Towing Service 101: What to Expect During the Towing Process

How does a tow service work?

The rain pours down, blurring the view of the city lights. You’re parked on a dark side street, the only sound is the rhythmic drumming of water on your car roof. You’d be home by now, but your car won’t start, and now all you can do is wait. You’ve called for a tow truck, so now all you can do is wait. But what’s going to happen when the tow truck driver arrives? Do you need to be prepared for anything?

This guide to car towing services explains what to expect when you find yourself in need of a tow truck. Whether you’re stuck on the highway with a broken-down car or dealing with a flat tire, we’ll take you through the process and share what you need to know to stay safe while waiting for help to arrive. We’ll cover the different types of towing and explain the entire process to help you feel prepared and informed whenever you need a towing.

Understanding the Basics: An Introduction to Towing Services

What is Towing?

The process of moving a disabled, improperly parked, or damaged vehicle from one place to another, typically with the help of a tow truck, is called towing. Towing services are employed for various reasons, but generally you will need them for emergency roadside assistance, vehicle transport, or accident recovery in the worst case. To safely move vehicles without causing damage, towing companies utilize specialized vehicles known as tow trucks.

When is Towing Necessary or Not?

Not every issue on the road is so dramatic as to require a tow. In fact, with the right tools and equipment, several issues can be resolved on the spot and you can get back to the road in a split. Here are a few critical failures which definitely require towing:

• Engine failure: This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overheating, oil starvation, or a broken timing belt. Engine failure can render a car completely immobile and is a serious safety hazard.
• Transmission failure: The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. A transmission failure can cause a car to lose power or become stuck in gear.
• Alternator malfunction: A malfunctioning alternator can cause car breakdowns by draining the battery, leading to stalling, overheating the engine due to lack of coolant circulation, and causing electrical failures that impact safety.
• Fuel injector malfunction: A fuel injector malfunction can lead to a variety of problems, such as engine misfiring, reduced power, and rough idling. In severe cases, a fuel injector malfunction can cause the engine to stall or even seize up.

On the contrary, towing companies will frequently offer more services in case towing is overkill.

Here are a few examples of issues that don’t require towing, and can be fixed with roadside assistance:

• Flat tires: Even if you don’t have a spare for tire changing, towing companies can often provide you with a spare and even replace it for you, so you can get back on the road immediately. Though, don’t drive on the spare too long!
• Running out of gas: Just because your tank is dry doesn’t mean you need towing to an auto shop; you just need a bit of gas! Towing companies will often provide fuel delivery services to save you a trip to the gas station yourself.
• Dead battery: Everyone has left the light on in their car overnight before. The only thing you need to get moving again is a good jump, and towing companies will usually provide these services as well.
• Car lockout: Don’t worry; I’ve left my keys in the car before too. When you do so, roadside assistance services will generally be able to let you back in, so don’t worry!

Types of Towing Services

There are different types of towing services available, depending on the situation

The safest way to transport cars, motorcycles, and heavy-duty vehicles is with a flatbed tow truck. The entire vehicle is supported and stored on the bed, minimizing potential damage during the tow. Flatbed towing is ideal for luxury cars, all-wheel drive vehicles, and other low-clearance vehicles, as it completely removes them from the road surface.

Wheel-lift towing uses a hydraulic lift and a metal yoke to partially raise a vehicle by its wheels. This method is faster, more affordable, and ideal for short distances, but it requires that the vehicle’s wheels be accessible.

Hook and chain towing is a budget-friendly option frequently employed for non-operational vehicles and junk cars. This method utilizes a crane and hook to hoist the vehicle. Although it may be rudimentary, it is an affordable choice for vehicles that can be dragged without concern for additional damage. If you are recovering the vehicle from an accident that totaled it, you’ll likely be using this towing option.

Integrated towing, which is frequently outfitted with sophisticated features for safe and effective hauling, offers stability and control during the transportation of bulkier vehicles like buses and large trucks. 

Motorcycle towing is a specialized service for motorcycles that uses secure straps and supports. It prevents damage to the motorcycle’s delicate components and ensures safe and stable transportation. Not every towing company offers this service, so be on the lookout for the ones that do,

Towing companies that offer emergency towing services operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide assistance for unexpected breakdowns and accidents that may occur outside of normal business hours. If you need service at odd hours of the night, look for companies that offer emergency towing.

How Towing Works

Once you have called your towing company of choice for a service, you will generally provide them details on your needs: where your vehicle broke down, the kind of vehicle you own, and the nature of the breakdown itself. From there, the concierge will assess whether you need simple roadside assistance or a tow. If you need towing services, they will then ask for a towing destination. After the call concludes, all you can do is wait, but you need not wait long. Most services aim to answer requests anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes from when you placed the call.

Once you have decided on a towing company, you’ll need to call their dispatcher and tell them where your vehicle is, what kind of vehicle you have, and what’s wrong with it. The dispatcher will then decide whether you need roadside assistance or a tow truck. If you don’t know the exact problem, don’t worry; they will usually be knowledgeable enough to determine what kind of help you need. If you need a tow, they will ask where you want your vehicle towed. Most towing companies aim to arrive within 30 to 60 minutes of your call, so sit tight and get comfortable.

The tow truck operator will first assess your vehicle’s condition upon arrival.

This ensures the requested services are appropriate for the situation. If they are, you and the technician will briefly discuss your final destination and confirm the tow’s price before proceeding. 

The specific hooking up procedure will depend on the method used. For instance, if you requested a wheel lift, the tow truck will typically position itself to allow the hydraulic lift to be placed under your front wheels. The lift will then be activated to connect to your vehicle. If you requested a flatbed, a winch may be attached to the front of your car to pull it onto the flatbed. Whatever the method may be, have the technician who arrives explain the procedure in detail so that you fully understand what will happen with your vehicle.

You will then travel to your destination. You will either sit in your own car or the tow truck, accompanied by the tow truck driver. If your destination is a repair shop, you will need to arrange for the necessary repairs with the mechanics yourself.

Safety Considerations

When your car breaks down, prioritize safety. Pull over to the safest location possible, ideally completely off the road. If you can’t pull completely off the road and you are on a city street, move as far right as possible. On the interstate, move to either shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that your vehicle is malfunctioning.

Stay in your car, especially if you’re in a dangerous area, such as off the shoulder of the interstate, or in an unfamiliar neighborhood or city, and keep your doors locked. If you are in a safer location which you know more confidently, then it is safe to exit the vehicle as long as you avoid standing near traffic. Move away from traffic as much as possible.

Once you are safe, then and only then should you consider calling for a tow truck. Remain aware of your surroundings while waiting. If you were in an accident, then call the authorities as well to mediate the situation. Most importantly, do not accept rides from strangers; it’s always best to wait for professional assistance when possible.

Emergency Towing: What to Do When You Need Immediate Assistance

Assess the Situation

Assess your car’s condition before contacting a tow truck. Roadside assistance may be adequate for minor problems, such as a dead battery. However, a tow truck will likely be necessary if the issue is more serious.

Call for Assistance

Search for “towing near me open now” or use a roadside assistance service like DriveSmart to get help quickly. When you’ve found a suitable towing service, call as soon as possible.

Provide Clear Directions

Use a GPS or nearby landmarks to give the dispatcher your exact location. Some roadside assistance services even have applications or websites where you can upload your precise location using a mobile phone. This will help the tow truck locate you faster and get you back on the road more quickly.

Stay Calm and Patient

While response times typically range from 30 to 60 minutes, towing services prioritize emergencies. Stay calm and patient as wait times may vary. Check your phone periodically for updates from the towing company. If wait times become extensive, however, keep note for later and consider calling a different company for service.

Follow Safety Protocols

While waiting, stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re on a busy road, stand at a safe distance from traffic, or remain in your car if possible.

Conclusion

Understanding how towing services work can save you time and stress when dealing with car troubles. Whether you need emergency towing, long-distance transport, or roadside assistance, having a reliable service on speed dial is essential.

Do You Need a Roadside Assistance Membership?

Part of the trouble of getting towing is finding an appropriate towing company and paying the out of pocket costs. One thing that can solve both of these inconveniences is becoming a member of a roadside assistance club. But having a roadside assistance membership requires advance forethought and, especially, paying in advance. Is having a service you might not need really worth it?

Absolutely. Because you also might need it. For a monthly cost, you gain access to a safety net that eliminates the stress and uncertainty of arranging emergency services on your own. Whether it’s a dead battery, a flat tire, or even a tow, a reliable roadside assistance plan ensures that help is just a phone call away, no matter where you are. Roadside assistance is like having support on speed dial. You know you can rely on it helping you get out of a jam.

Beyond the immediate assistance, many plans include valuable perks such as trip interruption coverage, which reimburses you for unexpected expenses like lodging, meals, or alternative transportation if your car troubles derail your journey. This added benefit not only helps you stay on track but also minimizes the financial strain that can come with unexpected breakdowns.

Comprehensive breakdown coverage is an investment in your peace of mind, not just an emergency service.  A good roadside assistance plan saves you time, money, frustration, and inconvenience during vehicle emergencies, ensuring that every journey is safe and hassle-free. You’ll never have to face the unexpected alone.

How DriveSmart Can Help You

Roadside assistance is more than just towing—it’s about freedom, safety, and the confidence to enjoy the open road. With DriveSmart, you gain access to premium roadside services, personalized support, and exclusive perks tailored for car enthusiasts like you. These perks include:

• 24/7 towing services with fast response times
• Exclusive discounts on vehicle repairs
• Personalized assistance for all car-related needs

Don’t get stranded without a plan! Join DriveSmart today and unlock the best roadside assistance, exclusive offers, and peace of mind for your vehicle. Click here to sign up now!