Key takeaways
- Protect people first; do not attempt roadside work beside moving traffic.
- Share your direction, junction or landmark as well as the road name.
- Describe symptoms and vehicle condition; leave diagnosis to a qualified person.
On this page
1. Get to a safer place if you can
If the vehicle is still moving, use its controls and follow road-safety guidance to reach a safe stopping place where possible. Switch on hazard lights when appropriate and follow instructions from emergency or road authorities.
Do not stand in a live lane or attempt repairs beside moving traffic. If anyone is injured or in immediate danger, call 112 or 999 before arranging a tow.
2. Note exactly where you are
A road name alone may not identify the pickup point. Share your direction of travel, nearest junction or exit, a nearby landmark, and any motorway marker or parking-area details you can safely see.
For Dublin Airport or a car park, include the terminal, entrance, level or bay information where available.
If you are unsure of the road name, use a map app only when you can do so without distraction or risk. A recognisable landmark and your direction of travel can help clarify the location during the call.
3. Describe the vehicle and the problem
Tell the recovery team the vehicle make and model, registration, what happened and whether it can roll, steer or be driven safely. Mention visible damage, warning lights, restricted access or other details that could affect loading.
Be specific about symptoms rather than trying to diagnose the fault. For example, explain whether the engine stopped while driving, whether it will not start, or whether a tyre or collision has made the car unsafe to move.
Mention if the vehicle is electric or hybrid, has low ground clearance, or has another handling requirement. Sharing this information early helps the provider discuss a suitable arrangement.
4. Discuss roadside help or towing
Some problems may be suitable for roadside assistance; others require the vehicle to be transported. The right option depends on the fault, vehicle and conditions at the scene. Describe what you can see and ask what service is being proposed.
Do not attempt a repair, battery connection or tyre change if you are unsure how to do it safely. If there is any doubt about the vehicle or your surroundings, stay in a safe place and follow advice from emergency services or road authorities.
5. Discuss the destination and next step
If you know where the vehicle should go, share the destination and any access restrictions there. Towing cost and arrangements depend on the vehicle, route, access and service required, so confirm the details directly before proceeding.
Ask what the proposed service includes, how the vehicle will be handled and whether anything about the pickup or drop-off could affect the arrangement. Confirm the price and key details directly before agreeing.
6. While you wait
Remain somewhere safe and follow instructions from emergency services, road staff or the recovery provider. Do not return to the vehicle or approach traffic if doing so would put you at risk.
Arrival time depends on location, traffic and current availability. Ask for an update when you call, and tell the provider if your location or circumstances change.
Before the vehicle is moved, make sure the agreed destination is accessible and that you have taken any belongings you need, if it is safe to do so.
Information to have ready
- Your exact location, direction of travel and a nearby landmark
- Vehicle make, model, registration and condition
- What happened and whether the vehicle can roll or steer
- Pickup access, destination and any time or height restrictions
- A safe contact number and any instructions already received
The setting changes the safe next step
On an ordinary Dublin street, think about moving traffic, bus lanes, cycle lanes, junctions and whether the car is blocking a crossing or entrance. Do not step into a live lane to place a warning device or inspect damage. At night, make yourself visible only from a safe position, keep passengers together and use a lit, protected place if one is available. Do not assume a quiet road is free of risk.
A motorway or M50 breakdown is different: follow Garda, TII and RSA directions and use a designated refuge only as directed. Do not walk along the hard shoulder or cross a carriageway. In an underground car park, tell the provider the level, entrance, headroom and whether the car can roll; do not try to push it up a ramp. At Dublin Airport, follow staff instructions and give the terminal or authorised pickup point.
For a vehicle that may be safe to assess at roadside, ask what roadside assistance can cover. If it is damaged, cannot move safely or needs transport, discuss a tow and destination. While waiting, keep your phone charged, note the provider’s contact and agreed plan, and make sure passengers have a safe place to wait. If danger or injury is immediate, call 112 or 999 first.
For airport pickup access and local details, see Dublin Airport coverage information.
If the car cannot be driven, discuss breakdown recovery rather than trying to diagnose it at the roadside.
Other options to discuss for this vehicle or situation.
Questions drivers ask
Should I stay in my car after a breakdown?
It depends on the road, the vehicle position and any official instructions. Do not step into moving traffic. Follow Garda, road-authority or emergency-service directions and move to a safer place only if that can be done without increasing risk.
What details help locate me in Dublin?
Give the road and direction of travel, nearest junction or exit, landmark and any safe-to-read marker. For a car park, add its entrance, level and bay if known.
Should I try to repair the car at the roadside?
Only consider a task if the location is safe and you know how to do it. Never work beside live traffic; if in doubt, stay safe and arrange appropriate help.
Can I request roadside help instead of a tow?
Explain what happened and what the vehicle can do. A provider can discuss whether roadside assistance or transport is suitable; the fault and conditions decide.
What should I confirm before a vehicle is moved?
Confirm the pickup, destination, proposed service, agreed price and any conditions. Mention access limits or changed circumstances before loading begins.
Reviewed by ASAPTOW.ie / Dublin towing & vehicle recovery team
