Summer brings the idea of long road trips and the exploration of areas that you might not have travelled to before. It can all be done by car, of course, and going on a trip under your own steam gives you the freedom to pick and choose your route.

But suffering a breakdown during a long journey can prove stressful at the best of times. However, if you’re not prepared, then a mechanical issue can be a serious affair, so we’ve put together some of the tips to bear in mind should you have a breakdown at the roadside this summer.

Be prepared

Before you even set off on your journey, it’s a good idea to prepare for a breakdown should it happen.

It could be a good idea to store a small pack of emergency supplies in the boot of the car to help out if you get stuck. Items such as a blanket, torch and non-perishable sweets could help and a fully-charged power bank is ideal for keeping your devices topped up.

Don’t panic

If you start to notice that your car is having mechanical issues, don’t panic. The best thing that you can do in this circumstance is to remain calm, as it’ll allow you to make better decisions and react more intuitively to changing scenarios.

Of course, this is easier said than done, but keeping a handle on your emotions in the event of a breakdown will help.

Activate hazard lights

If your car is suffering a mechanical issue, try to resist the urge to brake and instead use the car’s forward motion – if you’re moving – to roll to the side of the carriageway, using a hard shoulder if there is one. Make sure you activate your hazard lights and when you’ve stopped, turn your steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing fully to the left.

If it’s dark, make sure you leave your sidelights on when leaving the vehicle. To get out, make sure that you exit the vehicle from the left-hand doors and put on your high-vis jackets if you have them. If you’re in an unsafe spot, call the police immediately to alert them.