In the event of your vehicle developing a problem, the Highway Code says to leave the motorway at the next exit or pull into a service area. If you cannot do so, you should pull onto the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as possible, with your wheels turned to the left. If possible, try to stop near an emergency telephone (situated at approximately one-mile intervals along the hard shoulder). Let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take to stay safe if your vehicle breaks down on the motorway.

 

• Pull over to the hard shoulder
• Leave the vehicle by the left-hand door, away from traffic
• Make sure all passengers do the same
• Put your hazard lights on

 

If your vehicle is drivable move it to a safe location as it is safer to wait away from your vehicle so exit your vehicle from the exit furthest away from moving traffic and wait outside behind a barrier as far away from moving traffic. Put your hazard lights and sidelights on. If you wish to stay in your vehicle please keep your seatbelt on.

 

Emergency breakdown/recovery (Out of office hours):

• AA breakdown number – 0800 88 77 66
• RAC breakdown number – 03332023022
• Mercedes breakdown number – 0800800644
• Volkswagen breakdown number – 0800 777 92
• Peugeot breakdown number – 0800 294 0294
• Green Flag breakdown – 0800 400 600
• Vauxhall breakdown assistance – 0800 197 2049
• Ford assistance – 02035644444
• Citroen – 0800 197 2046
• Fiat – 00800 3428 0000
• Renault – 0800 085 8005 / 0333 202 3005
• Iveco – 0800 590509
• Isuzu – 0800 777 1670
• Peugeot – 0800 1972045
• Nissan – 0330 1231231

 

The emergency WDR breakdown number is 07982842286. This number is to be called if you have a vehicle breakdown outside of office hours (office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday)

 

Emergency breakdown/recovery (In office hours):

• Northgate breakdown number – 03330430001 option 2 then option 1
• Enterprise breakdown number –08003160997
• Herd Hire breakdown number – 01372 747 333 option 3
• Global Go breakdown number – 01827 69797- option 2
• Dawson group breakdown number – 01733771177 option 2
• We Do Rentals – 01215446583 option 2

 

Breakdowns are to be reported immediately, assistance is then called out. Once patrol attends, they will either repair/temporarily repair the vehicle or recover it to the nearest garage/dealership if it is not repairable.

 

In the event of your vehicle developing a problem on the road, try and park your vehicle in a safe location on the side of the road away from pedestrians. If possible, try to stop near an emergency leave the vehicle by the left-hand door, away from traffic. Make sure all passengers do the same put your hazard lights on so other drivers are aware there is a hazard. Call one of the breakdown numbers as listed below.

 

Road-side breakdowns (In office hours):

• Northgate breakdown number – 03330430001 option 2 then option 1
• Enterprise breakdown number –08003160997
• Herd Hire breakdown number – 01372 747 333 option 3
• Global Go breakdown number – 01827 69797- option 2
• Dawson group breakdown number – 01733771177 option 2
• We Do Rentals – 01215446583 option 2

 

Driving

If you find yourself with a tyre that is losing pressure while out on the road, you should find a safe place to stop immediately as riding on an under-inflated tyre may cause irreparable damage. However, always make sure you’re visible to other road users, particularly if it’s dark or if you’re parked just by the roadside.
there are some reliable puncture repair kits on the market today that you can use yourself. The available fluids come in two forms. Pre-emptive fluids are put into the tyre when it is new, and stay in the tyre. These have numerous disadvantages for your motorcycle though, including added rotational unsprung weight, which can have an adverse effect on handling and suspension capabilities. In addition, if the puncture hole is of significant size, the sealant may not work properly. The pre-emptive fluids don’t come cheap either. They can cost around £20-25, and have to be replaced every time you fit new tyres. The other type of fluid is a kind of foam, which you insert after a puncture and helps to re-inflate the tyre. This type of repair is only temporary, and you should restrict your riding speed until you reach your nearest garage. It should be noted that the industry isn’t in favour of puncture repair via fluids, as they don’t believe them to have received enough testing.

 

Puncture repair kits

An alternative is to use a puncture repair kit, which are widely available from dealers and are light enough to carry in your motorcycle’s tool box. These take the form of a plug-type repair and usually come complete with CO2 cartridges to re-inflate the tyre afterwards. Although still not sanctioned by the tyre industry, they will generally look the other way. However, once a plug repair has been carried out, you can no longer have the tyre permanently repaired.
These kits should only ever be used as a short-term fix, and you should always seek help from a tyre professional at the earliest opportunity. Riding your motorcycle with an incorrectly repaired puncture or temporary repair for a prolonged period may affect your insurance.

If no options like these work you can always change the tyre with the spare tyre using the tools within the van.