How to Photograph a Breakdown: A Guide for Insurance & Repairs | MyMechanic

Car trouble in Malaysia? Taking the right pictures can save time and headaches. Here’s a simple guide on what to snap for insurance and your workshop—so help arrives prepared and repairs move faster.

Your Phone is Your Best Tool After a Breakdown. Here's How to Use It.

You’re safely on the shoulder, hazards blinking—and the instinct is to call for help. Pause for five minutes. Your phone’s camera can capture evidence that speeds up claims and diagnostics. A few clear photos now can prevent paperwork pain later.

At MyMechanic, good photos help us understand what happened and dispatch the right support quickly. Here’s what to capture.

First: Take Pictures for Insurance

Shoot wide

From a safe spot, get full‑car photos with the road and surroundings. Busy highway or quiet lane—context tells the story.

Show context

If the door is dented, frame the whole door—not just the dent. Repeat for every affected area so placement is clear.

Get details

Take close, sharp photos of scratches, cracks, and broken parts. More is better—you can delete duplicates later.

Next: Take Pictures for the Mechanic

Dashboard warning lights

Capture the instrument cluster clearly with every warning visible—the most important clue for first assessment.

Puddles or drips

Photograph any liquids under the car. Show origin and colour—dark (oil), reddish (ATF), green/pink (coolant), clear (water/AC condensate).

Under the bonnet (only if safe)

With engine off and safe, take a few overall engine‑bay photos. A trained eye can spot loose belts, disconnected hoses, or obvious issues.

Tyres and wheels

For flats, shoot the entire wheel, rim, and nearby suspension/brake area—especially if sidewall damage or rim impact is visible.

Quick Safety Reminders While Shooting

  • Stay off the live lane; exit on the passenger side if you must exit.
  • Use a reflective triangle 10–15 meters behind (further at night/rain/curves).
  • Keep kids, elderly, and pets to the left side or behind a barrier.
  • At night, use phone flash and keep yourself visible; don’t stand in traffic shadows.

Bonus Shots That Help Later

  • Odometer reading and current fuel/battery level.
  • Nearest KM marker, exit sign, R&R/toll name, or a clear signboard.
  • Close‑ups of tyre tread/sidewall cuts, wheel cracks, or bulges.
  • Any visible leaks on hoses, caps, or reservoirs (don’t open hot systems).

Have Photos Ready? MyMechanic Can Diagnose Faster

Tell us you’ve taken dashboard, damage, and location photos. We support Singapore‑registered cars across Malaysia with calm guidance, on‑site help when safe, and proper recovery when needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: You've Got This

A breakdown feels chaotic, but a few clear photos restore control. They capture evidence, speed up claims, and give mechanics a head start. When contacting MyMechanic, say you’ve taken photos—so we can align the right plan and equipment from the first message.