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What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down During CNY 
Guides | 19 Mar 2026

What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down During CNY 

Serious Asian woman driving right hand car

Chinese New Year is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Highways are packed, schedules are tight, and everyone is eager to reach home in time for reunion dinner. 

What happens if your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of the journey to balik kampung ?

Don’t panic. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you stay safe and get back on the road quickly. 

1. Move to a Safe Location Immediately

If you notice unusual sounds, smoke, or warning lights, slow down and switch on your hazard lights. Carefully move your vehicle  to the emergency lane or road shoulder, away from traffic flow. 


Remember, safety first, especially during peak festive traffic. 

2.Turn on Hazard Lights & Set Up a Warning Triangle 

Make your car visible to other  drivers: 

  • Keep hazard lights on at all times 

  • Place a  warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your car 

  • Stay away from fast-moving traffic


This small step can help prevent serious accidents 


3. Call for Roadside Assistance

During CNY, workshops may be closed and traffic congestion can delay help. That’s why having 24/7 roadside assistance through your car insurance is extremely important. 

Most assistance services can help with: 

  • Towing to the nearest workshop 

  • Battery jump-start 

  • Flat tyre support 

  • Minor on-site repairs 

Make sure to save your insurer’s hotline number in advance so you’re not searching for it during an emergency.

4. Keep Emergency Essentials in Your Car

Preparation  makes a huge difference. Before travelling for CNY, make sure your car has: 

  • Power bank and phone charger 

  • Drinking water and snacks

  • Basic first aid-kit

  • Touch ‘n Go with sufficient balance 

 

5. Prevent Breakdowns Before They Happen

The best solution is prevention. Schedule a pre-CNY vehicle check to inspect: 

  • Battery health 

  • Engine oil and coolant 

  • Tyre conditions and pressure 

  • Breaks and lights 


A simple inspection can save you from hours of stress on the highway. 

Save More While Staying Protected This CNY 

Festive travel also means extra spending on tolls and petrol to last-minute shopping trips. That’s why renewing your car insurance now can make a real difference.

With PolicyStreet’s 10+10 promo, you get 10% off your car premiums after NCD and an additional RM10 off at checkout. This promo is valid from the 1 to 24 of the month between 10-11 AM and 10-11PM. This extra savings help you keep more for reunion dinners, angpao, and celebrations that matter most. 

If your car insurance is due, here’s even more reason not to wait. Renew with PolicyStreet and you’ll be automatically entered into the Renew & Huat Lucky Draw. One lucky winner will stand a chance to win RM8,888 in cash. 

Travel Home with Peace of Mind 

Breakdowns are stressful but the right preparations and protection can make all the difference. Start your journey home knowing help is always just a call away, while enjoying extra savings and a chance to huat this Chinese New Year. 

The benefit(s) payable under eligible certificate/policy/product is(are) protected by PIDM up to limits. Please refer to PIDM’s TIPS Brochure or contact Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad or PIDM (visit www.pidm.gov.my).
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