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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To remind people to have a breakdown bag in their car?

204 replies

JustWantCoffee · 16/10/2023 20:26

This is a seriously un-smug post, as I do have a breakdown bag in my car, but today I have broken down in a vehicle that is not my car, and I do not have my breakdown bag.

I have therefore been shivering by the side of a motorway for nearly 2hrs getting colder and colder wishing I had my breakdown bag.

so if you don’t have one, I would thoroughly recommend making one. Mine has a hat, gloves, warm jumper, waterproof mac, small towel, water, biscuits, torch and a phone battery in it.

Never have I wanted that old hat and pair of gloves so much, and am trying to work out at what point the risk of hypothermia overtakes the risk of sitting in the vehicle…

OP posts:
Jumbojem · 16/10/2023 20:47

Breakdown kit eminently sensible. Thank you for the reminder, I cleaned our car interior at the weekend and OH complained I've removed his emergency snacks. I think they were out of date though. A blanket is an excellent idea.
Do not sit in your car on the hard shoulder, stay behind the safety barrier as far back as you can. Incredibly dangerous to be in the car. Can't believe someone on this thread has suggested that.

Original poster
JustWantCoffee · 16/10/2023 20:48

@ExtinguishTheLight Not sure what happened, sudden banging noise, then lots of knocking, so I pulled straight over and then tried to pull over a bit more and it wouldn’t get into a gear. At least I got onto the hard shoulder

OP posts:
Original poster
JustWantCoffee · 16/10/2023 20:49

@Jumbojem there is no safety barrier here, which makes the experience extra memorable

OP posts:
WorriedMillie · 16/10/2023 20:49

You’ve given me a kick to get something sorted for my car, so thank you ⭐️
I hope you get rescued soon ❤️

ExtinguishTheLight · 16/10/2023 20:50

Jumbojem · 16/10/2023 20:47

Breakdown kit eminently sensible. Thank you for the reminder, I cleaned our car interior at the weekend and OH complained I've removed his emergency snacks. I think they were out of date though. A blanket is an excellent idea.
Do not sit in your car on the hard shoulder, stay behind the safety barrier as far back as you can. Incredibly dangerous to be in the car. Can't believe someone on this thread has suggested that.

I've worked in breakdowns so I'm not talking out of my arse. It's not recommended to risk hypothermia for the sake of the unlikely chance of being hit by another vehicle, which is why I asked if the hazards were working.

If they are and it's literally freezing, you're better off sitting in the nearside with your seatbelt on.

WideLegPant · 16/10/2023 20:51

Thanks for the reminder - will pack one! Have been stuck in your position before and wouldn't fancy it in winter!

Dedsec2023 · 16/10/2023 20:51

very true points

ExtinguishTheLight · 16/10/2023 20:52

JustWantCoffee · 16/10/2023 20:48

@ExtinguishTheLight Not sure what happened, sudden banging noise, then lots of knocking, so I pulled straight over and then tried to pull over a bit more and it wouldn’t get into a gear. At least I got onto the hard shoulder

That could be a few things so I won't guess at a diagnosis. I think you'll need a tow though.

Do you have onward travel at all?

Dahlia444 · 16/10/2023 20:53

Thanks for this reminder. I've never had one though tend to take a coat and snacks as a matter of course. But just had my first DC pass his driving test and we haven't emphasised this enough. Will do now.

Original poster
JustWantCoffee · 16/10/2023 20:54

My view during a traffic lull

To remind people to have a breakdown bag in their car?
OP posts:
Original poster
JustWantCoffee · 16/10/2023 20:56

And why I can’t get further away

To remind people to have a breakdown bag in their car?
OP posts:
00100001 · 16/10/2023 20:56

EvelynKatie · 16/10/2023 20:37

They used to prioritise people stuck on motorways/busy dual carriageways but after 2 hours of you waiting sounds as though that’s changed!

Especially lone women!

EvelynKatie · 16/10/2023 20:57

That’s bad! Why have breakdown companies got so poor in recent years, is it lack of staff?

Silvers11 · 16/10/2023 20:57

@JustWantCoffee I hope they get to you very soon. Scary situation to be in

Original poster
JustWantCoffee · 16/10/2023 20:58

Now at 2,5hrs, think DH should be here imminently to swap with me

OP posts:
CityCommuter · 16/10/2023 20:59

@JustWantCoffee luckily you're sensible and wrapped up against the cold so you'll be ok... though it's such a shame whoever owns the car you're driving doesn't have a breakdown bag in the boot!

It's definitely a good idea to have emergency stuff in the car incase of being stranded. I never used to but have done since a winter about 10 years ago when hundreds of motorists got stranded in the snow on the M1 I think... ITV News did a slot on it the next day and so many people were totally up shit creek without a paddle as in no coats, gloves, blankets, water, biscuits, torch, low on diesel / petrol etc... I remember one woman in particular was in a short sleeve shirt as her 'car was always so hot while driving so would never think to take a coat'... my advice is always make sure your fuel tank is full in the winter so at least you can turn the engine on for heat if the car still starts!

Els1e · 16/10/2023 20:59

Really hope the rescue get to you soon. Good idea about the emergency bag.

sleepyscientist · 16/10/2023 21:00

Hope you get sorted OP I would leave it and let the council recovery pick it up. AA bill isn't much cheaper

wizzbitt · 16/10/2023 21:02

I hope you've swapped now OP so you can get in the warm.
Thanks for tips. My job involved a lot of driving and I can't think why I haven't done any of this 🤦🏿‍♀️

Cottagecheeseisnotcheese · 16/10/2023 21:09

can't use the heater if you have an electric car as you will have a flat battery and not be able to move when traffic gets going again, you might be 10 miles from home with enough power for 50 miles but that will soon drain if you are keeping heater on

QuestionableMouse · 16/10/2023 21:10

JustWantCoffee · 16/10/2023 20:38

Air activated heat packs sound amazing @QuestionableMouse , fancy throwing some out at me?!

I learned about them the hard way too!

LemonySippet · 16/10/2023 21:12

ExtinguishTheLight · 16/10/2023 20:31

I've worked in breakdowns. If you're really that cold then sit in the car. Unless you're broken down in an active lane?

I really can't believe somebody working in the industry is recommending this. Do you know the life expectancy of somebody stranded on the hard shoulder? I imagine you should, given your line of work. I knew it was under 15 minutes, but I just googled to check and it is 11 minutes. Always, always, get out and wait as far back as possible.

DaftQuestionForToday · 16/10/2023 21:13

I hope you've swapped with DH Now.

my boot has always had emergency stuff. But A few months ago I had to completely empty the car & it's been so nice having an empty boot, like other people.

but I've been meaning to restock it, just in case. I will do it tomorrow & I'll be back tomorrow night to confirm

I need the accountability!!

Hankunamatata · 16/10/2023 21:15

I keep 2 blanket in the boot and load old towels. Super handy in various situations

roseinthedark · 16/10/2023 21:18

Sympathies to you OP.

in my (Cath Kidston) emergency car bag
500ml water bottles x 4
pack up down coats x 4
emergency clothing for all family members in zip lock bags
nappies and two packets of wet wipes
heat packs where you remove the sticker to activate the heat x 6
paracetemol/ibuprofen/toddler sickness pills
Mini first aid kit
Large muslin cloths (for sick ups!)
Sweets (morale!) and granola bars
cables for our phones and a fully charged portable charger
carrier bag (also for sick ups!!!)
and fully taped to the top, a paper with our numbers, my MILs, and our breakdown recovery number

My husband thought I was insane packing that, and thankfully not had a breakdown yet 🙏