Car troubles happen when we are least prepared and in the most unexpected places. Normally, calling a tow truck would be the best thing to do in such a case. However, many people assume that towing services only come to tow, yet there are so many extra roadside services that towing companies can provide. This post lists situations in which calling a towing company will be your safest bet.
What does a tow truck do?
A tow truck is a vehicle used primarily to transport cars and other vehicles that cannot move under their power. The tow truck hooks onto the front or back of the car and pulls it to the desired location. They are also usually supplied with materials to help stranded drivers, like jumper cables and lockout tools. Be sure to ask your tow company what other roadside services they offer – and what they charge for these other services. They could come in handy later on.
When do you need to call a tow truck?
You should call a towing company when your car is stranded on the side of the road to get you out of the situation – that much is obvious. But there are other reasons to call a tow truck that you might not consider. Let’s go over a few of those scenarios.
When you’ve been in an accident
This is probably the first situation that comes to mind when you think of emergency towing. Unfortunately, accidents are a common occurrence on the road. If you’re in an accident, your car may be unable to move. A towing truck will be necessary to get it off the road. The operator will transport your car to the nearest service station or garage. If the damage is too extreme, the towing truck may take it to a scrapyard.
When your car has engine problems
If your car breaks down due to engine problems, you can call a tow truck driver to get your car towed. They will deploy a driver with a mechanic to come and fix your car on the spot. If they can’t fix the problem right there, they can tow it to a nearby garage or service station.
When you’ve run out of gas
This is a common mistake that we’ve all made at least once. Running out of gas is not only frustrating, but it can also be dangerous if you’re on the side of the road in an unfamiliar area and the nearest gas station is a long way. A tow company can bring you a few gallons of gas to help get you moving again. Remember to state the amount and type of fuel you need when you call a tow truck company.
When you’re stuck in the snow or mud
The winter season is usually a nightmare for drivers. The roads get too slippery, and the visibility is significantly reduced. When the precipitation is too high, your car can easily get stuck in snow or mud. You will need a towing truck to help get you out and back on the road in such a case.
When you have a flat tire
Changing a flat tire may sound like a routine task, but not every driver on the road can do it. Getting it wrong can put your life at risk and cause further damage to your car. If you’re not confident in changing it, the best thing to do is call a towing company for roadside assistance. The tow truck drivers will be more than happy to change the tire for you.
When your keys are locked in the car
Here’s a situation you might not consider a tow truck could help with. This situation is more common than you may think. It can happen to anyone at any time. A tow truck service may be the friend you need in such a desperate time. They will send their towing truck to you with a locksmith to help you get your keys back.
When your battery is dead
If you have a dead battery, you will not be able to start your car. This can be a major inconvenience, especially if it’s late at night or in the middle of nowhere. In this case, a tow company can give you a jump start and get you back on the road in no time.
What are the different kinds of tow trucks?
There are several kinds of tow trucks; each has a specific use and is best suited for certain situations. Different tow companies will offer different levels of towing, so make sure you ask before deciding on a tow service. It’s best to know ahead of time whether a tow service is able to meet your specific needs. These types of tow trucks include:
Light-Duty Trucks
As the name implies, these trucks are used for light towing jobs, such as a typical car. If your small or mid-sized car gets stuck, breaks down, or has a flat tire, it’s likely that all you’ll need is a light-duty truck. These are also good for tows that need to account for tight spaces.
Medium-Duty Trucks
These trucks are for larger vehicles like pickup trucks, small buses, and vans. For a more involved towing job, these are the trucks on the task. They’ll also respond if a car has gone off the road and a bit more power is needed to recover it.
Your Neighborhood Towing Service!
If you ever find yourself in any of the emergencies mentioned above, know that Speed’s towing is always a phone call away! Our tow truck operators are experienced enough to get you out of your jam. Plus, we offer competitive roadside assistance rates, so you won’t have to break the bank to get back on the road. Give us a call any time of the day, any day of the week!