Breaking down is never convenient. It always seems to happen at the worst possible moment—on the way to work, in the rain, or on a dark stretch of road outside Wigan. While modern cars are more reliable than ever, breakdowns still happen for all sorts of reasons: battery failure, tyre blowouts, fuel issues, or even minor electrical faults.
Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make a huge difference to your safety and how quickly you’re back on the road. As Wigan’s trusted 24/7 vehicle recovery team, Thompson Automotive has helped thousands of stranded drivers across the North West. Here’s our step-by-step guide for vehicle recovery Wigan and to staying safe and getting help fast.
8 Things to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down: Vehicle Recovery Wigan
1. Stay Calm and Get to Safety
Your first priority is always safety—yours, your passengers’, and other road users’.
If your vehicle is still moving, indicate and pull over as far left as possible. Use a lay-by, hard shoulder, or the nearest safe verge. Switch on your hazard lights immediately and keep your steering wheels turned left.
If you’re on a motorway, exit the car through the passenger-side door away from traffic, then stand behind the crash barrier. Never attempt repairs on the live carriageway.
Tip: Keep a reflective vest and warning triangle in your boot—they make you much more visible to other drivers.
2. Assess the Situation Before Calling for Help
Once you and your passengers are safe, take a moment to note where you are. Look for:
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The nearest motorway marker post or junction number
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Landmarks, street names, or road numbers
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Your car’s make, model, and registration
This information helps recovery teams like ours locate you quickly.
If you suspect a fuel or battery issue, don’t keep cranking the ignition—it can cause further damage. Instead, call a breakdown service Wigan professional who can diagnose the problem safely.
3. Call for Professional Vehicle Recovery
Many drivers try phoning friends or attempting DIY tows, but professional vehicle recovery in Wigan is faster, safer, and fully insured. At Thompson Automotive we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Our trained technicians handle everything from flat batteries and punctures to full accident recovery. Each truck carries the right equipment for modern vehicles—including low-loaders for sports cars and vans for light commercial fleets.
When you call, provide your location, vehicle details, and a short description of the issue. We’ll give you an estimated arrival time and update you throughout the process.
4. Know Your Legal Obligations
If your vehicle is obstructing the road or causing a hazard, you must alert the authorities. Use your phone to contact the police via 999 if there’s immediate danger. On motorways, there are orange emergency phones every mile that connect you directly to Highways England.
The GOV.UK breakdown guide offers detailed advice for drivers stopped on the hard shoulder or in “live lane” breakdowns.
Professional recovery teams like ours work closely with these agencies to clear vehicles efficiently while keeping everyone safe.
5. Common Breakdown Causes in the North West
Our recovery crews see the same problems repeatedly across Wigan, Preston, and Manchester:
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Battery failure – short journeys and cold weather drain charge quickly.
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Tyre damage – potholes and debris cause punctures year-round.
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Electrical faults – modern vehicles rely heavily on sensors and fuses.
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Fuel issues – running out or misfuelling still happens daily.
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Overheating – low coolant or worn belts often trigger engine cut-outs.
Regular maintenance and car servicing in Wigan reduce the risk of these issues. If you’ve broken down due to poor servicing, our technicians can take your car straight to our workshop for repairs.
6. 24/7 vehicle recovery – what happens in this process?
Once our 24/7 vehicle recovery team arrives, we’ll first ensure you’re safe and the scene is secure. Then we assess the vehicle to determine whether a roadside fix is possible.
In many cases, minor faults—like a flat battery or blown fuse—can be repaired on the spot. If not, your car will be loaded onto our recovery truck and taken to your chosen location: home, garage, or Thompson Automotive’s repair facility in Wigan.
Every vehicle is secured using proper wheel straps and equipment to prevent further damage during transport.
7. After the Breakdown
Once you’re back home or at our garage, we recommend a follow-up inspection. Breakdowns are often a symptom of wider maintenance issues. Our vehicle servicing Wigan team can check your battery, fluids, and tyres to prevent repeat problems.
You’ll also receive a report of any underlying faults spotted by our recovery crew, so you can decide whether immediate repairs are necessary.
8. Prevent Future Breakdowns
The best way to avoid breakdown stress is prevention. Regular servicing and seasonal checks—especially before long trips or winter weather—make a huge difference.
Our Service & Repairs department offers comprehensive pre-journey inspections, fluid top-ups, tyre checks, and battery testing.
Combine that with saving our 24/7 recovery number in your phone, and you’ll be ready for anything the North West roads throw at you.
Our Breakdown Service has your covered
Breaking down doesn’t have to be a disaster. Stay calm, stay visible, call the professionals, and you’ll be back on the road before you know it.
Thompson Automotive provides rapid, reliable vehicle recovery in Wigan and across the North West, handling everything from roadside assistance to full transport.
If you ever find yourself stranded, call our 24/7 line or visit our Recovery Service page for immediate support.