Whether you’re moving house, running deliveries, or heading out for a weekend getaway, the last thing you want is a breakdown. At Hire2You, we do everything we can to maintain our fleet to the highest standards, but occasionally, things can still go wrong.
If your hire van or car breaks down while you’re on the road in Kent (or further afield), don’t panic. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, from quick checks to when you should contact us straight away.
We’re all about No Deposit, No Credit Check, No Hassle, and that includes breakdown support too.
1. Stay Calm and Safe First
Your safety is our number one priority. If you notice something wrong while driving, the first step is to act calmly and protect yourself and your passengers.
What to do immediately:
- Pull over to a safe location, use a layby, service area, or the hard shoulder on a motorway.
- Switch on your hazard lights straight away to alert other drivers.
- If it’s safe to do so, exit the vehicle from the left-hand side and move away from the road.
- Use a hi-vis jacket if you have one, especially in low light or poor visibility.
- Keep passengers safe and away from traffic, particularly important on fast-moving roads.
Tip: If you’re on the motorway, never attempt to repair yourself on the hard shoulder. Safety first, always.
2. Assess the Situation (Only If Safe)
Once you’re in a safe location, take a moment to assess what’s happened. You don’t need to be a mechanic, just note what you can see or hear.
Check for the following:
- Any warning lights or messages on the dashboard? (Engine, oil, temperature, etc.)
- A noticeable loss of power, odd noises, or smoke?
- A flat tyre or signs of a puncture?
- Is the vehicle struggling to turn over or not starting at all?
Don’t worry if you’re unsure, just gathering this information helps us support you faster when you call.
3. Quick Fixes You Can Check Yourself
While we’re always on hand to help, some issues are minor and can be checked on the spot:
Simple checks to try (only if safe):
- Fuel: Double check that you haven’t accidentally run out or filled up with the wrong type.
- Battery: Have the lights or interior electrics been left on for a long time?
- Tyre pressure: A soft tyre may cause handling issues, check for any obvious deflation.
- Cold weather problems: In winter, frozen wipers or door locks can cause temporary issues.
Still unsure? Don’t risk it. Call us, that’s what we’re here for.
4. When You Should Call Hire2You Immediately
Some issues need expert help straight away. Here’s when you should contact us without delay:
Call us immediately if:
- The vehicle won’t start or cuts out while driving.
- You see any dashboard warning lights you don’t recognise.
- There’s smoke, an overheating engine, or a burning smell.
- You’ve had a tyre blowout, or the steering or brakes feel unsafe.
- You’re involved in an accident, even if it seems minor.
- You feel unsafe, stranded or uncertain about what to do next.
We’ll respond quickly to get you back on the road, swap the vehicle if needed, or arrange recovery and transport.
5. What to Have Ready When You Call
When you contact us, we’ll act quickly, and thanks to the GPS trackers fitted in all our vehicles, we’ll know exactly where you are, even if you’re unsure yourself. Whether you’ve broken down in a busy town or a quiet country lane, we can locate you and send help fast.
That said, anything you can tell us over the phone helps speed things up:
Helpful details to share when calling:
- A brief description of the issue, any warning lights, strange sounds, loss of power, smoke, etc.
- The vehicle registration number (you’ll find it on the dashboard or hire documents).
- Your mobile number so we can keep you updated while support is on the way.
- Any other useful information, for example, if you have belongings in the van or need to stay on a strict schedule.
No matter where you are in Kent (or beyond), we’ll find you and get you moving again, no hassle, no stress.
6. What Hire2You Will Do Next
Once we’ve got the details, we’ll take care of the rest.
Our support process:
- Offer advice or quick fixes if safe and appropriate.
- Dispatch a recovery team if necessary.
- Arrange a replacement vehicle where possible (subject to availability).
- Help with onward travel or a safe return to your destination.
- Keep you updated and supported throughout the whole process.
We treat every breakdown call with urgency, care, and professionalism, so you’re never left feeling stranded.
7. How to Prevent Issues Before You Drive Off
While some breakdowns are unavoidable, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk.
Top prevention tips:
- Always check you’re using the correct fuel type.
- Let us know if you notice anything unusual at pickup (lights, sounds, warning messages).
- Tell us if you’re planning a long-distance journey or need a specific vehicle type.
- Avoid overloading the van, especially with heavy tools or household goods.
- Know where the spare tyre and breakdown kit are kept (we can show you at pickup).
We inspect every vehicle thoroughly before hire, but if something doesn’t feel right, just let us know.
8. Final Thoughts: We’ve Got Your Back
At Hire2You, we’re proud to offer a stress-free vehicle hire experience across Kent, and that doesn’t stop once you drive away.
Breakdowns can happen, but when they do, we’ll be right there with local, reliable and friendly support.
Why customers trust us:
- No deposit options available
- No credit checks or hidden fees
- Same-day hire and flexible terms
- Fully maintained, reliable fleet
- Friendly, local service across Kent
Save our number, drive with confidence, and know that if anything goes wrong, we’ve got your back.