A38 Breakdown Recovery, Bodmin to Saltash and the Tamar
The A38 is the other way in and out of Cornwall, and it breaks down differently to the A30. Long climbs, fast HGV traffic and the Tamar Bridge queue. We attend it 24/7.
The A38 carries the traffic that does not use the A30, and it is a harder road on a tired vehicle. The climbs between Bodmin and Liskeard, the drop through Glynn Valley, and the stop start crawl on the approach to the Tamar Bridge all punish cooling systems, clutches and older automatic gearboxes. Overheating on the bridge queue in summer is one of the most common calls we get on this corridor.
Stretches we attend most: Bodmin and the Carminow Cross junction, the Glynn Valley, Dobwalls, Liskeard, Menheniot, Trerulefoot roundabout, Landrake, Saltash and the Tamar Bridge approach. Much of the road is single carriageway with limited safe stopping, so tell us exactly where you have stopped and we will work out the safest way to reach and load you.
If your breakdown is on the bridge itself or on the Devon side, we will be straight with you about it. Our base is in Cornwall and we work the road westward from the Tamar. For jobs on the far side we can point you in the right direction rather than leave you waiting on a truck that is not coming.
In summer the A38 fills with caravans, motorhomes and cars towing trailers heading down from the M5. If that is you, say so on the call. Towed units change how we load and which vehicle we send, and we would rather know before we set off than when we arrive.
What's covered
- Bodmin, Glynn Valley, Dobwalls, Liskeard, Trerulefoot, Saltash covered
- Tamar Bridge approach and queue breakdowns attended
- 24/7, including bank holiday and peak summer traffic
- Cars, vans, motorhomes and light trucks up to 7.5 tonnes
- Caravan and trailer breakdowns, tell us on the call
- Overheating, clutch failure and gearbox faults on the climbs
- Fully insured, clear price before we dispatch
Towns we cover
Frequently Asked Questions
I have broken down on the A38, where is safe to stop?
Get as far left as you can, ideally into a layby or a side turning. Much of the A38 in Cornwall is single carriageway with narrow verges, so if you cannot get fully off the road, put your hazards on, get everyone out on the verge side away from traffic, and ring us straight away.
How long will you be if I am near the Tamar Bridge?
Saltash and the bridge approach are at the far east of our patch, so expect longer than a job near Bodmin. We give you a realistic time on the call rather than an optimistic one.
Do you cover the A38 on the Devon side?
We work the road from the Tamar westward. For breakdowns on the Plymouth side we will tell you honestly that it is outside our patch rather than keep you waiting.
My car overheated in the bridge queue, do I need recovering?
Often yes, at least to a garage. Switch the engine off, do not open a hot cooling system, and ring us. We will advise on the phone and recover you if it is not safe to carry on.
Can you recover a caravan or motorhome from the A38?
Yes, up to 7.5 tonnes. Tell us the type and length when you call so we send the right vehicle and the right equipment first time.
Need Recovery Now?
Call Broadside Recovery Ltd for fast, reliable 24/7 breakdown recovery and vehicle transport across Cornwall.