Breaking down in the middle of nowhere is something every driver hopes to avoid — but it can happen to anyone. Whether you’re on a rural highway in the South Island or a coastal road in Northland, knowing what to do next can keep you safe and get help on the way faster.
At OTS Group, we’ve been helping Kiwis through unexpected roadside breakdowns for over 50 years. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when your vehicle stops working far from town — and how to make sure your tow or recovery is handled safely.
1. Pull Over Safely and Stay Visible
As soon as you notice a problem — unusual noises, loss of power, warning lights — signal and pull over as far to the left-hand side of the road as possible. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
If it’s safe, place a reflective triangle or hazard cone behind your vehicle to alert oncoming drivers. At night, use a torch or phone light to improve visibility.
If you’re on a narrow or winding road, stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
2. Assess the Situation — But Don’t Take Risks
If you suspect something simple (like a flat tyre or overheated radiator), you can check — but avoid standing near traffic or attempting repairs on blind corners or unlit roads. Safety comes first.
Never open the bonnet if you see smoke or smell burning — electrical faults can be dangerous. Instead, contact a professional recovery service right away.
3. Contact a Reliable Towing Service
Once you’re in a safe position, call a towing company that offers 24/7 emergency response and covers your region. Response time is crucial on remote NZ roads, where help may be an hour or more away.
OTS Group’s Emergency Towing Service operates 24/7 across both islands, with depots in Auckland and Christchurch to ensure fast dispatch wherever you’re located.
When calling for help, have the following ready:
- Your exact location (use Google Maps or nearby kilometre markers).
- Vehicle make, model, and registration.
- Details of the issue (e.g., flat tyre, engine failure, accident).
- Your contact number and if anyone else is with you.
4. Stay With Your Vehicle — But Keep Safe
In most cases, it’s safest to stay inside your vehicle with the doors locked while waiting for assistance. If you must leave your vehicle (for example, to seek phone signal), leave a note on the dashboard with your contact details and direction of travel.
Always keep essentials in your car — a charged phone, water, flashlight, and basic first aid kit — especially for long rural drives.
5. Avoid Further Damage During Recovery
Once help arrives, ensure the recovery is performed using the correct method for your vehicle type. For instance, EVs, luxury cars, and 4WDs may require specialised loading techniques.
Our Luxury & Classic Car Towing and EV & Hybrid Vehicle Transport teams use hydraulic tilt trays and soft-strap systems to prevent damage during towing.
6. Plan Ahead for Next Time
Breakdowns can’t always be prevented, but preparation helps:
- Service your vehicle regularly, especially before long trips.
- Keep a roadside emergency kit in your car.
- Save OTS Group’s 24/7 number — 0800 22 00 33 — in your phone.
For added peace of mind, you can also explore our Long-Distance Vehicle Towing and Intercity Car Transport options for planned moves or relocations.
Summary — Stay Safe and Call the Experts
Breaking down on a remote New Zealand road can be stressful, but with the right steps and a reliable towing partner, it doesn’t have to become an emergency. Stay calm, stay visible, and call a trusted operator.
OTS Group is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency breakdowns, towing, and recovery across New Zealand.
Call 0800 22 00 33 or Contact Us for immediate assistance.