If your car breaks down on a highway in Malaysia, switch on your hazard lights, move to the emergency lane if it is safe, and get yourself and your passengers away from moving traffic. Do not attempt to repair the car or change a tyre beside fast-moving traffic. Contact the highway operator or your roadside assistance provider for help.
A breakdown can happen without warning, whether it is caused by an overheated engine, a flat tyre, battery failure or another mechanical problem. Knowing what to do can help prevent a breakdown from turning into a serious accident.
What Should You Do Immediately When Your Car Breaks Down?
Turn on your hazard lights as soon as you notice a problem. This alerts drivers behind you that your car may be slowing down or stopping.
If the car is still moving, stay calm, maintain control and avoid sudden braking or changing lanes.
Step 2: Move to the emergency lane if it is safe
If your car can still move, carefully steer towards the emergency lane or another designated safe area.
Do not force your way across traffic just to reach the shoulder. If your car stops in a live traffic lane, stay alert, switch on your hazard lights and contact emergency services for help if there is immediate danger.
Step 3: Get yourself and your passengers to safety
Once the car has stopped, assess the surroundings before getting out.
If it is safe to leave the vehicle, use the side away from moving traffic and move behind the roadside safety barrier. Keep children and other passengers together in a safe area.
Do not stand directly behind or in front of your car, as another vehicle could hit it.
Step 4: Contact the highway operator or roadside assistance
Once everyone is in a safe location, call the relevant highway operator or your insurance provider’s roadside assistance service.
Give them your location, vehicle details and a brief explanation of the problem.
Step 5: Wait for assistance in a safe place
Stay behind the roadside barrier where available and wait for help. Avoid returning to the car or attempting repairs while traffic is moving nearby.
Who Should You Call If Your Car Breaks Down on a Highway?
The number to call depends on which highway you are using and the type of assistance you need.
Here are some useful contacts:
Highway or assistance
Contact
PLUS highways
PLUSLine: 1800-88-0000
LPT2
LPT2Line: 1800-88-0220
Serious emergency or immediate danger
999
Your insurance roadside assistance
Refer to your policy, insurer’s app or assistance card
According to PLUS’s official road safety information, PLUSRonda provides 24-hour assistance on PLUS highways. This includes help with minor breakdowns and assistance for eligible vehicles.
For motorists using LPT2, contact LPT2Line at 1800-88-0220. You can find the number and other contact details on the official LPT2 contact page.
If you are travelling on another highway, contact its operator using the emergency telephone, official app or hotline provided along the route.
Tip: Save your highway operator’s contact number before starting a long journey. Do not rely on searching for it while standing beside a busy road.
What Information Should You Give When Calling for Help?
Providing accurate details helps the assistance team locate your car and understand the situation.
Prepare these details:
Highway name: For example, PLUS North-South Expressway or LPT2.
Direction of travel: Northbound, southbound or the direction shown on nearby signs.
Location: Nearest kilometre marker, exit, toll plaza or landmark.
Vehicle details: Car registration number, make, model and colour.
Type of breakdown: For example, flat tyre, engine overheating, battery failure or smoke from the engine.
Safety situation: Mention if the car is blocking a traffic lane or anyone is injured.
Share your phone’s location with the assistance team if possible.
Should You Stay Inside Your Car or Get Out?
This depends on where your car has stopped and whether it is safe to leave.
Situation
What you should do
Car safely stopped on the emergency lane
Leave through the side away from traffic if safe and wait behind the safety barrier
Car stopped in a live traffic lane
Do not step into moving traffic. Call for urgent assistance and follow the emergency operator’s instructions
Smoke or suspected fire
Move away from the vehicle if you can do so safely and contact emergency services
No roadside barrier available
Move as far away from traffic as safely possible and avoid standing near the vehicle
Do not assume that sitting inside your car on the emergency lane is always safe. A stationary vehicle can still be struck by passing traffic.
Should You Change a Flat Tyre on the Highway?
It is generally safer not to change a tyre on the highway emergency lane.
Even if your car is parked on the shoulder, passing vehicles can create a serious risk. PDRM’s highway breakdown safety advice recommends taking precautions when a vehicle breaks down on the highway.
Instead:
Switch on your hazard lights.
Move to a safe location away from traffic, if possible.
Contact the highway operator or roadside assistance provider.
Wait for help to arrive.
Do not put yourself at risk just to avoid a towing or assistance fee.
Does Car Insurance Cover Highway Breakdown Assistance?
Some car insurance policies include roadside assistance, towing or emergency support, but the benefits differ between insurers and policy types.
Check your policy to see whether it provides:
Emergency towing after a breakdown
Towing after an accident
Roadside help for a flat tyre
Battery jump-start assistance
Emergency fuel delivery
Distance limits or towing charges
Restrictions on the destination workshop
Do not assume that every comprehensive car insurance policy automatically includes unlimited towing or roadside assistance.
If your policy does not provide the help you need, you may have to arrange and pay for a private towing service.
What Is the Difference Between Highway Assistance and Insurance Towing?
Both services can help when your car breaks down, but they may have different responsibilities.
Service
Main purpose
Highway operator assistance
Responds to breakdowns and emergencies on the highway, helps manage traffic and may arrange towing or relocation
Insurance roadside assistance
Provides benefits according to your motor insurance policy, such as towing or minor roadside help
Private towing service
Arranges vehicle towing, usually at a cost agreed between you and the provider
For example, PLUS’s expressway information explains the assistance provided by PLUSRonda, including help with minor vehicle faults and towing or relocation for eligible vehicles to a nearby toll plaza or rest area.
Your insurer may offer additional towing benefits depending on your policy.
If your car is already being assisted by the highway operator, inform your insurer before arranging another tow to avoid confusion over the service and charges.
How Can You Prevent Your Car from Breaking Down on the Highway?
Although not every breakdown can be prevented, regular maintenance can reduce the risk of common problems.
Before a long journey, check the following:
Car component
What to check
Tyres
Check tyre pressure, tread condition and signs of damage
Engine oil
Make sure the oil level is within the recommended range
Coolant
Check the coolant level when the engine is cool
Battery
Look for signs of a weak battery or corrosion around the terminals
Brakes
Check for unusual noises or reduced braking performance
Lights
Make sure headlights, brake lights and hazard lights work
If your car shows warning lights, unusual sounds or signs of overheating before a trip, have it checked rather than continuing to drive.
Stay Safe and Get Help When Your Car Breaks Down
A car breakdown on the highway can be stressful, but your safety should always come first. Switch on your hazard lights, move away from traffic when safe and contact the appropriate highway operator or roadside assistance provider.
Before your next long-distance journey, check your car’s condition and understand the roadside assistance benefits included in your insurance policy. Having the right support can make an unexpected breakdown easier to manage.
What is the first thing to do when a car breaks down on the highway?
Switch on your hazard lights and carefully move to the emergency lane if it is safe. Get yourself and your passengers away from moving traffic, then contact the highway operator or roadside assistance provider.
Can I call 999 if my car breaks down on the highway?
Yes, if there is immediate danger, someone is injured, your car is creating a serious traffic hazard or there is a fire or other emergency. For an ordinary breakdown without immediate danger, contact the relevant highway operator or your roadside assistance provider.
Can I leave my car on the highway emergency lane?
If your car cannot be moved, it may need to remain there until assistance arrives. Switch on your hazard lights and move to a safe location away from traffic. Do not leave the vehicle unattended without arranging the necessary assistance.
Can I use a private tow truck if my car breaks down?
You can arrange a private towing service, but check whether your highway operator or insurance provider offers assistance first. Use a legitimate towing service, confirm the charges and destination, and avoid handing over your vehicle without understanding the arrangements.
Does comprehensive car insurance cover car breakdowns?
Not necessarily. Comprehensive insurance generally covers specified risks such as accidental damage, fire and theft, subject to the policy. Mechanical breakdown and roadside assistance are separate matters. Check your policy for the benefits provided.
Will my insurance pay for towing after a breakdown?
It depends on your policy. Some insurers provide roadside assistance or towing benefits with specific distance limits, conditions and charges. Check your policy or contact your insurer before arranging a tow.
What should I do if my car overheats on the highway?
Switch on your hazard lights and move to a safe stopping area if possible. Turn off the engine once safely stopped and wait for it to cool. Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as pressurised coolant can cause serious burns. Contact roadside assistance if you cannot safely continue your journey.
Nabil Farhan· · 7 min read
