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Car Breaks Down in Chicago: What to Do First

A safety-first checklist for a Chicago car breakdown: traffic danger, calling for help, sharing your location and choosing roadside service.

Broken down on the Illinois Tollway?

For an incident on the Illinois Tollway, its official guidance directs motorists to dial *999 for assistance; call 911 for an emergency. Give the roadway name, travel direction, closest milepost and a description of the vehicle. Remain in the vehicle if safe while assistance is arranged.

The Tollway’s H.E.L.P. patrol can provide limited roadside assistance, but it has operating hours and does not replace emergency response. Confirm current details on the official page. A vehicle blocking a live lane or in an unsafe location may be ordered towed by police; follow their instructions before arranging private help.

Rick’s service availability and vehicle suitability must be confirmed for the exact location. This site does not identify Rick’s as a Tollway-authorized provider.

Start with safety

If anyone is injured, the car is exposed to moving traffic, or there is fire or another immediate danger, call 911 first. Do not attempt repairs in a traffic lane.

Read the checklist · Get roadside help

First steps after a breakdown

Switch on hazard lights and, if the vehicle remains controllable, reach a safe stopping place away from moving traffic.
Secure the stopped vehicle with the parking brake. Do not stand behind it or between it and another vehicle.
If exiting is unsafe, remain belted and call for help. If there is fire or another immediate threat inside, leave by the safest available route away from traffic and follow emergency instructions.
Report your exact location, direction of travel and the nearest exit or landmark you can identify without walking into danger.

Car broke down on DuSable Lake Shore Drive near Lakeview?

If you are in a live lane, anyone is injured or another immediate danger exists, call 911 first and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Turn on hazard lights. If the vehicle remains controllable, reach a safe stopping place; do not continue driving an overheating or damaged car just to reach a preferred pickup point.

Identify the roadway: say DuSable Lake Shore Drive, northbound or southbound, and the nearest exit, sign or landmark you can identify safely. Near Belmont Harbor, distinguish the Drive itself from a harbor lot or nearby street.
Describe the danger: explain whether the car is in a lane, on a shoulder or clear of traffic, plus smoke, fire, injuries or a traffic-side flat tire.
Wait safely: if exiting is unsafe and there is no immediate threat inside, remain belted while arranging help. If fire or another threat requires leaving, use the safest route away from traffic and follow emergency instructions.
Coordinate roadside help: give the vehicle details and follow any police towing instructions. Confirm whether a private provider can reach and service the vehicle in that location.

Do not change a traffic-side tire, crawl under the vehicle or walk along the road for fuel. A map pin can identify the wrong carriageway; give the road name and direction too. Discuss wheel-lift towing compatibility once immediate safety is addressed.

The Illinois Tollway’s *999 assistance number applies to its system; do not assume it serves DuSable Lake Shore Drive. See the Tollway’s official stranded-driver safety guidance for its roadway-specific instructions.

Once you are safely stopped

Describe what happened without trying to diagnose it at the roadside. A car that slowly cranks after parking is a different call from one that suddenly lost power while moving. Use Rick’s help selector to find battery, tire, lockout, fuel or towing information.

For steam or coolant loss, read the overheating guide. For standing water, use the flood safety guide; never drive into floodwater to reach a convenient pickup.

Keep a small emergency kit ready

Carry a charged phone and cable, flashlight, drinking water, essential medicines and weather-appropriate layers. Know where your spare, wheel-lock key and vehicle manual are stored. Review winter preparation and summer preparation before a trip.