Breakdown: how to tell whether you should call for recovery

You do not need to diagnose the fault yourself to decide to stop. Red warning lights, unusual noises, fluid leaks or abnormal behaviour call for caution and a professional assessment.

Put your safety and location first

If the vehicle stops or develops a fault, switch on the hazard warning lights and reach a safe place only if the vehicle responds and the manoeuvre will not increase the risk. On a motorway or fast road, follow the stated emergency procedures and move away from the carriageway if you can do so safely. Do not carry out repairs while exposed to traffic.

If the car is stopped in a dangerous place, call the emergency number or roadside assistance, depending on the severity. Give the road, direction of travel, nearest kilometre marker or exit, number of people and condition of the vehicle. Do not push the car into the carriageway or cross lanes to reach a phone or rest area.

When not to continue

Arrange recovery if red warnings, overheating, smoke, a fuel smell, fluid leaks, abnormal brakes or steering, a damaged tyre or noises that affect control occur. The model’s handbook explains the warning lights and what to do; if a message tells you to stop, do not try to reach a garage slowly unless instructed to do so.

A yellow warning light may also require assistance if it comes with loss of power, vibration or other symptoms. Do not clear warnings by disconnecting the battery, and do not rely on a diagnosis based only on a photo of the dashboard. Describe the symptoms to the operator and let a technician decide whether the vehicle should be recovered or can be driven.

Give the operator useful details

Have the model, registration number, location and a precise description of the fault ready. Mention any children, people with mobility needs or unusual load. If the vehicle is in a private car park or a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), tell the recovery operator about access or height restrictions before the truck arrives.

If a red warning light comes on, you hear an unusual noise or the car loses power, slow down and pull over somewhere safe. Switch on the hazard warning lights and check the warning in the handbook; do not open hot parts or continue if the vehicle reports a serious fault. On a motorway, follow the emergency procedure and call for assistance.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale lets you study road-safety theory by chapter, take timed quizzes and review mistakes; for an actual breakdown, call for assistance.