How to act in the event of a breakdown on the road - Grupo Concesur

Complying with Mercedes A maintenance and B maintenance is key to avoiding a breakdown in the future. Sometimes, even when driving in one of the new Mercedes models, an unforeseen event can cause us to suffer an incident. If this happens, knowing how to deal with a breakdown on the road is key to keeping the situation under control.

There comes that dreaded moment when your car gives up. A breakdown in the middle of a trip causes you to be literally stranded on the road and ruins all your plans. However, it is important that you remain calm and act meticulously to remedy the situation efficiently and safely. With these simple tips you will be able to act correctly in the event of a breakdown on the road.

How to act in case of breakdown on the road?

The first thing to do is to remain calm at all times. A breakdown on the road is an uncomfortable and difficult situation, but acting calmly will help you to comply with the protocol safely. Be extremely cautious before stopping the car. Keep in mind that there are other vehicles around you and they should be aware that you have just had a breakdown.

To inform other drivers, activate the hazard warning lights on your Mercedes using the switch on the dashboard. Stop the vehicle with caution on the shoulder of the road or in an area where it is safer for you and other road users.

Once stopped, you should put on your reflective vest and signal your position using the emergency triangles or the new V-16 emergency light. Finally, contact the roadside assistance service and wait for the tow truck from a safe place away from the road. To summarize, these are the steps to follow in the event of a breakdown on the road:

• Activates the emergency flashers.
• Stop the vehicle on the shoulder or in a safe area.
• Put on your reflective vest before getting out of the car.
• Place the emergency triangles or the new V-16 emergency light.
• Contact the roadside assistance service.
• Wait off the road or inside the vehicle.

What lights should be installed in the event of a breakdown?

Once you have detected that your car has broken down, you must inform other drivers of your situation. To do this, you must use the emergency flashers, which must remain active at all times until the tow truck of the roadside assistance service tows the vehicle. If, in addition, the breakdown occurs at night, you should leave your position lights on to make the vehicle and your location even more visible.

How to stop on the road in case of breakdown or emergency?

To stop the vehicle on the road in the event of a breakdown or emergency, you must exercise extreme caution. This is one of the most risky moments when a breakdown occurs. After activating the emergency flashers, slow down by braking and quickly look for a safe place to stop the car. The right shoulder is the most advisable place. Move as far away from the roadway as possible without leaving the pavement. If this is not possible, use the left shoulder or the median, although these places should always be the last resort.

How do you signal a broken down car on the road?

Before getting out of the car to signal the breakdown on the road, you must put on the reflective vest. This is why it is important to keep the vest inside the vehicle. You can leave it in the glove compartment or on the door, but always in a place that is quickly accessible.

Once dressed with the vest, get out of the vehicle with the utmost caution if you are going to place the emergency triangles. Their placement will depend on the type of road you are driving on:

• Two-way road: you should place one triangle in front of and one behind the car at a minimum distance of 50 meters (about 50-60 paces). If there is a curve or a change of gradient, visibility will be affected. In this case, place the triangle at a greater distance so that it is visible to other drivers from at least 100 meters away.
• Freeway or freeway: you will only need to place an emergency triangle at the rear of the vehicle. The distance should be the same, about 50 meters, and the distance will increase in case of a curve or change of gradient.

As of July 1, 2021, the DGT has approved the use of V-16 emergency lights. Their use will be complementary to that of triangles and will not become mandatory until 2026. This emergency beacon is placed lit on the roof of the vehicle thanks to a magnetic base that allows it to remain attached and immobile. You do not need to get out of the vehicle, which eliminates the risk of being run over. In general, these emergency beacons have a field of visibility of up to 1,000 meters.

Contact the roadside assistance service

The last step is to contact the roadside assistance service. The telephone number will be indicated in the insurance policy and the documentation sent to you by the company. If not, a quick search on the Internet from your smartphone will allow you to find it. In case you do not have coverage, you can use the emergency call system of your Mercedes Benz, call 112 or use an emergency pole indicating your position.

Once we have notified roadside assistance or emergency services, do not leave the vehicle until help arrives. You can wait inside the car or, if you remain outside, do so away from the road and the vehicle, in a safe place to avoid a possible accident or run over.

What to do if the car breaks down on the highway?

The procedure to follow in the event of a breakdown on a highway or freeway is the same as on the road. Activate the emergency flashers and stop the vehicle cautiously on the shoulder or in a safe area. Put on your reflective vest before getting out of the car and place the warning triangle about 50 meters to the rear. Finally, contact the roadside assistance service and wait for help off the road or inside the vehicle.

Remember the importance of performing proper maintenance on your Mercedes Benz. This type of revisions allow to detect anomalies and prevent future breakdowns on the road. In Grupo Concesur we are an authorized Mercedes Benz workshop, we have a team of technicians specialized in Mercedes Benz vehicles and we use original spare parts. Make an appointment and perform a complete check of the vehicle before your next trip.