How Does the Towing Process Work?
The sun beats down on the asphalt in the middle of a dry, dead day. You’re on the side of the interstate, watching waves of heat rise from the dusty roads as cars whiz by. You’d be driving too, but your vehicle is broken down, and now all you can do is wait. You’ve made the call to schedule a tow truck to assist, so now all you can do is wait. But what is going to happen when the technician arrives? Do you need to be prepared for anything?
When your car breaks down or gets stuck, and you’ve called to get a tow truck to come help, you may be wondering what comes next once they arrive. Whether you’re stranded on the highway or facing an unexpected flat tire, knowing how towing services work can make the situation much easier to handle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about car towing services—from understanding different types of towing to what to expect during the process. By the end, you’ll know the ins and outs of towing and the best way to stay safe while waiting for help.
Understanding the Basics: An Introduction to Towing Services
What is Towing?
Towing is the process of transporting a disabled, damaged, or improperly parked vehicle from one location to another, generally with tow truck assistance. Towing companies use specialized vehicles called tow trucks to move the vehicles safely and without damaging them. Depending on the situation, a towing service may be called upon for a variety of tasks, such as emergency roadside assistance, accident recovery, or vehicle transport.
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.
- Suspension failure: The suspension system is responsible for absorbing bumps and vibrations from the road. Suspension failure can make a car uncomfortable to drive and can also lead to premature tire wear.
- Cooling system failure: The cooling system is responsible for keeping the engine from overheating. Cooling system failure can lead to engine damage or even a fire.
On the contrary, towing companies often offer more services than just mere towing.
Here are a few examples of issues that don’t require towing, and can be fixed with simple 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
Flatbed towing is the safest method for transporting cars, motorcycles, and heavy-duty vehicles. It provides full support for the entire vehicle by stowing it in a bed, minimizing the risk of damage during transport. Since it removes the vehicles from the asphalt entirely, flatbed towing is ideal for low-clearance vehicles, such as those of luxury make, and those with all-wheel drive.
Wheel-lift towing is a quick and efficient option for vehicles with accessible wheels. Generally, it works by seating a frame beneath the wheels and using a hydraulic press to partially lift the vehicle. It is also less expensive compared to flatbed towing and suitable for short-distance towing.
Hook and chain towing is commonly used for junk cars and non-operational vehicles. In this towing, a crane and hook is used to lift the car. While crude, it is a cost-effective option and suitable for vehicles that can be dragged without worry of incurring further damage.
Integrated towing is designed for heavy-duty towing of bulkier vehicles, such as buses and large trucks. It provides stability and control during transport and is often equipped with advanced features for safe and efficient towing.
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,
Some towing services offer emergency towing, which provides a 24 hour tow service for unexpected breakdowns and accidents. If you need service outside of usual business hours, 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.
When the tow truck operator arrives, they will first assess your car’s condition to determine if the kind of services you requested are appropriate for the situation at hand. If so, then you and the technician may have a brief discussion about your final destination and confirm the price of the tow before hooking you up.
The actual process of hooking up will differ from method to method. If you called for a wheel lift, for example, then the tow truck will usually position itself so that the hydraulic lift can be slotted beneath your front wheels, and then the lift will be activated to hook up your vehicle. If you called for a flatbed, then a winch may be attached to the front of your car to haul it up into the flatbed itself.
Afterwards, you will ride with the tow truck to your destination, either in your vehicle, or in the tow truck itself. If you arrive at a repair shop, you will have to coordinate with mechanics there yourself to have your problems fixed.
Safety Considerations
When your car breaks down on the side of the road, prioritize safety while waiting for a tow truck. As best as possible, pull over to a safe location, ideally completely off the road. If you are on a municipal or city road, move as far right as you can, whereas if you are on the interstate, moving off to the right or left is acceptable. Either way, turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible to alert other drivers to avoid you.
Stay in your car, especially if you’re in a dangerous area, such as off the side of the interstate, or in a seedy part of town, and keep the doors locked. If you are in a safer location which you know more confidently, then you can exit the vehicle, but avoid standing near traffic.
Only once you are safe should you consider calling for a tow truck. Remain aware of your surroundings while waiting, and contact 911 if you notice anything suspicious. Most importantly, decline 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
Before calling a tow truck, evaluate your car’s condition. If it’s a minor issue like a dead battery, roadside assistance might be sufficient. If the condition is more dire though, you will likely need a tow.
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
Give the dispatcher your exact location using GPS, if they offer this service, or by using landmarks nearby. This helps towing services near your location find you faster, which will ultimately get you back on the road quicker.
Stay Calm and Patient
Towing companies prioritize emergencies, but wait times can vary. Remain patient and calm, and check your phone occasionally for updates from your towing service. Response times are usually on the order of 30 to 60 minutes, so don’t worry too much if they don’t get around to you instantly.
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.
Towing is a Resource
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.
DriveSmart Towing Available in Major Cities
Do You Need a Roadside Assistance Membership?
Part of the hassle 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 more than just an emergency service. It’s an investment in your peace of mind. It saves you time and money while sparing you the frustration and inconvenience that often accompany vehicle emergencies. With a good roadside assistance plan, you’ll never have to face the unexpected alone, ensuring that every journey, whether long or short, remains safe and hassle-free.
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.
