Breakdown on the A3 near Cologne

What happens after you call?

Tell us your direction of travel and the last exit or rest stop, for example Köln-Dellbrück or Königsforst. We'll tell you the price right away and send a partner who'll drive to you on the A3. Until they arrive, stay reachable by phone in case your situation changes.

The exits between Leverkusen and Rösrath

Between the Königsforst and Rösrath exits is the Königsforst rest stop, with the Sülztal rest area just past it. If you can make it that far, you're standing more safely than on the hard shoulder. Otherwise, the number of the last exit and your direction of travel are enough for us.

What makes this section special

The A3 and A4 run together between the Cologne-Ost interchange and the Heumar triangle. Most of this stretch has eight lanes, with acceleration lanes making it ten lanes in places. According to a 2015 count, around 171,000 vehicles a day used this section, making it the busiest motorway section in Germany. Between Leverkusen and Köln-Mülheim, the A3 was widened to eight lanes in both directions in June 2017. The section between the Heumar triangle and Leverkusen-Zentrum is about 15 kilometres long.

Breaking down on an eight-lane motorway

The more lanes there are, the further it is from the left-hand lane to the hard shoulder. That changes how you should behave.

• React early: as soon as you notice something's wrong, indicate and move lane by lane to the right, while the engine still has power.
• Coast with momentum: if the engine cuts out, keep steering and roll as far right as you can. Without the engine, steering and braking need more force; see our guide (German) on the engine cutting out while driving.
• If you can't reach the side: hazard lights on, stay belted in, and call 112 immediately. Getting out in the middle of the carriageway is life-threatening.
• Once you've reached the side: hi-vis vest on, get out on the passenger side, go behind the crash barrier. Further steps in our guide (German) on breaking down on the motorway.

What to tell us

1. Direction: towards Frankfurt, or towards Leverkusen/Oberhausen
2. Last exit or rest stop, for example Köln-Dellbrück or Königsforst
3. Where you are: hard shoulder, rest area, or on the carriageway
4. Vehicle and drivetrain, see our guide (German) on towing electric cars
5. Whether anyone is injured

The A4 is part of this too

Between Heumar and Cologne-Ost, the A3 shares its route with the A4. Everything about the A4 west and east of here is on our Breakdown on the A4 near Cologne page.

Who actually comes in Cologne?

Faster is based in Antwerp, Belgium. Jobs around Cologne are carried out by partners on the ground, we coordinate them. On the motorway: if the police attend, or you've used an emergency call box, a contracted company is often called. You can state your preference, but it isn't guaranteed.