The First 15 Minutes After a Breakdown: A Step-by-Step Action Plan for Families | MyMechanic

Minute 0–3: Stabilise and get visible

• Signal and steer smoothly to the emergency lane or a lay-by. Avoid stopping on bends or crests.
• Switch on hazard lights immediately; keep parking lights on after dark. A soft cabin light can make the vehicle more noticeable without glare.
• Place the warning triangle well behind the car on a straight line of sight; on faster stretches, go further back.

Minute 3–6: Secure people and space

• Adults first, then kids: exit on the left and move behind a barrier if available; if not safe, remain belted with hazards on.
• Keep pets and prams controlled; one adult keeps bags and documents so nothing stays roadside.
• Quick risk scan: narrow shoulder, poor lighting, rain, or fast traffic signal waiting for professional help over DIY.

Minute 6–9: Pinpoint the location

• Note highway, KM marker (number and decimal), and direction; add one landmark (exit, R&R, toll, petrol station, flyover).
• Use a script: “On [highway] at KM [_], [direction], near [landmark]. SG plate [__], [make/model], [colour].”
• Snap two photos: nearest KM marker or signboard, and a wide shot with triangle visible.

Minute 9–12: Call for help

• Call MyMechanic first for SG vehicles; share location script, then issue (flat, no start, overheat, warning light, minor impact, unknown).
• Confirm passengers (adults, kids, elderly) and any special needs.
• Keep the line clear; expect a confirmation or callback. If easier, send live location plus the two photos.

Minute 12–15: Safer, calmer waiting

• Set a routine: one adult watches traffic and triangle; another keeps kids calm with water/snacks.
• Conserve battery: dim screens but keep phones on; manage cabin comfort safely depending on weather.
• Re-check the triangle; if visibility worsens, move further away behind a barrier if possible.

Do’s and don’ts at the roadside

• Do keep doors closed and the parking brake on.
• Don’t accept unsolicited tow offers; confirm who’s coming, where the car will go, and what’s included.
• Don’t stand in front of or behind the vehicle; never cross live lanes to look for help.

Copy‑ready location templates

• “PLUS KM [].[], [northbound/southbound], near [Exit/R&R/Toll]. SG plate [___], [make/model], [colour].”
• “Breakdown type: [flat tyre/overheat/battery/no start/minor impact]. Passengers safe. Triangle placed.”

Family-friendly grab‑and‑go checklist

• Reflective vest, torch/headlamp with spares, wipes, small first-aid kit, water pouches, light rain ponchos.
• Wheel chocks, gloves, and a small board for the jack base if a tyre change is attempted in a safe spot.
• Printed emergency card with key contacts and the location script.

How MyMechanic helps families across Malaysia

• Fast, precise dispatch: prompts for KM marker, direction, and landmark so help reaches the exact shoulder.
• Family-first guidance: where to wait safely, what to photograph, and what to say on calls and messages.
• End-to-end support: from roadside stabilising to towing and workshop handover, with reliable updates.

Frequently Asked Questions