Andrew WrightThe M6 is in chaos again. On 17 April 2026, a crash involving a car transporter and a van between junctions 18 and 19 near Knutsford closed two lanes and backed traffic up for five miles, causing delays of up to 45 minutes. It was the latest in a string of serious incidents on one of Britain's busiest motorways — and it is raising urgent questions about vehicle safety and breakdown preparedness.
According to National Highways traffic data, disruptions on the M6 near Warrington on 12 April resulted in three-lane closures and delays exceeding 30 minutes, affecting businesses, emergency services, and commuters across the North West. Labour MP Maya Ellis has since established a multi-agency taskforce to address the chronic congestion on this stretch, after describing disruptions as a "monthly, if not weekly occurrence."
Why the M6 Is So Vulnerable to Disruption
The M6 between junctions 18 and 27 is one of the most traffic-dense corridors in England. It carries a disproportionately high volume of heavy goods vehicles — and it is HGV incidents that cause the most severe disruptions. The overturned lorry on the Thelwall Viaduct on 8 April triggered 90-minute delays and cascading congestion that spread to the M60 and M62.
When a vehicle breaks down or is involved in a collision on a smart motorway section — where there are no permanent hard shoulders — the consequences can be severe. Recovery vehicles must fight through congestion to reach the stranded vehicle, multiplying delays. A single breakdown can become a multi-hour incident.
The good news: most breakdowns are preventable. A qualified mechanic can identify the warning signs long before your vehicle fails on a live carriageway.
The Pre-Journey Checks That Could Save You From Breaking Down
Vehicle maintenance experts consistently identify a handful of common causes behind motorway breakdowns. Addressing them before a long journey is simple, affordable, and potentially life-saving.
Tyres are the most common cause of sudden breakdowns on motorways. Check tyre pressure before any long journey — the correct pressure for your vehicle is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door or in your owner's manual. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but mechanics advise replacing tyres at 3mm. An under-inflated tyre running at motorway speeds is at significant risk of failure.
Engine coolant prevents your engine from overheating, which is one of the most common causes of roadside breakdowns in summer months. Check the coolant reservoir when the engine is cold. If it is below the minimum line, top it up before setting off.
Engine oil should be checked at least once a month, and certainly before any long motorway journey. A low oil level can cause catastrophic engine damage within minutes. The dipstick check takes less than two minutes.
Battery health is a leading cause of breakdowns in colder months, but batteries can fail year-round, particularly in older vehicles. If your engine is slow to start or your lights seem dimmer than usual, have the battery tested at a garage before a long journey. A battery test typically costs nothing at most national chains.
Brake fluid should be checked and changed every two years. Brake fade — where brakes become less effective under sustained use — is particularly dangerous at motorway speeds. If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, consult a mechanic immediately.
What to Do If You Break Down on the M6
If your vehicle does break down on the motorway, the actions you take in the first 60 seconds matter enormously.
On a smart motorway (no permanent hard shoulder): Switch on your hazard lights immediately. If you can reach an emergency refuge area — the lay-bys marked with an orange SOS telephone symbol — do so. If you cannot move, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and call 999. Do not stand behind your vehicle or on the carriageway.
On a traditional motorway with a hard shoulder: Pull as far to the left as possible onto the hard shoulder. Switch on hazard lights and your sidelight. Exit the vehicle from the passenger side (left-hand door, away from traffic). Move well away from the vehicle and behind the barrier. Call the AA, RAC, or your breakdown provider, then National Highways on 0300 123 5000 to report your location.
Use the orange emergency phones: Located every mile on traditional motorways, these phones connect directly to National Highways control centres and automatically report your precise location. Use them if your mobile has no signal.
Smart Motorway Safety: The Legal Position
The UK government confirmed in 2023 that no new all-lane-running (ALR) smart motorways — those without any permanent hard shoulder — would be built. However, the existing 300 miles of ALR motorway remain in service, and the M6 includes smart motorway sections. National Highways has been required by the Transport Select Committee to install emergency refuge areas at least every three-quarters of a mile on ALR sections.
If you have concerns about your vehicle's roadworthiness, a pre-trip inspection by a qualified mechanic provides peace of mind and could prevent a dangerous and costly breakdown. For vehicles approaching major service intervals — typically 10,000 miles or 12 months — booking a service before a significant motorway journey is straightforward and affordable.
ExpertZoom connects drivers across the UK with qualified mechanics and automotive specialists. Whether you need a pre-journey inspection, a battery test, or advice after a motorway breakdown, our experts are available to help. A small investment in maintenance today could keep you safe — and moving — on the M6 this spring.
For official guidance on motorway breakdowns and emergency procedures, visit National Highways.
