Dubai’s highways are some of the busiest in the world, and the extreme heat and heavy traffic can make driving challenging. If your car breaks down on the road, it can be stressful and potentially dangerous. Knowing the proper steps to take can ensure your safety, prevent further damage to your vehicle, and get you back on the road quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do when your car breaks down in Dubai, with a particular focus on car breaks down roadside assistance services.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
When your car breaks down unexpectedly, the first thing to do is stay calm. It’s easy to panic, but keeping a level head is crucial for making safe decisions. Take a moment to assess the situation and check what went wrong with your vehicle. This could be anything from an overheating engine to a flat tyre, a dead battery, or electrical issues.
Once you identify the problem, decide whether it’s safe to attempt minor repairs or if you need to seek professional help immediately. However, if the issue is not apparent or you need to become more familiar with car mechanics, it’s always better to err on caution and call for help.
Pull Over to a Safe Location
Safety should always be your priority. Try to move your car out of the traffic lanes and onto the shoulder of the road. In Dubai, highways have broad shoulders specifically designed for emergencies. Ensure your vehicle is as far to the side as possible to avoid blocking traffic.
If your car won’t move, turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers, and stay inside the vehicle unless it’s necessary to exit. Moving out of the car into traffic is extremely dangerous, especially on Dubai’s busy highways.
Turn on Your Hazard Lights
Hazard lights are critical in alerting other drivers that your vehicle is stationary due to a breakdown. Turn them on when your car starts experiencing problems, even if you still need to pull over. These lights increase visibility, especially at night or during harsh weather conditions like heavy rain or fog. This ensures that other drivers have time to react and avoid a potential collision.
Set Up Emergency Reflectors or a Warning Triangle
If you have emergency reflectors or a warning triangle in your car, place them at least 30-50 meters behind your vehicle. This gives other drivers ample notice that your car is stopped and allows them to change lanes or slow down well in advance. Reflectors or warning triangles are especially important on highways, where vehicles travel at high speeds.
In Dubai, it’s advisable to have an emergency kit in your car, which includes items like a reflective triangle, a flashlight, and essential tools.
Call for Roadside Assistance
If your car breaks down on a highway in Dubai, it’s essential to call for roadside assistance as soon as possible. Dubai has several reliable car breakdown roadside assistance services that can help with everything from towing to minor on-the-spot repairs.
Here’s how to call for assistance:
- Contact your car insurance provider: Many insurance companies in Dubai offer roadside assistance as part of their coverage. Keep their contact details handy, and call them for support.
- Call a specialized roadside assistance service: You can also directly call a roadside assistance service, especially if your insurance doesn’t include this. Most services operate 24/7 and can reach you within a short time frame.
Popular Roadside Assistance Services in Dubai:
- Car Garage Expert offers comprehensive roadside assistance, including towing, battery replacement, and tyre change.
Wait Safely for Help to Arrive
Once you’ve called for assistance, waiting in a safe location is essential. If your car is in a hazardous spot and you can exit safely, move away from the traffic flow, such as behind a guardrail or a safe distance from the road.
Avoid standing too close to your car if it’s vulnerable, like in the middle of a busy highway. Stay alert and keep an eye on traffic at all times.
Do Not Attempt Major Repairs on the Highway
It’s tempting to try to fix the problem yourself, especially if it’s something simple like a flat tyre. However, working on your car on the side of a busy highway can be extremely dangerous. Unless you’re in a completely safe area and have the right tools, waiting for professional help is best.
Even simple tasks like changing a tyre can be risky on a high-speed road. To avoid putting yourself in danger, let the experts from a roadside assistance service handle the situation.
Towing vs. On-the-Spot Repairs
Depending on the severity of the breakdown, roadside assistance services in Dubai will either attempt to fix the problem on the spot or tow your car to the nearest garage. Some common roadside repairs include:
- Battery replacement or jump start: If your battery is dead, most roadside assistance services can replace or jump-start it for you.
- Tyre change: If your tyre is flat, a professional can help you replace it with your spare tyre.
- Minor mechanical repairs: Some services offer minor mechanical fixes, such as repairing a broken hose or fixing a minor electrical issue.
If the issue is more severe, your car will likely need to be towed to a garage. Towing services are readily available in Dubai, and you can take your vehicle to a nearby repair shop for a more in-depth diagnosis and repair.
Be Aware of Dubai’s Traffic Laws
Dubai has strict traffic laws, and it’s essential to be aware of these when dealing with a breakdown. For example:
- Blocking traffic lanes is prohibited unless necessary. If your car is causing an obstruction, try to move it out of the way as quickly as possible.
- Misusing hazard lights can lead to fines. Ensure you use them only when your car is stationary or in an emergency.
- Unnecessary stopping on highways is illegal unless there’s a genuine emergency, so ensure you’re only pulling over when necessary.
FAQs
1. What should I do if I can’t move my car to a safe location?
If your car breaks down and cannot be moved, immediately turn on your hazard lights and stay inside. Call for roadside assistance and wait for help to arrive. Avoid pushing your car off the road, especially on a busy highway.
2. How long does roadside assistance take to arrive in Dubai?
Most roadside assistance services aim to arrive within 30-45 minutes, depending on your location and traffic conditions. During peak hours, it may take a little longer.
3. What should I do if I don’t have a roadside assistance service?
If you don’t have access to a roadside assistance service, you can call a towing company directly or contact Dubai’s RTA for emergency help. Signing up for a roadside assistance package from your insurance provider or a local service like Car Garage Expert is also a good idea.
4. Can I fix a flat tyre on the highway by myself?
While you can technically change a tyre yourself, it’s only recommended if you’re in a safe location with plenty of space between your vehicle and the traffic. Highways can be dangerous for such repairs, and it’s better to call a professional for assistance.
5. What kind of emergency kit should I keep in my car?
A basic emergency kit for your vehicle should include a reflective warning triangle, a flashlight, extra batteries, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a spare tyre, and a jack. These items can help you manage minor issues while waiting for assistance.
Breaking down on the highway in Dubai can be a daunting experience, but with the proper knowledge and tools, you can stay safe and get back on the road quickly. Whether it’s a minor issue or something that requires towing, knowing when and how to call for car breaks down roadside assistance will make all the difference. Stay prepared, stay calm, and let the professionals handle the rest.