NL
Breaking down on the road during your holiday is no fun, but with the right approach you can ensure safety and get help quickly. Parking safely, protecting yourself and your passengers, and then calling for breakdown assistance are the three cornerstones of an effective step-by-step plan. Most breakdown situations go more smoothly when you stay calm and follow a fixed sequence. In this article you will read exactly what you need to do, what to watch out for and how to prepare yourself optimally even before you set off.
Safe parking is the first priority
As soon as you notice that your vehicle is misfiring or faltering, you must pull over safely as quickly as possible. Drive on to a car park, service station or emergency lay-by if you can. If that is not possible, park as far to the right on the hard shoulder as you can. Switch on your hazard warning lights immediately so other road users can see you.
Turn your front wheels to the right or towards the crash barrier. This prevents the vehicle from rolling back onto the carriageway if there is a collision. It may seem like a small detail, but it significantly increases safety. Before you leave, it is sensible to arrange a motorhome check and maintenance so you reduce the chance of breaking down on the road.
On the motorway the situation is extra risky. Do not remain on the carriageway any longer than necessary. If your vehicle can still move or roll, try to reach a safe place such as an emergency lay-by. If you stop on the motorway, park as close to the right-hand crash barrier as possible.
‘ On a motorway it can be the difference between a safe outcome and a dangerous situation. ’
Make yourself and your passengers visible
Have all occupants get out on the right-hand side as soon as the vehicle has come to a standstill. Take your phone with you and never leave anyone in the vehicle. Put on a high-visibility vest and make sure your passengers do the same. In many countries this is a legal requirement and you may receive a fine if you do not comply during a check.
Place a warning triangle behind your vehicle. In the Netherlands a distance of about 30 metres is often recommended, but at higher speeds or on a bendy or poorly visible road, place the triangle further away. Note: the rules for triangles and high-visibility vests differ from country to country. Check this before you set off.
Do not wait in or next to your vehicle. Move with all occupants behind the crash barrier or stand as far into the verge as possible. On a motorway it can be the difference between a safe outcome and a dangerous situation.
Calling for help and giving your location
Call your breakdown service as soon as you are in a safe place. If you do not have a subscription, contact your insurer, garage or leasing company. For a hire vehicle, the emergency number is often listed in the paperwork or on a sticker in the cab.
Give them the following information:
- Your exact location, including road number and direction of travel
- The marker post (hectometre marker) or other marker information along the road
- Whether you are on the left- or right-hand side of the road
- A short description of the problem (engine cutting out, flat tyre, smoke coming from under the bonnet)
If the situation is acutely dangerous or your vehicle is on a rush-hour lane, call 112. In the Netherlands you can also call 0800-8002 for help on the motorway if the situation is not life-threatening. These numbers differ from country to country, so note them down before you travel.
Solving motorhome technical problems while travelling
Some technical problems can be solved by yourself with basic knowledge and tools. Think of a flat tyre, a dead battery or a blown fuse. For a motorhome it is useful to take extra tools with you: a tyre inflator, extension leads, spare fuses and a jack.
Before you leave, check that you know where the spare wheel is and how to change it. Many modern vehicles no longer have a full-size spare wheel, but instead a space-saver wheel or a tyre repair kit. Read the manual so you know how it works.
For major problems such as engine failure, overheating or electrical faults you should not carry out repairs yourself at the roadside. Wait for breakdown assistance and do not try to work in the engine bay if you do not know exactly what you are doing. Safety comes before speed.
Finding local garages abroad
If your breakdown assistance takes longer or your vehicle can no longer be driven, you may sometimes need to go to a local garage. Many breakdown services arrange this for you and have contracts with garages in different countries. Ask whether the costs are covered by your insurance or breakdown cover.
If you do not have breakdown cover, use a navigation app to search for garages nearby. Pay attention to opening times, especially at weekends and on public holidays. In remote areas you may have to wait until the next working day.
Write down the name, address and phone number of the garage for your insurer. Keep receipts and documents safe, as you will need them for any reimbursement afterwards.
‘ Note that some services do not operate for motorhomes over 3,500 kilograms. ’
Breakdown cover and roadside assistance for motorhome holidays
Good breakdown cover is important for a motorhome holiday. Check before you leave whether your cover also applies abroad and whether a motorhome is included. Many standard car insurance policies only cover passenger cars up to a certain weight.
Breakdown cover with roadside assistance offers additional services such as on-the-spot repair of minor problems, replacing a battery or topping up fuel. Some services also offer a replacement vehicle or overnight accommodation if your motorhome can no longer be driven.
Well-known providers include ANWB, BOVAG and international services such as ADAC or Europ Assistance. Compare cover, maximum journey distance, territory and additional services. Note that some services do not operate for motorhomes over 3,500 kilograms.
Preparation prevents stress on the road
Good preparation makes all the difference if you break down. Store the phone numbers of your insurer, breakdown service and rental company in your phone and also offline on paper. In areas with poor reception you may not have internet access.
Make sure you have the following items on board:
- High-visibility vest for each occupant
- Warning triangle
- Torch or head torch
- Charged power bank
- Basic tools and a jack
- Tyre inflator and spare wheel or repair kit
- Spare fuses
Learn a few simple phrases in the language of your holiday destination. Phrases such as “I have broken down” or “Can you help me?” are useful if you need help from passers-by or have poor reception.
Additional points of attention abroad
Outside the Netherlands different rules sometimes apply. In some countries a spare bulb set is compulsory, in others a fire extinguisher or first aid kit. Check with the ANWB or a similar organisation beforehand to find out what requirements apply in your holiday destination.
In mountain areas, tunnels and on busy motorways, breaking down is especially risky. Only leave your vehicle if it is safe to do so and follow local instructions. Some tunnels have emergency telephones or special escape routes.
Regional road authorities often provide the best guidance on emergency numbers and how to act safely. In France, for example, you can use SOS phones along the motorway that connect you directly to the emergency services.
‘ Discover the other articles and make sure your next trip goes even more smoothly. ’
Discover more useful tips on Traveler Tips
Breaking down on the road is part of travelling a lot, but with the right approach it remains manageable. On the Traveler Tips website you will find plenty more reliable information about preparing your trip, motorhome maintenance, planning routes and what you need to arrange while you are on the road. Discover the other articles and make sure your next trip goes even more smoothly.
Frequently asked questions
Check your vehicle before departure (tyre pressure, oil, coolant, lights, windscreen wipers) and make sure your breakdown and insurance details are in order for both the UK and abroad. Take basic equipment with you such as a warning triangle, high-visibility vests, first aid kit, phone charger/power bank and, if possible, a spare wheel or repair kit. Plan your route including rest breaks and alternative routes, and save important phone numbers and addresses offline. Travel preferably with a well-charged phone and take into account the weather forecast and busy traffic periods.
Always take with you: registration certificate (or registration card), driving licence, insurance certificate (green card) and policy documents for your car and travel insurance, plus European accident forms and emergency numbers (insurer, breakdown service, emergency centre). Make sure you have valid breakdown cover abroad (through your car insurance, roadside assistance membership or travel insurance) and also write down the policy and phone number(s) offline. Essential tools are: high-visibility vests (ideally one per occupant), warning triangle, charged phone + charger/power bank and, if possible, a simple first aid kit, torch and basic tools (jack, wheel brace, tyre inflator). Check before departure which safety equipment is legally required in the car in each country you drive through.
First, move your vehicle to the safest possible place, switch on your hazard warning lights, place a warning triangle and have everyone get out on the safe side and wait behind the crash barrier or in the verge. Then call your breakdown service, insurer or leasing company and give your exact location. Alternative options to continue your journey with minimal disruption include replacement transport, a hire car, taxi or public transport arranged via the breakdown service/insurance or local providers. This way, while the car is being repaired or towed, you can still continue (part of) your route and holiday plans and keep your holiday experience intact.
First ensure safety (vehicle as far to the side as possible, hazard warning lights on, everyone in a high-visibility vest behind the crash barrier) and determine your exact location (road number, marker post or GPS). Then call your breakdown service/insurer via the known emergency number and, if needed, use a translation app or pre-prepared standard phrases in the local language to briefly explain your situation. Follow the instructions of the breakdown service or police, as local rules (for example where you are allowed to wait or which emergency numbers apply) differ from country to country. Keep important numbers and policy details offline to hand so that the conversation can be as short, clear and stress-free as possible.
