Broke Down or Had an Accident? What to Do in Singapore

A breakdown or accident is stressful, and the first ten minutes matter most. Your priority is safety, then evidence, then getting the car to a workshop you trust. This guide sets out what to do, in order, for drivers in Ang Mo Kio, Hougang, Yio Chu Kang, Serangoon and across Singapore.

Edwin Garage normally works strictly by appointment, but breakdowns, overheating and accidents are exceptions. WhatsApp us at 9785 6612 with your location, car model and what happened, and we will tell you the safest next step.

If your car breaks down

1. Get out of the traffic lane. Switch on your hazard lights and, if the car can still roll, move to the road shoulder or the left-most lane edge.
2. Protect yourself. On an expressway, leave the car from the side away from traffic and wait behind the barrier, not beside the car.
3. Note what you saw. Warning lights, smoke, smells, noises or a temperature gauge in the red all help us diagnose the fault quickly. A quick photo of the dashboard is useful.
4. Arrange recovery. On expressways and road tunnels, LTA's Vehicle Recovery Service may tow you off the expressway to a designated location. From there, or from a normal road, our towing partner can bring the car straight to our workshop.

If your engine is overheating

Stop as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine. Do not open the radiator or coolant cap while the engine is hot; pressurised coolant can cause serious burns. Driving on with an overheating engine can damage the head gasket or the engine itself, which turns a modest repair into a major one. Tow the car rather than drive it if the gauge is in the red or steam is visible. Our guide to car engine overheating explains the common causes.

If you have had an accident

1. Check for injuries first. Call 995 for an ambulance if anyone is hurt, and 999 for the police if needed.
2. Make the scene safe. Hazard lights on; move the vehicles only if it is safe and there are no injuries.
3. Take photos and exchange particulars. Photograph all vehicles, number plates, damage, the road and any traffic lights. Exchange names, contact numbers, vehicle numbers and insurer details with the other driver.
4. Report to your insurer. Under Singapore's Motor Claims Framework, accidents should be reported to your insurer within 24 hours or by the next working day, even if you do not intend to claim.
5. Make a police report when required, for example if anyone is injured, a pedestrian, cyclist or foreign vehicle is involved, or it is a hit-and-run.

Before agreeing to a private settlement, read our comparison of insurance claim vs private settlement and the guide to the first 24 hours after an accident.

Towing to Edwin Garage

We do not run our own tow trucks, but we work with a trusted towing partner. Call or WhatsApp 8455 5669 and mention Edwin Garage; they will bring your car to our workshop at Blk 5032 Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2 #01-295. Please WhatsApp us at the same time so we know the car is coming.

What happens when your car arrives

We inspect the car, explain what we find and give you a clear quote before any repair starts. For accident damage we handle the insurance claim, panel beating and spray painting in-house, and keep you updated by WhatsApp. See our accident claim and repair service for details.