Every driver dreads it. One moment you are cruising along the highway, and the next moment your engine sputters, your temperature gauge spikes, or a tyre suddenly gives way. Breaking down on a highway is one of the most stressful experiences a motorist can face — especially in Zimbabwe, where highways stretch across long, remote distances between cities and towns. However, with the right knowledge and a calm head, you can turn a potentially dangerous situation into a manageable one.
At Spoton Towing and Recovery, we have been rescuing stranded motorists across Zimbabwe since 2017. In this guide, we share exactly what to do when your car breaks down on the highway — step by step.
Step 1: Do Not Panic — Stay Calm and Focused
The very first thing you need to do is stay calm. Panic leads to poor decisions. Take a deep breath, keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, and focus on getting your vehicle safely off the road. Your calm actions in the next 60 seconds will make all the difference between a safe stop and a dangerous situation.
Step 2: Get Off the Road Safely
As soon as you notice a problem with your vehicle, signal, check your mirrors, and start moving toward the shoulder or emergency lane. Even if your vehicle has lost power, use your remaining momentum to coast as far off the road as possible. Aim for a flat, wide shoulder where you are visible to oncoming traffic and far away from moving vehicles.
Do not stop in the middle of the road, near a blind curve, or at the top or bottom of a hill where visibility is poor. If you cannot make it fully off the road, get as far to the side as you can.
Step 3: Turn on Your Hazard Lights Immediately
Your hazard lights are one of your most important safety tools. Turn them on as soon as you realise there is a problem — even before you have pulled off the road. This alerts other motorists that something is wrong and gives them time to slow down and give you space.
If your vehicle has broken down at night, keep your hazards on throughout the wait. If your headlights still work, leave them on too to increase visibility.
Step 4: Assess Your Surroundings and Your Safety
Once you have stopped, take a moment to assess your surroundings. Ask yourself:
- Am I in a safe location, away from moving traffic?
- Is my vehicle visible to oncoming drivers?
- Are there any immediate hazards nearby (fuel leak, smoke, fire)?
If you see smoke or smell fuel, get everyone out of the vehicle and move a safe distance away. Otherwise, in most cases, it is safer to stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on — especially if you are on a busy highway.
Step 5: Set Up Warning Triangles or Reflective Signs
If you have warning triangles or reflective signs in your vehicle, place them at least 45 to 100 metres behind your car to warn oncoming traffic well in advance. Zimbabwean law recommends carrying these emergency signs at all times — they can be lifesaving in a highway breakdown.
Step 6: Call for Professional Help
Once you and your passengers are safe, it is time to call for professional help. This is where Spoton Towing and Recovery comes in. Our 24/7 roadside assistance and towing team is ready to respond to breakdowns anywhere across Zimbabwe — including remote highway locations far from town.
Call us on +263 777 200 000 and be ready to share:
- Your exact location (a nearby town, kilometre marker, or landmark)
- The make, model, and colour of your vehicle
- A brief description of the problem
- The number of passengers with you
Our team will dispatch the nearest tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle and provide you with an estimated arrival time.
Step 7: What Not to Do
While waiting for help, avoid the following common mistakes:
- Do not attempt to fix major mechanical problems on the roadside yourself.
- Do not leave your vehicle unattended on a busy highway.
- Do not accept help from strangers you do not know or trust — wait for professional assistance.
- Do not walk along the highway unless absolutely necessary.
Step 8: Have the Right Insurance and Support in Place Before You Travel
The best time to prepare for a highway breakdown is before it happens. Make sure you have:
- Comprehensive motor insurance that covers towing and recovery
- Emergency contact numbers saved on your phone (including Spoton’s number)
- A basic emergency kit (warning triangles, water, torch, first aid supplies)
- A fully charged phone
Peace of Mind on Every Journey
At Spoton Towing and Recovery, we know that highway breakdowns are stressful — but with the right preparation and the right partner just a phone call away, they do not have to be dangerous. We are Ontime. Anytime. Anywhere. Call us on +263 777 200 000 whenever you need us.
