A breakdown is stressful at any time, but in Perth's summer heat or on a busy freeway, it can be dangerous. Here's exactly what to do, in order, when your car breaks down in Perth.
Step 1: Get Safely Off the Road
As soon as you notice a problem — warning light, loss of power, smoke, strange noise — begin moving toward the left-hand side of the road or the nearest safe stopping point. If on a freeway, use the emergency lane. Don't stop suddenly; indicate and move gradually to safety.
Step 2: Make Your Vehicle Visible
Once stopped in a safe location:
- Turn on your hazard lights immediately
- If you have safety triangles or a reflective vest, deploy them
- Stay in your vehicle with seatbelt on if on a freeway — it's safer than standing outside
- If stopped on a road with traffic, move behind the safety barrier if possible
Step 3: Assess and Don't Do These Things
- Don't open the bonnet if you see or smell smoke — get well away from the vehicle first and call 000 if there's fire
- Don't attempt to top up coolant in an overheated vehicle — wait 30+ minutes
- Don't try to push-start a modern vehicle — it won't work and is dangerous in traffic
- Don't leave the vehicle without making it visible and securing it
Who to Call
If you have roadside assistance (RAC in WA, NRMA, RACQ, or similar through insurance), call them first — they handle many common breakdowns on the spot (flat battery, flat tyre). For breakdowns requiring a mechanic, Perth Mechanic can arrange same-day emergency mechanic attendance for urgent situations. Note "URGENT" in your request.
Common Roadside Breakdowns and What They Usually Are
- Car won't start — flat battery (most common), starter motor, or fuel system
- Sudden power loss while driving — fuel, ignition, or transmission fault
- Overheating — coolant system issue
- Flat tyre — puncture or blowout
- Dashboard warning lights all illuminating — alternator failure (not charging battery)
After the Breakdown
Once you're safe and have arranged assistance, document what happened — what you noticed and when. This information helps the mechanic diagnose the fault faster and more accurately. Intermittent faults that disappear when cold or hot are notoriously difficult to diagnose without this context.
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