HGV Breakdown: What to Do When Your Truck Stops Unexpectedly

A HGV breakdown is one of the most stressful situations a driver or fleet manager can face. Not only does it delay deliveries, but it can also put road users at risk if not handled correctly. Whether you operate a single truck or manage an entire fleet, knowing what to do when a breakdown occurs can save valuable time, reduce stress, and keep everyone safe on the road.

1. Prioritise Safety

The moment your HGV shows signs of trouble, safely pull over to the side of the road or into a layby if possible. Switch on your hazard lights immediately to alert other road users, and use reflective warning triangles if the location allows. If you’re on a motorway, try to stop on the hard shoulder and stand behind the barrier until help arrives — staying out of the live carriageway is essential for your safety.

2. Stay Visible

High-visibility clothing is a must for drivers working near traffic. Put on a hi-vis vest before stepping outside the cab. This simple step dramatically reduces the risk of further incidents while you wait for assistance.

3. Assess the Situation

Before making a call, try to identify the cause of the HGV breakdown. If it’s safe, carry out a quick walk-around inspection to look for obvious problems like a blown tyre, smoke, or leaking fluids. Sharing this information with the recovery team helps them bring the right equipment and carry out a faster repair or recovery.

4. Call for Professional Help

Contact a specialist HGV recovery service as soon as possible. At Euroroute Recovery, we provide 24/7 HGV breakdown assistance across Scotland, with rapid response times and fully equipped recovery vehicles. Our highly trained team can handle everything from roadside repairs to full heavy vehicle recovery, reducing downtime and getting you back on the road quickly.

5. Communicate With Your Business or Customers

If you are transporting goods, let your fleet manager or customers know about the situation right away. This allows them to rearrange schedules, notify end customers, or deploy a replacement vehicle if necessary — helping to minimise the knock-on effects of the breakdown.

6. Avoid Risky DIY Repairs

Attempting a repair yourself can be dangerous without the right tools and training. HGVs are complex and heavy vehicles, and roadside fixes could make the situation worse or put you at risk. Leave the recovery and repair work to trained professionals.

Minimise Downtime With Euroroute Recovery

Breakdowns can’t always be avoided, but knowing what steps to take makes the experience much less stressful. Partnering with a reliable HGV recovery provider ensures that when the unexpected happens, expert help is never far away.

Want to protect your fleet and reduce costly downtime? Get in touch to learn more about our professional HGV breakdown and recovery services or request emergency assistance today with Euroroute Recovery.