So I'm currently broken down on the M40...how's your night going?

[MyGhastIsFlabbered]

It's freezing and I need a pee. It's going to be another half hour before breakdown recovery get here!

No nettles this time of year...

We're currently sat at the nearest services waiting for a mechanic to come and look at the car. The recovery vehicle was only to take us to a safe place.

At least you're safe!

Good luck!

Good luck Op. At least you’re hopefully a bit warmer and drier. Hope you’re not waiting too long for the mechanic.

Just a tip. You are only allowed free parking for 2 hours at services. Go to a staff member and they log your car as a breakdown so you don't get a ticket. At least you are warm and safe now.

Ah I hope you are soon sorted. It is terrible weather in a lot o fplaces. There must be nothing worse than being out in stormy weather. I do hope you are soon home, that you can get a hot drink and then snuggle up .I love my warm dressing gown and warm PJ's.

Well the engine has seized so car is buggered. Currently waiting for breakdown to take us home again. RiP Polo. And we're missing our weekend trip away.

Yes, good advice. They'll let you off for any charges if you can prove the vehicle was broken down so don't worry about that side of it.

Hope you're somewhere reasonably comfortable and the vehicle isn't too much trauma to repair

It's horrible breaking down like that! I still remember an incident on the M25 fast lane when something snapped and we had to get towed back across a few counties.

Hot drinks and warmth.

Oh no, hope they arrive soon

☕

Yeah I think if you need an unexpected pee just use a cup. Bit uncomfortable but necessary really.

I broke down on the M1 last year. Highway Patrol Officers came out to me and gave me a foil blanket. It was windy, so I stood there like a I was in superhero fancy dress as the foil flapped in the wind. Waited for 4 hours, lone female. I was quite scared and the highways officers warned me about men stopping to “help”.

Since then I have a small grab bag for breakdowns with:
Torch
Portable phone charger
Foil blankets
Battery powered hand warmers
High viz vests
Bottled water
First Aid kit
Jelly babies (for sugar levels and in case of shock at an accident)
Snacks
Packable rain ponchos
Shewee!

Also in car, live rurally, I have cat litter (for tyre grip in mud or stuck in ice/snow) and a thick picnic blanket so I can sit down at the roadside instead of standing for hours. Fire extinguisher.

I may be overpreparwd but I like to use Sod’s Law in my favour, which is if I have them, I won’t need them!

I am glad that you are safe. For insurance against future events, pop a P-mate in the glove box. It lets you stand to pee.

What is this miracle thing?

The AA have arranged for a taxi home for us which will be a lot more pleasant than hopping between various rescue trucks and service stations. So hopefully we'll be home before dawn.

Car will have to be sold for scrap. It will need a new engine which will cost far more than the car is worth sadly.

Currently sat in a lovely warm Uber. ETA home 5:30. What a palaver! But DH and I both retained our sense of humour and haven't killed each other...yet

I'm sorry you've had such a crap start to your weekend. No car and no trip away 😔

Glad you're both safely on your way home. How far IS home?!

@RocketNan you have prompted me to make a middle of the night online order. Thank you.

I also have these window breaker / seatbelt cutters. One in the front, one in the back of the car.
https://amzn.eu/d/4QuG0Xg

What a rubbish night - bad luck hope you are home soon

Currently about 75miles but we've still got the M25 to contend with

This is a great list- cat litter! Never would have thought of most of that- we are fairly rural also.

I know what my weekend plan is now- prep the car. We also havr those window and seatbelt cutters- which have been sitting in my kitchen and not in my car for about 6 months.

OP_ I am so sorry for your missed weekend. I hope you have eaten and drunk something warm and that something can be salvaged. Very best wishes to you and your DH.

Ohh you're a Southerner like me!

I hate the M25 as much as the M42! So many speed limits and cameras. I try to avoid at all costs.

Glad you're not too far away now. Bet the Uber dude is chuffed with this fare!

Get a 2nd opinion before you bin the car!!

My DD was told by the AA that her engine was fecked just before Christmas, and she is in the process of buying a house so she could have done without that!!

The AA guy proceeded to offer to buy her car!!!!!

Our own mechanic fixed it for £20 and it has since passed the MoT and she is driving it to and from work every day!!

God I hate cars, you can never trust the fuckers.

OP glad you're almost home! You've actually made me feel better about my own day. It's 3pm in Australia and bloody hot. My 8 y/o is on the rampage & resisting all attempts at taking the xbox controller away. I almost wish I were you! 😂