Many expats search online for what to do if motorbike breaks down in remote areas. With experience supporting hundreds of customers, Rental Motorbike has compiled a comprehensive guide. This article will show you exactly what to do if motorbike breaks down calmly and effectively. Let’s find out!
Common motorbike problems when traveling in Vietnam

Before learning what to do if motorbike breaks down, travelers should be aware of the most common issues that can happen on Vietnam’s roads. Don’t worry! Being mentally prepared and knowing about common problems in advance is the best way to ensure your trip is always great.
Let’s take a look at the most common “challenges” that international riders can face in Vietnam!
- The motorbike dies on the road: This is a common situation if the motorbike overheats, runs out of gas or has a minor engine fault. The motorbike suddenly stops, doesn’t respond to the throttle or doesn’t start. It often happens when climbing a pass or stopping suddenly in the middle of a long journey.
- Flat tire: The road surface in some areas (especially mountainous areas) may have sharp rocks or potholes that can easily puncture the wheel. When the tire is flat, the bike will be heavy and unbalanced, which is very dangerous when going downhill or cornering.
- Running out of gas in the middle of a mountain pass: On routes far from residential areas such as Mui Ne, Da Lat, Nha Trang or Ha Giang loop, gas stations aren’t as common as in the city. If you don’t check the gas before going, it is easy to run out of gas in the middle of the road and have to walk for a long time.
- Chain slips/gets stuck in gear: Chains that are too tight, too loose or lack lubrication can slip while riding, especially with manual bikes. Getting stuck in gear also happens when the rider isn’t used to it, shifting gears incorrectly or the clutch is broken.
- Electrical failure/failure to start: Some bikes may have a damaged starter, dead battery, especially after being exposed to water or left outdoors for a long time. At that time, you won’t be able to start the engine, can only kick start (with semi-auto) or need technical assistance.
What to do if motorbike breaks down in Vietnam? Quick tips

If this is your first time in Vietnam and you aren’t familiar with the terrain, weather or rental motorbike, a sudden breakdown can be confusing. So what to do if motorbike breaks down in the middle of the journey?
- If your motorbike suddenly stops in the middle of the road, the first thing you need to do is stay calm and push it to the side of the road or a safe area. This is an important step in any situation related to what to do if motorbike breaks down when traveling in Vietnam.
- Some simple problems such as running out of gas, dirty spark plugs or a flat tire can be handled on the spot if you have experience or support tools. Identifying small errors will save you time and avoid confusion.
- If you rent a motorbike from a professional unit such as Rental Motorbike, you will always have a 24/7 technical support line. In any situation what to do if motorbike breaks down, this is the first place you should contact for instructions or rescue support.
- In case you aren’t sure of the location or need to find the nearest repair shop, ask the people around. Vietnamese people are usually very enthusiastic in helping tourists, especially when you have problems in the middle of the journey.
- If you can’t contact because there is no phone signal, try to push the bike or walk towards a place with many houses or vehicles passing by. Don’t stay alone for too long in a deserted area.
- If it is dark or raining heavily, don’t try to repair the bike on the road. Find a safe place, avoid repairing the bike in low light or slippery conditions.
Essential preparations before setting off

Before frantically looking for what to do if motorbike breaks down, prepare carefully from the beginning because being proactive will help you handle all situations better when traveling to Vietnam by motorbike. Here are some practical tips:
- Rent a bike from a reputable place with nationwide technical support, English-speaking staff, well-maintained bikes and a clear contract. This is the basic factor to help you not panic if you encounter a situation of what to do if motorbike breaks down on the road.
- It is required to equip a basic repair kit: hand pump, tire patch kit, spark plug remover, etc., which will be very useful when handling simple problems such as flat tires or minor engine failure.
- Always carry a 4G SIM card and a spare charger to keep your phone ready to call for support, locate or look up the nearest repair shop.
- Save the hotline number of the rental unit so you can call immediately when you need rescue or technical advice.
- Fill up the gas tank before entering deserted areas or mountain passes to avoid running out of gas in the middle of the road.
- Ask the rental unit to suggest the phone number of the police in the area you are about to pass through. In case of collision, unsafety or need emergency assistance, you can ask for help.
>> SEE MORE: Smooth long term motorbike rental in HCM for all your travels
Rental Motorbike – A reliable motorbike rental unit for international tourists

If you are looking for a reliable motorbike rental place, Rental Motorbike is the top choice for international tourists. We provide a full range of semi automatic and manual bikes, ensuring 100% new models, smooth engines, strong brakes and fuel economy.
Renters will receive:
- Free delivery of motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City
- 24/7 technical support nationwide
- Advice on routes suitable for each journey and riding experience
- Providing vehicle insurance, basic tools and 4G sim if needed
In particular, the Rental Motorbike Vietnam team understands Western customers, speaks fluent English and is always ready to accompany you to help your trip in Vietnam be safe, convenient and have the most experiences. And especially we will explain to you clearly what to do if motorbike breaks down.

Learning what to do if motorbike breaks down can save your trip from turning into a nightmare. Prevention is better than cure. We guarantee you won’t have to worry much about what to do if motorbike breaks down with a quality fleet of vehicles and a 24/7 support team. Call now if you need advice or support!
Contact Info
Address:
Location 1: 263/1/42, Le Duc Tho Street, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
Location 2: 57, Bat Su Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi
Hotline/Whats app: 0911228968
Website: https://rentalmotorbikevn.com/
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Email: dzungmotorbike@gmail.com