TL;DR:

Stay calm and turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Steer to safety using your vehicle’s remaining momentum.
Assess the issue—check for fuel, engine overheating, or mechanical failure.
Call roadside assistance and stay inside your car until help arrives.
Take preventative steps with routine maintenance and driver education.

A car breakdown is never convenient—but it can be especially frightening if it happens while you're actively driving. Whether you're on a busy highway or a quiet neighborhood street, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. At Get Drivers Ed, we teach drivers how to handle these situations safely and with confidence. This guide covers everything you need to know if your car dies while driving—and how to avoid it in the first place.

What to Do Immediately After a Stall

Signal and Stay Calm

The moment you feel your car start to stall, try to remain calm. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation. This step helps avoid rear-end collisions and keeps you safer while you figure out your next move.

Steer to the Side of the Road

Use your car’s remaining momentum to guide it to a safe spot, ideally the shoulder of the road or an exit ramp if you're on a freeway. Avoid slamming on the brakes or making sudden movements—smooth, deliberate steering is safest.

Assess the Problem

Once safely parked, take a moment to assess your car. Look for warning lights on the dashboard. Check your fuel gauge—did you simply run out of gas? If you see steam from the hood, your engine may be overheating. Other causes could include battery issues or a mechanical malfunction.

Steps to Take While Waiting for Help

Call Roadside Assistance

If you can't diagnose or fix the problem yourself, it’s time to call a roadside assistance service. Whether through your insurance, car manufacturer, or a third-party provider, help is usually just a call away.

Stay Inside the Vehicle

If you're parked safely off the road, it's best to stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened. Exiting the vehicle, especially on a highway, can be extremely dangerous due to oncoming traffic. Only leave the car if it’s unsafe to remain inside and always exit from the side away from traffic.

Make Yourself Visible

Keep your hazard lights on, and if available, place reflective triangles or road flares behind your vehicle to improve visibility for other drivers. If it's nighttime, keep your dome light on to make your vehicle easier to see.

Preventing Car Breakdowns

Stay on Top of Vehicle Maintenance

Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent your car from dying unexpectedly. At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of keeping your vehicle road-ready. Routine tasks include:

Oil changes
Tire rotations
Brake inspections
Battery checks

Always keep an eye on fluid levels like coolant, transmission, and brake fluid.

Know the Basics

Understanding basic car care—like how to jump-start a battery, change a flat tire, or check engine oil—can save you from being stranded. We teach these essential skills in our comprehensive driver education programs.

Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Car

Prepare for the unexpected by keeping a stocked emergency kit in your trunk. Essentials include:

First-aid supplies
Flashlight and extra batteries
Jumper cables
Bottled water and snacks
Blankets or a poncho

Be Ready, Be Responsible with Get Drivers Ed

At Get Drivers Ed, we don’t just teach you how to pass a driving test—we teach you how to be confident and prepared for real-life driving scenarios, including unexpected vehicle issues. Whether it’s knowing how to safely pull over or what to do when your engine stalls, our lessons cover it all.

If you're looking to become a safer, smarter, and more responsible driver, explore our driver education courses today. With online and flexible options, Get Drivers Ed is your partner for life on the road.