What does it mean when a car breaks down?
2 Answers
Car breakdown refers to a situation where a vehicle encounters malfunctions during operation, such as flat tires, oil leaks, power failures, etc., rendering it unable to continue moving. The term "breakdown" originally comes from nautical terminology, referring to dropping anchor in water to moor a ship or other floating vessels, and was later extended to describe cars, airplanes, etc., stopping due to malfunctions. After a vehicle breaks down, the hazard warning lights should be turned on, and a warning triangle or other caution signs should be placed 150 meters behind the vehicle. For safety reasons, passengers should not remain inside the car or stand around the vehicle. If you need to stay near the car while waiting for assistance, stand on the side farther from oncoming traffic. If the car breaks down on a highway, you can go to the nearest emergency phone booth to call for help.
A car breaking down means it suddenly stops and won't move while driving, as if it's 'on strike'. I've driven for many years and encountered this situation a few times, usually due to engine problems, a flat tire, or a dead battery preventing it from starting. The most common issue is running out of fuel—I've made that mistake myself and nearly panicked on the highway. In such cases, don’t panic. First, turn on the hazard lights and pull over to a safe spot on the roadside. Then, call for roadside assistance or check for simple fixes yourself, like changing a spare tire or jump-starting the battery. Remember to carry emergency tools, such as a spare tire and warning triangle, to avoid more trouble. Also, always keep an eye on the fuel gauge and stick to regular maintenance.
