Emergency.

Can I carry on? Even if the smoke stops, don't start the engine again: have a professional check it.

1. Indicate and pull off the carriageway as soon as it's safe, away from dry grass.
2. Switch off the engine and turn on your hazard lights.
3. Everyone gets out on the side away from traffic, wearing a hi-vis vest, and moves at least 30 metres away.
4. Don't open the bonnet if there is smoke or you see flames: air feeds the fire.
5. Don't go back to the car for your things.
6. If you see flames or the smoke gets worse, call 112. If not, call your breakdown cover.

Can I carry on? It depends on the light. With oil pressure, temperature or brakes, don't carry on: call for assistance.

1. Don't brake suddenly: calmly look for a safe place to stop off the carriageway.
2. Stop, turn on your hazard lights and switch off the engine.
3. Find the symbol you see below to know what to do.
4. If you can't find it or the car does something strange (noises, smoke, heavy steering), don't carry on: call for assistance.

Red warning lights that mean stop

• Oil pressureStop as soon as you can in a safe place, switch off the engine and do not start it again. Call for assistance.
• Engine temperatureStop in a safe place and switch off the engine. Do not open the coolant tank while hot: wait for it to cool down and call for assistance.
• Low coolant levelWith the engine cold, check the level in the tank and top up with the right coolant. If it drops often there is a leak: take it to a garage.
• Battery chargingSwitch off anything you don't need (air conditioning, radio) and go to a nearby garage. If the engine also overheats or the steering gets heavy, stop: the belt may have snapped.
• Handbrake or brake systemCheck that the handbrake is released. If it stays on with the handbrake released, stop in a safe place and call for assistance: do not keep driving.
• AirbagTake it to a qualified garage as soon as possible. Do not touch the airbags or their connectors.
• Power steeringDrive carefully and slowly to a safe place or a garage. If it is red, stop and call for assistance.
• GearboxDrive gently to a safe place. If it is red or there is a burning smell, stop and let it cool down; then take it to a garage.

Can I carry on? Not while the temperature stays high: carrying on can seriously damage the engine.

1. While you look for somewhere to stop, switch off the air conditioning and turn the heater to full: it draws heat away from the engine.
2. Stop off the carriageway somewhere safe, turn on your hazard lights and switch off the engine.
3. Don't open the radiator or expansion tank cap while it's hot: the coolant sprays out under pressure and scalds.
4. Wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool before checking the level.
5. If you see steam, a leak or a very low level, don't carry on: call for assistance.

Can I carry on? Only slowly to the first safe place: on a flat tyre you lose control and ruin the wheel.

1. Hold the steering wheel with both hands, don't brake suddenly and let the car slow down.
2. Stop on level ground, off the carriageway and away from bends. Turn on your hazard lights.
3. On a motorway, don't change the wheel on the hard shoulder: it's dangerous. Call for assistance and wait off the carriageway.
4. Somewhere safe, use the spare wheel or the puncture repair kit as the manual explains.
5. On a narrow space-saver spare, don't go over 80 km/h (50 mph) and get the puncture repaired as soon as possible.

Can I carry on? If it starts with jump leads you can carry on, but go straight to have the battery and alternator checked.

1. If you've stopped in a traffic lane, turn on your hazard lights, warn other drivers and get everyone to a safe place before trying anything.
2. Check the basics: brake (or clutch) pressed, gearbox in P or neutral, and fuel in the tank.
3. If nothing happens when you turn the key or the dashboard goes dark, it's usually the battery: jump-start it only if you know how.
4. If a light with a key or a padlock stays on, try the spare key or change the key fob battery.
5. Don't crank the starter for more than 10 seconds at a time: wait half a minute between attempts.
6. If it still won't start, call your breakdown cover.

Can I carry on? Only if there are no leaks, red warning lights or vibrations, and slowly to a garage.

1. Slow down and stop off the carriageway somewhere safe, with your hazard lights on.
2. Look without putting yourself in danger: tyres, parts hanging underneath and fluid on the ground.
3. If the steering pulls to one side, the car vibrates a lot, the brakes feel odd or a red light is on, don't carry on: call for assistance.
4. If everything looks normal, drive slowly to a garage and tell them what you noticed and when.

Can I carry on? Not until you've checked there are no injuries, leaks or loose parts, and that the lights, brakes and steering work.

1. Turn on your hazard lights and switch off the engine.
2. Put on your hi-vis vest before getting out, get out on the side away from traffic and warn other drivers.
3. If anyone is hurt, call 112 and say where you are: road, kilometre marker and direction.
4. Don't move injured people unless there is immediate danger, such as fire. Never remove a motorcyclist's helmet.
5. Wait off the carriageway, behind the barrier if there is one.
6. If there is only damage, take photos and fill in the accident report form (European Accident Statement) with both cars' details.