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What should I do in case of a vehicle breakdown?

In this article, we explain what to do if your vehicle breaks down to ensure your safety and make it easier to resolve the issue. Follow our guidelines to handle the situation calmly and efficiently.

1. Stay Calm and Park in a Safe Place

As soon as you notice a malfunction, gradually reduce your speed and look for a safe place to stop your vehicle.

Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers.

Use the warning triangle and wear a reflective vest to increase your visibility.


2. Identify the Problem

Before taking any action, try to identify the nature of the issue—if it’s safe to do so. Here are some examples:

Flat tire: Check if the vehicle is leaning to one side or if the tire is visibly damaged.
If it’s a slow puncture, look for any foreign object causing a small leak that doesn’t deflate the tire immediately. In this case, the tire may still be repairable.
If the tire has a tear or burst due to an impact, preventing it from being inflated normally, you should request a replacement.

Electrical failure: Check whether the lights or dashboard are working and if any warning messages or fault indicators appear.
If a message such as “electric propulsion system failure” appears, switch the vehicle off completely and wait about 30 minutes for the battery to cool down.

If you can’t identify the problem, don’t worry—the next step is to contact the appropriate support service.


3. Contact Bluwalk Support

Call Bluwalk Support at +351 300 600 278, or contact the roadside assistance line.

Make sure you have the following documents with you:

  • Vehicle registration document (DUA)

  • Green insurance card


4. Wait for Towing or Assistance

After contacting roadside assistance, wait in the designated safe area.
It’s best to remain outside the vehicle in a visible spot while waiting for help.
Avoid attempting mechanical repairs on your own.


5. Take Your Vehicle to One of the Following Workshops

Check the list of authorized workshops and specialized services where you should send your vehicle in case of a breakdown or accident, organized by city and type of issue (mechanical failure or tires).


Lisbon

Mechanical Workshops

  • SJAUTO – First Stop Sintra
    Granja Park, Estr. Principal 1 Arm.10, 2710-142 Sintra

Tire Workshops

  • SJAUTO – First Stop Estefânia
    Rua Dona Estefânia, nr. 94-A, 1000-158 Lisboa

  • Point S
    Av. Machado Santos, 1500-374 Lisboa


Porto

Mechanical Workshops

  • YesCar Matosinhos | Vehicle Trade and Repair
    Edifício Olympus, Av. Dom Afonso Henriques 1462, 4450-013 Matosinhos

Accident Workshops

  • Bosch Car Service Restocar, Lda
    R. Veloso Salgado 567, 4450-801 Leça da Palmeira

Tire Workshops

  • Garagem da Lapa – Tires & Motorbikes – First Stop
    Praça da República 116, 4050-497 Porto

  • Norauto Vila Nova de Gaia
    (Use only on weekends and for slow punctures that can be repaired.)
    Arrábida Shopping, 4400-475 Vila Nova de Gaia

  • YesCar Matosinhos | Vehicle Trade and Repair
    Edifício Olympus, Av. Dom Afonso Henriques 1462, 4450-013 Matosinhos


Coimbra

Mechanical Workshops

  • YesCar Matosinhos | Vehicle Trade and Repair
    Edifício Olympus, Av. Dom Afonso Henriques 1462, 4450-013 Matosinhos

Accident Workshops

  • Bosch Car Service Restocar, Lda
    R. Veloso Salgado 567, 4450-801 Leça da Palmeira

Tire Workshops

  • Lrp Pneus
    Av. Fernão de Magalhães 587, 3000-316 Coimbra


Algarve

Accident Workshops

  • SJAUTO – First Stop Sintra
    Granja Park, Estr. Principal 1 Arm.10, 2710-142 Sintra

Mechanical Workshops

  • SJAUTO – First Stop Estefânia
    Rua Dona Estefânia, nr. 94-A, 1000-158 Lisboa

Tire Workshops

  • Norauto Guia
    Lanka Park 1, Warehouse 11, 8200-856 Albufeira


Braga

Mechanical Workshops

  • YesCar Matosinhos | Vehicle Trade and Repair
    Edifício Olympus, Av. Dom Afonso Henriques 1462, 4450-013 Matosinhos

Accident Workshops

  • Bosch Car Service Restocar, Lda
    R. Veloso Salgado 567, 4450-801 Leça da Palmeira

Tire Workshops

  • Norauto Braga
    Braga Retail Park – Store K, Lugar de Passos e Lameiras, 4710-426 Braga


Additional Tips

  • Essential documents: Always keep your vehicle and insurance documents in the car.

  • Emergency kit: Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a warning triangle and reflective vest.

  • Preventive maintenance: Schedule regular inspections to avoid breakdowns.


Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you’ll be better prepared to handle any vehicle breakdown safely and efficiently.