024, shedding light on the unexpected problems that can leave you needing a helping hand.

What Is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is required when an individual experiences car issues out on the road which the person cannot resolve. A local vehicle emergency service company is called to diagnose and repair the issue there and then. These often include refilling a gas tank, refitting a new tyre or charging a car battery.

For some complex car problems, it is not possible to fix them on the spot. In this case, a breakdown service is needed to tow the vehicle to a garage for extensive repair work to be carried out.

The Most Common Reasons to Seek Roadside Assistance

Flat Battery

The most common reason people seek roadside assistance is due to a flat battery. A car battery is usually guaranteed to last between 3 and 5 years before it needs replacing. After this time, car batteries start to decline and can stop working at any moment. 

Even with newer batteries, there are many reasons a car battery can go flat prematurely. Particularly in winter, if a car has not been used regularly or has only been used for short journeys, this can lead to a dead battery. 

Likewise, if the lights are accidentally left on overnight, this can drain the car’s battery, preventing it from turning on the next time you want to use it. A dead battery can also be the result of a battery fault, a faulty component or an issue with the car’s battery charging system. 

Luckily, a flat battery is rather easy to fix. A quick call to aroadside assistance provider can solve this problem. A professional will arrive at your location, jump-start or replace the battery and send you on your way in no time.

Tyre Issues

Another frequent cause of car breakdown assistance is due to flat tyres or tyre blowouts. Nails, debris or general wear and tear can cause punctures which deflate the tyre. This may happen gradually or cause a sudden loss of pressure, causing significant damage to the tyre and making the vehicle difficult to drive.

Replacing a flat tyre with a spare is usually a straightforward process. However, in many cases, drivers do not have a spare tyre or the tools to fit a replacement. Roadside assistance providers can send a technician, who will come out to change the tyre for you, patch up a minor puncture or tow the vehicle if required.

Fuel Problems

Running out of fuel or refilling your tank with the wrong type of fuel are other common issues. Drivers often misjudge the time they have left to refuel their car before their tank is empty, requiring breakdown care to bring them fuel. 

Likewise, accidentally filling the tank with the wrong fuel type can be an easy mistake to make. Filling a gasoline engine with diesel and vice versa can cause significant damage to a vehicle and requires immediate attention. 

Using improper fuel requires the engine to be drained and refuelled by a professional before the vehicle can be driven. If you realise you have used the wrong fuel type, you should not attempt to start your engine but call a roadside assistance service promptly.

Car Accident

Unfortunately, Road Traffic Collisions (RTC) are another common problem that requires roadside assistance. In 2022, theDepartment for Transport registered over 100,000 road traffic collisions and accidents in the UK. Incidents vary in severity, from minor collisions to major crashes. 

Car breakdown assistance may involve emergency car repair for vehicles with minor damage or towing if a vehicle has severe damage or is written off. Roadside assistance can also assist with the coordination of emergency services and help ensure the safety of all parties involved.

Engine Issues

Engine issues can be identified from the warning lights on the dashboard. Problems with the engine, such as overheating, cutting out, misfiring or engine failure, can stop a car from running. Common causes include coolant leaks, oil problems, or malfunctioning components like the alternator. 

Car breakdown assistance can diagnose the type of engine problem, conduct repairs where possible, and provide temporary solutions, such as adding coolant or engine oil, or tow the vehicle to a repair shop for more extensive testing and repairs.

Locked out of Vehicle

Accidentally locking the keys inside the car or losing car keys are extremely common mishaps that prevent drivers from getting in their cars. Roadside assistance services often include unlocking vehicles using specialised tools and techniques to avoid damage to locking mechanisms or windows when retrieving keys locked inside the vehicle. 

When keys are broken, faulty, lost or stolen, specialists can cut a replacement key or program a fob to enable the driver to unlock and drive their car.

Electrical Faults

Various electrical faults, including faulty alternators or malfunctioning lights, can prevent a car from starting or running correctly. Warning signs may reflect on the dashboard and dim lights or non-responsive ignition can suggest an electrical problem. Roadside assistance services can test electrical systems on the spot to diagnose electrical faults. In many cases, minorelectrical repairs can be fast and effective at fixing the issue.

Broken Gearbox

Transmission or gearbox problems make driving the vehicle home or to a garage virtually impossible. Some early warning signs include slipping gears, unusual noises when in neutral, clutch dragging, difficulty changing gears or a burning smell. 

Unfortunately, gearbox issues are rarely reparable on the roadside. In some cases, a temporary fix might be possible to drive the vehicle to a safer location for repairs. However, a breakdown service with vehicle towing to a nearby garage is usually required to carry out comprehensive repairs.

Unexpected Breakdown

Sometimes, unexpected failures, seemingly out of nowhere, require immediate attention. These problems can include broken belts, leaking fluids, or malfunctioning brakes. Roadside assistance can provide emergency car repairs to get the vehicle back on the road or to a local garage. Roadside professionals have a range of spare parts and tools on hand to perform minor fixes on-site, giving drivers the best chance of continuing on their way with minimal disruption.

Break Problems

Brake problems are a critical safety concern that often requires roadside assistance. Issues, such as brake fluid leaks, worn brake pads, warped or damaged rotors and stuck callipers can significantly impair braking performance. 

These problems can lead to reduced braking efficiency, unusual noises, vibrations and even complete brake failure. Roadside assistance can provide initial diagnostics, temporary fixes, and towing services to a repair facility to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive again.

What to Do if You Breakdown on the Motorway

If you break down on the motorway, there is no need to panic. The National Highways recommend following these steps to keep yourself and any passengers safe while you wait for roadside assistance.

If your vehicle is experiencing problems you should exit the motorway at the next junction or motorway service area. When this is not possible you should follow the following steps:

1. Turn your left indicators on.
2. Move into the left lane.
3. Enter the next emergency area or hard shoulder.
4. Turn your hazard lights on to alert drivers that your vehicle is stationary.
5. Get behind a safety barrier if there is one and it is safe to do so. Keep away from your vehicle and traffic.
6. Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then a breakdown provider for help.