Interactive demo

Know what to do in a breakdown

Step-by-step actions for an overheating engine, a tire blowout or brake failure, with 911 one tap away.

Pick a scenario

Free, no account needed.

A scripted demo with example data. In the app, answers and results are made for your own car and situation.

United States

Emergency Contacts

Tap a number to call it from your phone

Numbers are shown for convenience and may be out of date. If in doubt, dial 112 (works across Europe and in many other countries) or 911 (North America).

Police911Emergency
Ambulance911Medical Emergency
Fire Department911Fire Emergency
Not in the United States? Show the numbers for where you are.
Use my location

Emergency Car Help

Critical automotive situations require immediate action. Follow these guides for safety.

⚠️ For life-threatening emergencies, call emergency services immediately

Engine Overheating

Critical Priority

Warning Signs

  • Temperature gauge in red zone
  • Steam from hood
  • Sweet coolant smell

Immediate Actions

  1. 1Pull over safely and turn off engine immediately
  2. 2Do NOT remove radiator cap when hot
  3. 3Wait 30+ minutes for engine to cool
  4. 4Check coolant level when completely cool
  5. 5Call for roadside assistance if coolant is low

⚠️ Continuing to drive can cause severe engine damage.

Brake Failure

Critical Priority

Warning Signs

  • Brake pedal goes to floor
  • No braking response
  • Grinding metal sounds

Immediate Actions

  1. 1Stay calm and don't panic
  2. 2Pump the brake pedal rapidly
  3. 3Use emergency/parking brake gradually
  4. 4Downshift to lower gear if possible
  5. 5Look for safe place to stop (grass, gravel)
  6. 6Call emergency services immediately

⚠️ Do not turn off engine until stopped.

Electrical Fire

Critical Priority

Warning Signs

  • Smoke from dashboard
  • Burning electrical smell
  • Sparks or flames

Immediate Actions

  1. 1Pull over immediately and turn off engine
  2. 2Get everyone out of the vehicle
  3. 3Move at least 100 feet (30 m) away and keep others back
  4. 4Call emergency services / fire department
  5. 5Do NOT open the hood or go back for belongings

⚠️ Opening the hood feeds the fire with air. Leave firefighting to professionals.

Tire Blowout

High Priority

Warning Signs

  • Loud bang or pop
  • Vehicle pulls to one side
  • Vibration and loss of control

Immediate Actions

  1. 1Keep firm grip on steering wheel
  2. 2Do NOT brake suddenly
  3. 3Gradually ease off accelerator
  4. 4Steer gently to maintain control
  5. 5Pull over when safe and controlled

⚠️ Sudden braking can cause loss of control.

How it works

  1. 01

    Pick what happened

    Overheating, brake failure, a blowout, an electrical fire.

  2. 02

    Follow the steps

    Short, ordered actions, plus what not to do.

  3. 03

    Call for help

    Emergency numbers one tap away: 911 in the US.

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