Breaking down in a place like Beijing can be scary, so you should always be prepared. In addition to all proper documentation, always keep a torch (and Chinese dictionary if you are not fluent) in your car and never drive without your mobile phone. If you are planning on travelling away from populated areas, make sure to take water.

If your car breaks down, move it to the side of the road quickly – if this can be done safely – and put on your hazard lights. It would add insult to injury if your car was to breakdown and you were fined (¥200) for blocking traffic. As soon as the car has been moved to a safe location, you should call a towing service. If you bought your car at a 4S dealership, they will have a road service provider that can help you. Likewise, if the car is leased or rented, the rental agency will have towing services that are available to you. If your vehicle is not covered by either of these, there are a number of SOS services in Beijing that you can use. Write down the contact information for at least one of these and keep it in your car.

Finally, don’t forget to contact your insurance company to claim reimbursement for any towing service fees. Tows are charged by distance, and a tow from Shunyi to downtown Beijing will usually cost between ¥300 and ¥400.