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What to do when your car breaks down
A breakdown is a place first and a repair second. These steps are for Huntington Beach roads: Pacific Coast Highway, Beach Boulevard, and the 405. They are not a promise about how soon a truck arrives. Call (714) 785-6449 once you are out of the travel lane, or while you are getting there if the car will not move.
Get the car out of the lane
Turn the hazards on as soon as something feels wrong. If the car will still roll, leave the travel lane. On the 405 near Beach Boulevard, Goldenwest, Magnolia, or Brookhurst, that means the shoulder, as far right as the car will go. On Pacific Coast Highway, a driveway or the edge of a beach lot is better than the lane beside Bolsa Chica or the pier. On Beach Boulevard, take the next driveway or the first side street. Do not stop in the through lane at Warner, Edinger, or Garfield if the car will creep.
Stay out of the traffic
If you leave the car on a freeway shoulder, get to the side away from the lanes. Do not stand at the trunk. At night, leave the hazards on. If you have a reflective triangle, put it back from the car, not in the lane beside it. On a city street, a sidewalk is enough.
Call with a location a driver can use
Give the road, the direction, and a cross street or an exit. “Huntington Beach” is the city, not the spot. Add the vehicle: car, truck, motorcycle, Tesla, or another electric vehicle. Add where you want it taken if you already know. If you only know that it should not stay here, say that. The person on (714) 785-6449 can tell you what else they need.
Wait for the truck you called
Stay with the vehicle unless the spot itself is dangerous. Do not accept a ride from someone who happens to stop. A form on this website does not send a truck. The phone call does.
Related pages: emergency towing, roadside assistance, and 24-hour towing.