Watch for the following signs while driving:

• Unusual noises: knocking, squealing, humming or rattling from the engine compartment or running gear
• Vibration in the steering wheel, seat, or brake pedal
• Smoke or unusual smell (burning rubber, sweet coolant smell, gasoline fumes)
• Warning lights flashing on the dashboard (engine, oil pressure, temperature, battery)
• Sudden loss of power or engine "stuttering"

Among the dashboard warning lights, red ones require an immediate stop – don't try to "just get to the service station," as serious engine damage can occur within minutes. Yellow/orange lights indicate a warning: you don't need to stop immediately, but have the vehicle checked as soon as possible.

In the city:

• Find a safe place: parking lot, side street, wide sidewalk
• Avoid curves, intersections, zebra crossings, and bus stops
• If possible, roll into a parking lot – you can wait there comfortably

On a highway or expressway:

• Pull over to the breakdown lane as far right as possible
• If there is no breakdown lane, try to reach the nearest rest area or exit
• Never stop in the inner (left) lane or at the central divider!

In the countryside or at night:

• Choose a straight, well-visible road section
• Avoid hilltops, curves, and poor visibility conditions
• At night, it is especially important to stop in a well-lit place if possible

What to do immediately:

• Hazard lights: Keep them on throughout the entire wait
• High-visibility vest: Put it on BEFORE getting out of the car (mandatory in Hungary)
• Warning triangle: Place it behind the vehicle at the appropriate distance:
  -In the city: minimum 50 meters
  -On country roads: minimum 100 meters
  -On highways: minimum 150 meters
• At night: Use a flashlight or your phone's torch so you remain visible

The triangle must be placed walking against traffic. Always walk on the side away from traffic!

Basic rules:

• On a highway and busy road, always exit on the side furthest from traffic (typically the right side)
• Passengers should also leave the vehicle from the right side
• On a highway, move behind the guardrail – this is the only truly safe place
• Never try to make repairs in the traffic lane or breakdown lane!

Children and pets: Immediately take them to a safe place (behind the guardrail, ditch, sidewalk). They are the most vulnerable.

If you don't feel safe exiting (e.g., at night, remote location, suspicious people nearby), stay in the car with doors locked and call for roadside assistance from there.

Situations that can be handled alone (in safe conditions):

• Tire change on flat, stable terrain, away from traffic (NOT on a highway!)
• Fuse replacement, if you have a spare and know which one
• Minor fluid top-up (windshield washer, coolant)
• Jump-starting a dead battery, if you have cables and a helpful driver nearby

Call for help immediately if:

• The breakdown occurred on a highway or expressway
• You cannot safely identify the cause of the fault
• You don't have the tools or knowledge needed
• It's nighttime, bad weather, or you don't feel safe
• You're traveling alone and the repair would be risky
• You notice smoke, leaking fluids, or a burning smell – move away from the vehicle!

The most important rule: if in doubt, always call for help.

Prepare the following information:

• Your exact location (road number, kilometer marker, settlement name, nearby landmark)
• Vehicle's license plate number, make, model, and color
• Brief description of the fault
• Number of passengers (especially children or people with disabilities)
• Your phone number for a callback

Tip: Open your phone's GPS or Google Maps – it shows your exact coordinates for the dispatcher.

Not every situation is "just" a technical breakdown. If an accident occurred, someone was injured, or the car caught fire, other services must also be notified. Most important contacts:

• 112 (general emergency) – For any life-threatening situation. This number works throughout Europe, and the dispatcher will connect you to the appropriate service.
• 107 (police) – If an accident occurred with personal injury, or if the parties cannot agree on liability. Calling the police is mandatory in such cases.
• 105 (fire department) – If you see smoke or flames, or if the vehicle has slid into a ditch/water and technical rescue is needed.
• 104 (ambulance) – If anyone is injured – whether you, a passenger, or another road user.
• 188 (Hungarian Road / Útinform) – If you're stranded on a highway and want to notify the operator, or need road condition information.
• SOS columns on highways – If you have no signal or your phone is dead, you'll find orange SOS columns approximately every 2 km along highways. These provide a direct line to the highway operator. The arrow on the column shows which direction the nearest one is.
• Within the EU: The 112 emergency number works in all EU member states.
• United Kingdom: 999 or 112
• Switzerland: 117 (police), 118 (fire department), 144 (ambulance), 140 (highway assistance)
• Turkey: 112 (ambulance), 155 (police), 110 (fire department)
• Serbia: 192 (police), 193 (fire department), 194 (ambulance)
• USA / Canada: 911

What to do while waiting:

• Stay outside the vehicle in a safe place (behind the guardrail, on the sidewalk, on the embankment)
• Don't try to cross the highway, return to traffic, or "check" the fault from the traffic side
• Keep your phone on and charged if possible – the roadside assistance may call back
• If it's cold, get your blanket or warmer clothes from the emergency kit
• If it's hot, find a shaded spot and drink water
• Notify a family member or friend about your situation and location

What NOT to do:

• Don't accept help from strangers if you don't feel safe – thank them and say that help is already on the way
• Don't walk far from the car – the roadside assistance will look for you at the given location
• Don't try to hitchhike or walk somewhere on a highway