Car Breaks Down on the Highway in Calgary: What to Do

A car breakdown on a highway can be frightening, especially when traffic is moving at high speed. Whether your engine suddenly stops, a tyre blows out or your vehicle loses power, knowing what to do can help you stay safe and avoid making the situation worse.

For Calgary drivers, a highway breakdown can happen on busy routes such as Deerfoot Trail, Stoney Trail or the Trans-Canada Highway. Finding a safe place to stop and getting professional assistance should be your priorities.

In this guide, we explain what to do if your car breaks down on a highway in Calgary, how to stay safe while waiting for help and when to call a towing service.

Quick Checklist: What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on a Highway

If your vehicle breaks down while driving on a highway, follow these steps:

• Stay calm: Avoid sudden steering or braking.
• Turn on your hazard lights: Warn other drivers that your vehicle has a problem.
• Move to a safe location: If possible, steer towards the shoulder or another safe area.
• Stop as far from traffic as possible: Avoid stopping in a live lane unless absolutely necessary.
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Watch for approaching traffic and avoid standing close to moving vehicles.
• Call for roadside assistance: Explain your location and the nature of the breakdown.
• Arrange a tow if necessary: Do not continue driving if your vehicle is unsafe.

Your safety is more important than protecting your vehicle. If you cannot reach a safe place, focus on avoiding further danger.

1. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location

If your car starts losing power or develops a serious mechanical problem, try to move it out of traffic if you can do so safely.

Switch on your hazard lights as soon as you notice a problem. If the vehicle is still controllable, steer towards the right-hand shoulder or another suitable stopping area.

Avoid sudden movements, especially when travelling at highway speeds. Other drivers may not expect your vehicle to slow down unexpectedly.

If your car stops in a traffic lane and cannot move, keep your seat belt fastened and call emergency services if you are in immediate danger.

What If Your Car Cannot Reach the Shoulder?

Sometimes a vehicle loses power completely and stops in a dangerous position.

If this happens:

• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Keep your seat belt fastened if remaining inside is safer.
• Call emergency services if your vehicle is creating an immediate traffic hazard.
• Do not attempt to push the vehicle across active traffic lanes.

Your safest option depends on the location, traffic and surrounding conditions.

2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights

Hazard lights help warn approaching drivers that your vehicle is stopped or moving slowly because of a problem.

Switch them on as soon as you recognise that something is wrong. Keep them on while your vehicle is stopped, provided the system is working.

If your vehicle breaks down at night or during poor weather, visibility can be particularly limited. Hazard lights can make your vehicle easier to notice, but they do not guarantee that approaching drivers will see you.

Avoid relying on hazard lights alone. Choose a safe stopping location whenever possible.

3. Should You Stay Inside Your Car or Get Out?

One of the most important decisions during a highway breakdown is whether to remain inside your vehicle.

The safest choice depends on where you have stopped.

If your vehicle is on a busy shoulder, getting out on the traffic side can be extremely dangerous. If you can safely exit away from traffic and move behind a suitable barrier, that may reduce your exposure to passing vehicles.

However, if exiting would put you directly in the path of traffic, remaining inside with your seat belt fastened may be safer.

Never stand behind or directly in front of your vehicle on a highway shoulder. A passing driver could lose control and strike it.

4. Call Roadside Assistance in Calgary

Once you are in a safe position, contact a roadside assistance provider.

Explain what happened and give your exact location. If you are unsure where you are, use your phone’s map application to identify your position or nearby road signs.

When requesting help, provide:

• Your location and direction of travel
• Your vehicle’s make and model
• The type of breakdown
• Whether the vehicle is blocking traffic
• Whether you are in a safe location
• Any special requirements for towing

Providing accurate information helps the service understand what assistance you need.

For more information, read our guide to roadside assistance in Calgary.

5. Know When Your Vehicle Needs Towing

Not every breakdown requires a tow truck. Some problems may be resolved at the roadside, while others make it unsafe to continue driving.

You should consider towing if you experience any of the following:

Engine Failure

If your engine stops working or makes unusual mechanical noises, avoid repeatedly trying to restart it. Continuing to drive could cause further damage.

Overheating

If the temperature gauge rises into the danger zone or you see steam coming from under the bonnet, pull over as soon as it is safe.

Switch off the engine and allow it to cool. Never open a hot radiator cap, as pressurised coolant can cause serious burns.

If the vehicle continues to overheat, arrange professional assistance.

Serious Tyre Damage

A flat tyre or blowout can make your vehicle difficult to control. If you have a damaged tyre, stop in a safe place and assess the situation.

Changing a tyre on a narrow highway shoulder can be dangerous. If there is not enough room to work safely, arrange roadside assistance or towing.

Brake Problems

If your brakes feel weak, make unusual noises or fail to respond normally, do not continue driving.

Try to bring the vehicle to a safe stop without making sudden movements. Once stopped, arrange professional assistance.

Electrical Problems

Electrical faults can cause a vehicle to lose power or stop unexpectedly. If the vehicle repeatedly stalls or warning lights indicate a serious problem, seek professional advice before driving again.

6. What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on Deerfoot Trail

Deerfoot Trail is one of Calgary’s major roads, and traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

If your vehicle breaks down on Deerfoot Trail, focus on reaching a safe stopping location without making sudden movements.

If you can safely reach the shoulder, move as far away from traffic as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and assess the situation.

Avoid standing beside your vehicle where passing traffic could strike you. If you are in immediate danger or your vehicle is obstructing traffic, contact emergency services.

When calling for roadside assistance, provide your direction of travel and the nearest exit or identifiable landmark.

7. What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on Stoney Trail

Stoney Trail is another important route around Calgary. Depending on your location, traffic conditions and available stopping areas, a breakdown may leave you with limited options.

If your vehicle develops a problem, use your hazard lights and move to a safe location if possible.

Do not attempt to cross traffic lanes or walk along the highway to find help. Use your phone to contact roadside assistance and explain your exact location.

If your vehicle is stopped in a dangerous position, contact emergency services.

8. Highway Breakdowns During Calgary’s Winter

Winter conditions can make a highway breakdown more difficult. Snow, ice, wind and low temperatures can affect both your vehicle and your safety.

If your car breaks down during winter:

• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Move away from traffic if you can do so safely.
• Wear warm clothing if you need to leave the vehicle.
• Keep your phone charged and contact roadside assistance.
• Avoid walking along the highway in poor visibility.
• Follow emergency services’ instructions if you are in a dangerous position.

If you remain inside your vehicle, be mindful of exhaust fumes if the engine is running. Never run the engine if snow is blocking the exhaust pipe. If you need heat, make sure the exhaust is clear and ventilate the vehicle as appropriate.

For more winter driving advice, read our guide to Calgary winter towing and snow recovery.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Highway Breakdown

A breakdown can be stressful, but some actions can increase the danger.

Stopping in an Unsafe Location

If your vehicle is still moving, try to reach a safe stopping area. Avoid stopping in a live lane if you can safely move out of it.

Standing Too Close to Traffic

Do not stand beside your vehicle on the traffic side or walk along the shoulder unnecessarily. Passing vehicles can create a serious hazard.

Attempting Repairs in Dangerous Conditions

Changing a tyre or inspecting the engine on a narrow shoulder can expose you to moving traffic. Do not attempt repairs if there is not enough safe space.

Continuing to Drive With a Serious Problem

Driving with brake failure, severe overheating or major engine trouble can put you and others at risk. Stop and seek professional help.

Waiting Without Sharing Your Location

When you call for assistance, provide as much location information as possible. This helps the service find you, particularly on a long highway route.

10. How to Prepare for a Highway Breakdown

You cannot prevent every breakdown, but preparing in advance can make an unexpected incident easier to manage.

Consider keeping the following items in your vehicle:

• A fully charged mobile phone
• A charging cable or power bank
• A reflective vest
• A torch with working batteries
• Warm clothing and a blanket
• Drinking water
• A first-aid kit
• A basic emergency kit

During winter, add suitable cold-weather supplies. Check your tyres, battery and fluid levels regularly, especially before longer journeys.

It is also useful to know how to contact roadside assistance before you need it.

11. How ARM Towing Can Help After a Highway Breakdown

If your vehicle cannot be driven safely after a highway breakdown, towing may be necessary to transport it to a repair shop or another suitable location.

When contacting ARM Towing, provide your exact location, vehicle details and a brief explanation of the problem.

Let the service know if your car is on a highway shoulder, if traffic is passing close by or if your vehicle has sustained damage.

If you are in immediate danger or your vehicle is obstructing traffic, contact emergency services first. A towing service is not a substitute for emergency response.

You can also read our guide on what to do after a car breakdown in Calgary for more practical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my car breaks down on a highway in Calgary?

Turn on your hazard lights and try to move to a safe stopping location if possible. Avoid standing close to moving traffic, then contact roadside assistance. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services.

Should I get out of my car if it breaks down on the highway?

It depends on your location and the surrounding traffic. If you can safely exit away from traffic and reach a protected area, that may be appropriate. If exiting would expose you to passing vehicles, staying inside with your seat belt fastened may be safer.

Can I drive my car after a highway breakdown?

It depends on the problem. Minor issues may not require towing, but serious brake problems, overheating, engine failure or major tyre damage can make driving unsafe. Seek professional advice before continuing.

What should I do if my car breaks down on Deerfoot Trail?

Turn on your hazard lights and move to the shoulder if you can do so safely. Stay away from moving traffic and contact roadside assistance. If your vehicle is creating an immediate hazard, call emergency services.

Should I call a tow truck or roadside assistance?

If the problem can be safely resolved at the roadside, assistance may be enough. If your vehicle is unsafe to drive or needs workshop repairs, you may need a tow truck.

Can I change a flat tyre on a highway shoulder?

Only if there is enough space and it is safe to do so. On a narrow or busy shoulder, attempting to change a tyre can be dangerous. Contact roadside assistance if you cannot safely complete the repair.

How can I avoid a highway breakdown?

Regular maintenance can reduce the risk. Check your tyres, battery, engine oil and coolant, and address warning lights or unusual noises before taking a long journey. However, some breakdowns cannot be prevented.

Final Thoughts

A highway breakdown in Calgary can be stressful, but knowing what to do can help you manage the situation safely. Turn on your hazard lights, move away from traffic if possible and avoid attempting repairs in dangerous conditions.

If your vehicle cannot be driven safely, arrange professional roadside assistance or towing. Preparing your vehicle before travelling and knowing how to respond can make an unexpected breakdown easier to handle.