What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down in Auckland — Step by Step

Car Breakdown in Auckland — Stay Calm, Stay Safe

Breaking down in Auckland is stressful — particularly on the city's busy motorways or during peak traffic. This step-by-step guide covers exactly what to do in the first minutes and hours of an Auckland breakdown, prioritising your safety and getting your vehicle recovered as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Get to Safety

Your immediate priority is to get your vehicle out of traffic. If possible:

• On a motorway: Move to the far left emergency lane or motorway shoulder immediately. Turn your hazard lights on as soon as you feel a problem — before you have fully stopped.
• On a city street: Pull to the left kerb as far as possible. Avoid stopping at intersections or on corners.
• If the vehicle cannot move: Turn hazards on immediately and if safe to exit, get out of the vehicle on the kerb side (not traffic side) and move behind a barrier.

Step 2: Make Your Vehicle Visible

• Turn on hazard lights — immediately and keep them on
• If you have a reflective triangle, place it 100m behind the vehicle (motorways: 200m)
• If it is dark, keep interior lights on if possible

Step 3: Call for Help

Once you are safe, call Towing Auckland on 0800 705 211. Tell us:

• Your exact location — street name, suburb, or motorway marker number
• What happened (engine failure, flat tyre, accident, etc.)
• Your vehicle make, model, and colour
• Whether you are safe and where you are standing

We dispatch immediately. Average Auckland response: 20–30 minutes.

Step 4: Wait Safely

On motorways: if you have exited the vehicle, stay on the far side of the barrier — not between the barrier and your vehicle. On city streets: stay on the footpath away from traffic until the tow truck arrives.

Step 5: The Tow

Our driver will assess the situation, confirm the tow destination (your mechanic, home, or anywhere in Auckland), and provide the total price. Payment before or at the time of service. EFTPOS accepted.