WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAR BREAKS DOWN ON THE N1 OR N2

Breaking down on the N1 near Paarl, the N2 near Somerset West, or the M3 in peak traffic is stressful. Cars flying past at 120km/h, nowhere safe to pull over, and phone signal sometimes dropping. Here's exactly what to do — step by step — if your car dies on a Cape Town highway.

Step 1: Try to Get Off the Road Safely

If your car is losing power, indicate left and start moving to the emergency lane immediately. Don't wait until you're fully stopped. Cape Town highways have narrow emergency lanes — the further off the road you can get, the safer you are.

If you can reach the next off-ramp — do it, even if you have to limp the car there. Off-ramps and side streets are far safer than the emergency lane on the N1 or N2.

Step 2: Hazards On, Car Off (If Possible)

• Turn on your hazard lights immediately
• Turn the engine off if it's overheating or smoking
• If it's raining, keep wipers going even if engine is off
• Turn the steering wheel away from traffic

Step 3: Get Everyone Out — On the Safe Side

This is critical. On the N1 or N2, never exit on the traffic side. Everyone exits through the left doors, away from moving cars. Get everyone over the barrier or up the bank if you can — away from the car completely.

Step 4: Put Out Your Warning Triangle

Your car should have a reflective warning triangle by law. Place it at least 45 metres behind your car (about 50 paces). This gives drivers enough warning to change lanes.

Step 5: Call for Help

In order of priority:

• Call us immediately: 071 250 4839 or 084 419 5749. We'll tell you whether we can come to you or whether you need a tow first
• Call your insurance's roadside assistance if you have it
• ER24 or Netcare 911 if anyone is injured
• Cape Town Traffic: 0860 103 089 for hazardous situations

Step 6: Common Cape Town Highway Breakdowns

Overheating: Common on the N1 climb up Paarl on hot days. If your temperature gauge is in the red — pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and let it cool for 30 minutes minimum before calling us.

Flat battery: If your car won't start at all and lights are dim — probably battery. A jump-start may get you going, but if the alternator is the problem you'll stall again shortly.

Flat tyre: If you're in the emergency lane — don't change the tyre yourself on a highway. It's dangerous. Call us or roadside assistance.

Running out of fuel: Embarrassing but happens. Call a friend with a jerry can or roadside assistance — don't try to walk to a petrol station along a highway.

Step 7: What We Need From You

When you call us, have this info ready:

• Your exact location — "N1 north, 5km past Brackenfell" not just "N1"
• Vehicle make, model, year
• What the car was doing when it broke down
• Any warning lights that came on
• Whether it's still driveable

Photos help massively — send us pics via WhatsApp of the engine bay, the dashboard warning lights, anything unusual.