Having your car break down in the middle of the road or having it sit stubbornly in your driveway is a cause for concern. The best thing to do in these situations is to call the towing company. From dead batteries in the early mornings to lockouts in the dead of the night, this article explains the whens and whys of towing services and how you can contact the right towing company.
Car Towing: What Is It?
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? A towing service is something you need when your vehicle isn’t fit to drive. It can be for a number of reasons, and the main purpose of a towing service is to get you from point A (the location of your car breakdown) to Point B (the nearest source of help).
Understanding the Whens & Whys Of Towing Services
Alright, so now you know what towing services are, but when do you need them? Contrary to popular belief, tow trucks don’t just exist to move vehicles that have been wrecked during accidents. There are a number of reasons why you may need towing services, and the following list explains a few of them.
Keep reading to learn when and why it’s okay to call in a towman.
- Accidents and Collisions
As previously mentioned, the first thing people think about is reaching out for emergency towing services when they’ve been in a crash. Though tow trucks do arrive and remove damaged vehicles from the scene, this is in fact not the most common reason for needing towing services.
- Engine Failure
If you wake up one day and get in your car to head to work, and it refuses to start, chances are you’re dealing with engine issues. Whether it’s your driveway that your vehicle’s sitting idly in or the middle of the road that it’s shut down all of a sudden, a towing service is what you need.
- Flat Tire Replacements
Next, another common scenario. If you find yourself with multiple flat tires or simply don’t have the tools and spare to fix one flat tire, no matter where you are, it’s time to call in the tow truck. Experts will secure your vehicle to the truck and transport your car to the nearest mechanic to fix your wheels.
- A Dead Battery Demands A Tow Truck
If you find that you haven’t used your vehicle in weeks and a simple jump start won’t do the trick, it’s time to reach out for a reliable towing service. They will secure your vehicle and get it to the nearest source of help so that the battery can either be fixed or replaced.
- An Overheated Vehicle That’s Too Dangerous To Drive
Another reason you might need a towing service is when your car overheats. If there’s a problem with the cooling system, chances are it will overheat. If you try to drive it yourself, the damage will spread to other components of your car, thus making it dangerous to drive.
- Car Lockouts & No Locksmiths
If you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road because you lost your keys and can’t find an emergency auto locksmith, your next best option is a towing truck that can get you to the nearest garage. Just another scenario that demands a professional towman’s services.
- Call In The Tow Truck For Transmission Failures
If you suddenly feel that your gears aren’t responding properly, then instead of pushing your car further and risking serious trouble, it’s best to contact the nearest towing service provider to take your car to a licensed mechanic.
- Fuel Problems? Towing Solutions!
Finally, if you run out of fuel in the middle of the road and can’t find reliable roadside assistance, then the next best option is a tow truck. They will get your vehicle safely to the nearest gas station and let you fill up your car so that you’re ready to get back on the road.
How to Find and Contact A Reliable Towing Service
If you ever find yourself in one of these scenarios and need a towing service, here is a look at a few ways you can find and use them.
Contact them: Either use your app or look for one online by doing a quick Google search and selecting one with good reviews.
Give them Details: Next, give them specific details like your vehicle’s model, the issue, and where you are.
Wait Patiently: Finally, wait for help to arrive. It’s always a smarter idea to stay inside your vehicle if you’re stranded in the middle of the night to stay safe from potential criminals until your tow truck arrives.
Conclusion
This article was written with the intent to explain in simple terms what a towing service is and why and when you might need it. If you ever find yourself with a dead battery, an overheating car, or one that’s been in an accident, make sure you reach out to an expert towing service as soon as possible.
FAQs
How much does a towing service typically cost?
Towing companies can often charge you around $151 per hour to tow your vehicle.
What factors impact the cost of towing services?
Your towing cost is heavily influenced by your location, your vehicle’s make, the extent of the damage, and even possible storage.
What is the most common type of towing service used in the country?
Light-duty towing is the most common, with tow trucks using wheel-lift and hook-and-chain towing systems.
