When to Call for a Tow Truck and What to Prepare

Choose a tow when driving could make the problem worse

Stop and arrange a tow immediately for a red oil-pressure warning, severe overheating, smoke, fuel leakage, a flashing check-engine light with rough running, brake pedal failure, loose steering, or damage that rubs against a tire. Do not drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission that will not engage, a broken axle, or an all-wheel-drive system that may be damaged by improper towing.

A jump-start, tire change, lockout service, or fuel delivery can often solve a straightforward roadside problem. However, if the car stalls again after a jump, repeatedly overheats, has a battery warning light while running, or makes grinding noises when shifted into gear, have it taken to a repair facility instead of trying to continue.

How do you arrange a safe tow?

1. 1

   Step 1

   Move to the safest available location. Turn on hazard flashers, set the parking brake if it works, and get passengers behind a barrier or well away from traffic. Call 911 first if there is an injury, fire, blocked travel lane, or immediate traffic danger.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Identify the vehicle and the failure. Give the dispatcher the year, make, model, color, license plate, exact location, destination, and symptoms. Mention whether the vehicle is electric, hybrid, all-wheel drive, lowered, locked, stuck in a garage, or has wheel or collision damage.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Request the appropriate equipment. A flatbed is usually the safest choice for all-wheel-drive vehicles, electric vehicles, cars with serious wheel damage, and vehicles that cannot roll freely. Ask whether the driver can accommodate your vehicle's condition before the truck is dispatched.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Prepare the car before loading. Remove valuables, take photos of all sides and any existing damage, secure loose items, and provide the key or key fob as requested. Keep your registration, insurance information, repair-shop contact details, and roadside-assistance membership information with you.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Confirm the destination and paperwork. Ask where the vehicle will be dropped, whether the shop is open to receive it, and how you will receive the tow receipt. Read the condition report before signing, note any pre-existing damage, and retain photos and documentation for an insurance claim if needed.

What information helps the tow operator?

The most useful details are the exact address or highway marker, a callback number, vehicle drivetrain, whether the wheels turn, and any height restrictions at your location. Tell the dispatcher if the vehicle is in a parking garage, on soft ground, facing the wrong direction, or more than a short distance from the paved road. These details help prevent delays and ensure the right truck arrives.

If the breakdown followed an unexpected stall, loss of power, or a warning message, save any dashboard photos. Check your VIN for open recalls through NHTSA, which also publishes U.S. recall and complaint data; unbrokencar.com offers a free VIN check. A recall does not guarantee immediate towing coverage, but it can help explain the failure when you contact a dealer.

How can you avoid damage during towing?

Use the owner's manual as the final authority for towing instructions. Some vehicles may be towed only on a flatbed, while others permit limited-distance towing with specific wheels raised. Never assume neutral makes every vehicle safe to tow. If possible, tell the driver about electronic parking brakes, air suspension, low ground clearance, and a missing key, since each can change loading procedures.