Common Mistakes Drivers Make During Car Recovery

When your car breaks down, you’ll likely want things resolved quickly and safely. However, in the rush, many drivers make avoidable mistakes during recovery that can make the situation worse, more costly, or even unsafe. Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what steps to take. Below are some of the most frequent errors drivers make during car recovery — and how to avoid them.

1. Waiting Too Long to Call for Help

One of the biggest mistakes is delaying the call for recovery. Drivers often think they can fix things themselves or wait for someone nearby, but waiting can lead to more damage, especially if the car is overheating, leaking fluids, or stuck in unsafe conditions.

• Being stranded in traffic or on a motorway hard shoulder without calling for help increases risk.

• Also, waiting may allow minor damage (from vibrations, leaks, etc.) to become worse.

Instead: call a recovery company as soon as the issue becomes serious or you feel unsafe. If you’re in London, you can use this link to quickly reach RJ Recovery London:

RJ Recovery London

2. Failing to Assess Safety Before Exiting the Vehicle

Another common mistake is getting out of the vehicle too quickly or in the wrong spot. Drivers sometimes exit onto the traffic side, step out without warning other road users, or stand in unsafe positions.

• Always make sure hazard lights are on first.

• Exit from the door away from traffic.

• Wear a high-visibility vest if you have one.

• If you’re on a motorway, try to stand behind a barrier or as far from traffic as possible.

Ignoring this guidance can lead to injury or worse.

3. Not Securing the Vehicle Properly

Some drivers try to leave their car in “park” (or gear), but neglect to ensure that the handbrake is fully engaged. Others may forget to turn off the engine, leaving electronics running and increasing risk of fire or battery drain.

Useful checklist:

• Handbrake on

• Wheels turned away from carriageway if on a slope

• Hazard lights on

• Doors locked if you must leave the car unattended

4. Misusing Tow Hook Points or Tow Equipment

This error usually occurs when a driver or impromptu helper tries towing without knowing where correct tow-points are, or uses equipment that’s inappropriate (slings instead of secure hook, detachable rope rather than proper chain/tow bar).

• Using the wrong tow point can damage bodywork or structure.

• Using ropes or chains that aren’t rated can snap.

• Improper connection can lead to the towed vehicle swaying or detaching.

If either you or the recovery service uses improper gear, it can complicate the tow, risk damage, or create safety hazards.

5. Overlooking Roadside Warning Procedures

Drivers often fail to set up the correct warnings to alert other traffic:

• Not turning on hazard lights quickly enough

• Not using warning triangles (in places where they’re legal/safe)

• Not placing triangle far enough behind the vehicle

These omissions reduce visibility of your broken-down vehicle to other drivers, increasing risk of collisions.

6. Staying in or Near the Vehicle in the Wrong Situation

Some drivers believe their best protection is to stay inside the car. While that may sometimes be correct, there are times when it’s safer to exit and move to a safer location—especially if the vehicle is stranded near fast-moving lanes or no barrier is present.

• If your car is in danger of being struck, exit on the side away from traffic.

• Move behind a barrier or up a bank if possible.

• Never wander in front of or behind traffic to retrieve items or check on the car.

7. Not Providing Correct Location Info

Ambiguous or incorrect location details can result in delays in getting recovery help to you.

• Always use known landmarks, junction numbers, mile markers, or GPS coordinates.

• If you’re on a motorway, look for signs or marker posts.

• When you call the recovery service, stay on the line if necessary, and follow their instructions.

Delay in giving precise location wastes precious time for you and recovery teams.

8. Attempting Repairs or Resets Without Knowledge

Trying to fix or reset things without understanding what you’re doing can backfire:

• Unplugging sensors or fiddling with wires may cause electrical faults or error codes.

• Resetting systems incorrectly may prevent the car from starting again.

• Attempting to drive the vehicle when unsafe, thinking you can limp somewhere, can worsen damage.

If you’re not sure about something, it’s safer to wait for professionals.

9. Hiring Unreliable or Unqualified Recovery Services

When you do call for help, choosing the wrong service can cost more in the long run:

• Using a recovery service that is not properly licensed or insured can expose you to liability.

• Cheap pricing sometimes means lower safety standards or inexperienced operators.

• Not checking reviews or credentials may mean delays or damage during recovery.

Prioritise reputability. If you need professional assistance in London, you can click this link:

RJ Recovery London

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10. Neglecting After-Recovery Checks

Sometimes once the car is back home or at a garage, drivers skip steps thinking everything went fine. But problems can remain hidden.

After recovery:

• Check under the car for leaks or fluid drips.

• Inspect tyres or any damage caused during towing (scratches, connections).

• Check dashboard for warning lights.

Doing this helps spot issues early before they become costly or dangerous.

Tips to Avoid These Mistakes & Stay Safe

To reduce the chance of falling into these common pitfalls, keep these best practices in mind:

1. Always have breakdown cover or a trusted recovery service on call so you’re not scrambling in a stressful moment.

2. Keep an emergency kit in your car: hazard triangle, hi-vis vest, torch, basic tools.

3. Know your vehicle’s tow points and weight limits, even if you don’t often use towing.

4. Learn where emergency phones or motorway refuge areas are on routes you travel often.

5. Stay visible: hazard lights, reflective clothing, warning triangles when safe.

When You Need Professional Recovery

If any of the following are true, seek out a professional:

• Your vehicle is immobilised in a dangerous or exposed position.

• You feel unsafe or unsure about what to do next.

• The issue seems more serious than a flat battery or puncture.

• You lack breakdown cover.

For drivers in London needing prompt, reliable recovery help, you can use this link to contact professionals:

RJ Recovery London

(Click to copy)

They have trained teams, proper equipment, and know how to manage breakdowns safely and efficiently.